replacement OEM shock/strut recommedations, places to buy, etc...

[91rtstealth]

I've never replaced shocks/struts on a car before. My friend who has experience is going to help me. I really just want to learn how to do it..that and my 96 talon tsi still has the stock ones which are trashed. I did a search and frankly I'm overwhelmed by all of the threads I found. I just want a recommendation on a good affordable OEM quality replacement. I don't plan on modding the suspension or anything. It's just my daily driver that I try to keep in good stock working order. Secondly, what other parts do I need besides the strut itself (my springs are fine). Lastly, can anyone recommend a good place to purchase them online? I don't want to get them from advanced/auto zone because I feel like most of the parts from there are crap and don't last.

Thanks in advance...any other suggestions and advice would be appreciated...

 

[92AWDHX40]

Online never heard of anything online as of yet, some parts may be obsolete we have old cars.

 

[RamenPride]

KYB GR-2/Excel or Tokico HP (blue)

 

[92AWDHX40]

That's a option those thing are everywhere.

 

[91rtstealth]

KYB 4 GR 2 Shocks Mitsubishi Eclipse Talon AWD 95 to 99 | eBay


so far I found these...seems like a good deal...is this all I need or do I need the strut mounts too? I just want to make sure I order everything I NEED...

 

[BurrowZ]

Unless your mounts are bad you shouldn't need new ones.

When I did my struts/shocks/springs I had to order a few parts while doing them because some parts did not want to come out and transfer to the new strut. Theoretically you only need the struts but you never know. If your bushings look worn, get new ones.

 

[92AWDHX40]

it wont hurt to grab new replacements since your there, im going to when I upgrade probably coil overs though.

 

[dsmspick]

Try Rock auto. They are an online site. They carry kyb gr2s and Monroe. Both of which would be fine for oem replacement. As far as other stuff, just replace what looks worn out or whatever breaks.

 

[91rtstealth]

cool...I'll check that site out now. I just want to have the stuff ordered and ready to go. My buddy is coming home to help me do it one day and I want to make sure we have everything we need to finish the job that day. As far as the mounts go, I had one replaced not too long ago and the guy said it was kind of a PITA to find. I guess I'll just see what they look like when they come off.

so in summary...1. order the struts. 2. replace the bushings while i'm in there.

other than that, any other recommendations or detailed instructions I could find somewhere? so far, I found a pretty good DSM strut replacement video on youtube...

 

[Roberti 2G]

Its pretty staight foward job order some oem bump stops from Amazon. They also have everything else youll need for the job. I just did mine 2 weeks ago. All four struts where shot,my bushings looked good but I bought new ones anyway,bunpstops feel apart and my dust covers where ok but i didnt reuse them.

 

[91rtstealth]

KYB Part # SM5091

I'm not sure what a bump stop is...but does this kit include that?

 

[92AWDHX40]

Try jnz tuning as well there is sim, stm extreme psi.

 

[delta448]

Koni-Yellow-Sport-Shocks-Set

These will cost you slightly more, but will add resale value to your car for anyone who knows their way around a DSM. They are compatible with stock springs, but an often recommended complementary upgrade to these are H&R OE Sport springs. Big improvement to handling when combined and much better than GR2s.

KYB GR2s are also available through AutoZone, but you'll pay more buying them there and have to wait to get them ordered in. I'm moonlighting as an ASM with AutoZone right now until I can find another full-time gig in my actual profession. I can understand your sentiment about AutoZone/Advance parts, I've questioned their quality in the past. I can't speak for Advance's parts, but almost all of the Duralast branded parts at AutoZone are actually manufactured by the same companies that supply the OEMs. Valucraft branded parts I cannot vouch for as far as quality. Anything that has been rebuilt or reman'd, such as alternators or power steering pumps or CV axle assemblies are also hit-or-miss. The quality of the parts you get is directly reflected in the pricetag at AZ. If you buy a non-reman 100% new Duralast Gold alternator, you're getting the same quality as you'd get buying from a GM dealership, as Delco Remy actually manufactures all AZ alternators in that line.

 

[91rtstealth]

I ordered my struts and bushings today....are these the bump stops I need? I've searched everywhere..I don't know what to buy and I need to order them asap....

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/KYB-SB108-Strut-Boot/dp/B000COBXBE/ref=au_as_r?ie=UTF8&Make=Eagle|41&Model=Talon|342&Year=1996|1996&carId=001&n=15684181&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=automotive]KYB SB108 Strut Boot : Amazon.com : Automotive[/ame]

will this KYB SB108 fit both the front and rear struts on the AWD talon?

 

[DSSA]

I ordered my struts and bushings today....are these the bump stops I need? I've searched everywhere..I don't know what to buy and I need to order them asap....

KYB SB108 Strut Boot : Amazon.com : Automotive

will this KYB SB108 fit both the front and rear struts on the AWD talon?

Actually,
You would want KYB SB103, for both front and rear on a 2G AWD DSM.

 

[Archer Fabrications]

Kyb is terrable. Mine are all 4 blown to crap.

 

[91rtstealth]

Finished my car. Got 4 KGB gr2's and the bump stop/dust cover from amazon. I'm actually returning those. They seemed kind of crappy and cheap and my factory dust covers and bump stops looked damn near mint. Overall, the rears were easy as hell. Fronts sucked until we got one done and figured out the easiest way to do it. Disconnect the sway bar end link and drop the bottom fork (forget the actually name of it but it's what the pinch bolt goes through) and the strut will come out fairly easy.

 

[TaLN91tsI]

I agee. KYB are great quality replacements for the money. Amazon and Rock Auto are really reasonably priced and free shipping on Amazon