Springs vs Struts

[doclees]

This is my first post. Didn't have much luck with the search for this subject. I have an 89 with no history and 158k. It sits about 1+ inch lower than the 93 atx. Still has the 15 in rims. It handles on flat surfaces better than the 93 that has new stock struts. The problem is keeping the front end down when in a corner or over a swell. It also is the pits on wet roads going up or down a hill. Starting up a hill I get lots of slip an hop. Down a hill with a turn is like driving in snow - must go very slow or I will slide. Doing the bounce test I get about 1 +/- inch of movement front or rear end. Front tire are Kelly charger or challengers? Rear tires are Kumho. Very good tread all.

Any ideas - it is strut or springs. I hate to change both and lose the qualities that are good in the one.

 

[sdpatt]

Springs support the car. The struts (dampers) dampen the vertical motion. The springs wear out and allow the weight of the car to sit lower. The struts wear out and allow the car to float, bounce and hop without much attempt to stop (dampen) the motion. The struts are most likely well beyond their useable lifetime.

 

[SHO Continental]

as far as height it sounds like you have sagging springs. for the handling difference I'd say it's the larger swaybars on your '89 that make it seem to handle better. With all that hill stuff you're talking about sounds like you need new struts and better tires.

 

[doclees]

Thanks folks. I have been told by my tire guys that my struts were bad but they have a vested interest in the sale. I will go with new struts. Maybe the springs are old maybe it has been lowered???? But the ride height is perfect for me at this time. I want the best struts to keep my tires on the road. I will take road feel over comfort any day. Koni or tokico?

 

[DHMag]

Thanks folks. I have been told by my tire guys that my struts were bad but they have a vested interest in the sale. I will go with new struts. Maybe the springs are old maybe it has been lowered???? But the ride height is perfect for me at this time. I want the best struts to keep my tires on the road. I will take road feel over comfort any day. Koni or tokico?

for price and ease of installation, Tokico.

 

[Markus]

This is my first post. Didn't have much luck with the search for this subject. I have an 89 with no history and 158k. It sits about 1+ inch lower than the 93 atx. Still has the 15 in rims. It handles on flat surfaces better than the 93 that has new stock struts. The problem is keeping the front end down when in a corner or over a swell. It also is the pits on wet roads going up or down a hill. Starting up a hill I get lots of slip an hop. Down a hill with a turn is like driving in snow - must go very slow or I will slide. Doing the bounce test I get about 1 +/- inch of movement front or rear end. Front tire are Kelly charger or challengers? Rear tires are Kumho. Very good tread all.

Any ideas - it is strut or springs. I hate to change both and lose the qualities that are good in the one.

How new are the new stock struts on the 93? I ask because in 2002 I took my 95 SHO to the dealer and had them install 4 new struts and springs. Unbeknownst to me, Ford no longer listed nor carried the real SHO struts. When the dealer looked up the part number for the SHO struts, the part number for the SLO struts was shown. Subsequently it was the SLO struts that were actually installed in my SHO. The same may have happened to you.

 

[doclees]

Thanks, Tokico's it is. Also thanks for the info on the 93's struts. I will check out. SLO struts may be what was installed.

 

[Fastball]

Hold up on those Tokicos, dude!!

First, let me inform you, I too live in PA, (York county), and you should know as well as I do the roads suck!!

I made the mistake of putting Tokicos on my '91 SHO and for the last 2 years have regreted it. These things will knock any/all fillings out of your teeth on our roads.

I just found this thread because I was doing a search for other options in struts because I am absolutely sick of the way these things ride. Handling is great with the right tires, but the ride is just too harsh! I know you said you would take road feel over comfort, but when the front end slams in a corner on PA roads, it feels just like having shot strus on the car and swear I have felt my tires leaving the pavment. Not good in the twisties!! So sometimes function over comfort is not always there in this case with Tokicos.

Just my 2 cents worth considering, I drive these same **** poor excuse for roads we have.

Later,
Big Dave