Which Shocks/Struts?

[PULMEOVR]

Hey Guys,

It seems as if my shocks and struts are worn out. I've got 42,000 miles on the stock stuff with H&R SS springs (2 inch drop). When I go over the slightest cracks or bumps in the road, I can hear what sounds like a metal "knocking" noise from my right driver side area. I'm assuming it's a blown strut. Also, in the rear, from the driver side when I go over bumps I can hear a "chirping" noise, even over the slightest bumps. Sounds like a blown/worn shock. Lubing the front/rear suspension does not fix these problems. This leads me to believe that my shocks and struts are totally finished. Does this make sense to you guys?

Secondly, what shocks would you guys recommend for my application (lowered 2 inches)? I don't need anything adjustable, and I don't auto x or compete.

And finally, how hard is it to change the shocks/struts myself in my driveway? I've got limited mechanical knowledge (I can do oil changes,change brake pads, coolant flush, install plenum/throttle body etc.)

Thanks!!
Matt

 

[eliteJAE]

bilsteins are good but really pricey. the tokico's that came with Bullitts I hear are nice and easy on the wallet, i THINK theyre the same as Tokico Blue's but im not sure

and yes if you can do everything you listed, then you can definitely do shocks. Just make sure you have a good floor jack to pre-load the a-arm, and maybe invest on some C/C plates while youre doing this if you have such a serious drop.

 

[tri5333]

bump stop

check your rear bumpstop, my bracket worked its way loose and made this horrible noise when hitting a bump. My car is lowered using bbk springs and Im running KYB struts and shocks and it rides and handles good.

 

[jomull55]

i havent heard of anyone else running them but i have edelbrock perfromer ias schocks in the back and they have impressed me. tightened up the rear a lot. i have kyb gr-2's on the front because i was too cheap to get the edelbrock struts, they are pricey. i should have just spent the coin and went with the edelbrock struts. btw this is all with eibach sportline springs.

 

[PULMEOVR]

I already have CC plates. I'll check the bumpstop though, I never thought of that. My car does sit low (2 inches), so the only thing I worry about is getting shocks/struts which are too tall, and I end up blowing them out.

Thanks for the advice so far.

BTW, any pics of your car, Elite?

 

[Dr Jay]

I'm running bilsteins and I'm very happy with them. They are a great choice if your thinking of coilovers down the road to get the stance perfect

 

[007]

I recommend KYB AGX.

 

[DevilGT]

Yesterday, we installed Bullitt suspension on my car and it took nearly five hours with 4 people helping. We ran into a snag with not having an impact wrench to loosen the top of the strut in the front, so if you have the right tools, it isn't so bad.

I'd personally want someone else there with me to help.

 

[1992 2.3LX]

The Tokicos from the Mach I and Bullit are supposed to be good and at $325 not a bad price.
Speed Concepts - 3R3Z-18124-AB 3R3Z-18125-AB - Mach1 Tokico OEM Shocks and Struts 1994-2004 Mustang GT/V6/Bullitt/Mach1/1994-1998 Cobra

 

[eliteJAE]

I already have CC plates. I'll check the bumpstop though, I never thought of that. My car does sit low (2 inches), so the only thing I worry about is getting shocks/struts which are too tall, and I end up blowing them out.

Thanks for the advice so far.

BTW, any pics of your car, Elite?

o, my bad i didnt read your sig

yea sure:

i miss it to no end

And the changing the struts aint too bad, i didnt have the right tools for most of the work i did on mine, but I came up with different ways to get it done.

try to get ahold of an impact wrench and itll make it ALOT easier.

 

[PULMEOVR]

That colour and rim combo looks awesome!

I'm thinking of picking up a set of Tokico HPs for the struts & shocks. Hopefully this works out well.

 

[eliteJAE]

That colour and rim combo looks awesome!

I'm thinking of picking up a set of Tokico HPs for the struts & shocks. Hopefully this works out well.

thanks

i think you'll be fine, just attack it with as many borrowed tools as possible to save cash, but you should be fine. Make sure to buy some PB blaster because lots of those bolts (mostly the top strut nut, and the two bolts at the bottom of the struts) are going to be pretty stuck.

 

[isjoining]

The Tokicos from the Mach I and Bullit are supposed to be good and at $325 not a bad price.
Speed Concepts - 3R3Z-18124-AB 3R3Z-18125-AB - Mach1 Tokico OEM Shocks and Struts 1994-2004 Mustang GT/V6/Bullitt/Mach1/1994-1998 Cobra

better deal here

Total Tokico Front & Rear Strut/Shock Package - For 94-04 Mustangs - StangSuspension.com

 

[04gtdrop]

I recommend KYB AGX.

+1

 

[san~man]

Save your money for Bilsteins and do it right the first time. The Tokiko Bullitt struts suck, trust me.

 

[PULMEOVR]

I do want Bilsteins, and I know they are the best but they are out of my budget! I'm just trying to get the job done and get an improvement in ride as my stockers are TOTALLY shot, so I should see a huge improvement even with the Tokicos.

 

[ForPointSex]

I bought my Mach 1 struts and shocks from:
Ford Mustang Mach 1 OEM Tokico Struts & Shocks

Fast shipping and cheaper than speedconcepts.

 

[wingless wonder]

Tokicos are not valved to handle those spring rates, it might feel fine at first but you are only throwing your money away. The two shocks valved to handle that spring rate is Koni and Bilstein. I know they are expnsive but if you buy right the first time it's cheaper in the long run.

I have the HR Super Sports w/ the Koni Sport single adjustable and the ride is firm to say the least, but it stays flat through the turn.

One thing about the "chripping" sound you are hearing. It might be your rubber bushings binding. Put your car on ramps, loosen your control arm bolts, push up and down on your suspension, and then retighen the control arm bolts at ride height.

 

[PULMEOVR]

Good advice, but alittle too late. I bought Tokico HPs today. They should be fine though, Tokico says they are okay for lowered cars up to 1.8 inches (me). I'll check the suspension completely tomorrow when I install them.