front shock / strut replacement

[austinringding]

It's way past time for me to address my suspension issues. I just passed 217K miles on this '96 SR5. I'm on a tight budget and have the tools and a pretty good amount of know-how, patience and time, but i've never taken on the task of replacing shocks with the coil around them.

I would like to know what folks think of a product like the Monroe Quick Strut. See Link: Monroe Quick Strut - Shockwarehouse.com

Using a strut assembly like this, do I still need to be concerned with the difficult task of compressing the coil springs while removing?

Are these pre-assembled strut / coil packages inferior products to the other options? At 217K do my springs need to be replaced?

Any and all advice appreciated!

Tadd in Austin

 

[blaniac22]

It's way past time for me to address my suspension issues. I just passed 217K miles on this '96 SR5. I'm on a tight budget and have the tools and a pretty good amount of know-how, patience and time, but i've never taken on the task of replacing shocks with the coil around them.

I would like to know what folks think of a product like the Monroe Quick Strut. See Link: Monroe Quick Strut - Shockwarehouse.com

Using a strut assembly like this, do I still need to be concerned with the difficult task of compressing the coil springs while removing?

Are these pre-assembled strut / coil packages inferior products to the other options? At 217K do my springs need to be replaced?

Any and all advice appreciated!

Tadd in Austin

I personally haven't used these, but know a person who has and he likes them and installation was pretty easy. You don't have to worry about compressing the spring - both difficult and dangerous to someone who is not experienced.

They are convenient in that they replace everything at once, and you don't have to worry about buying individual parts and pieces (the right bushings/bearings/etc.) which a lot of times are more expensive individually vs. buying the entire assembly. They aren't cheap, but there is a certain level of convenience and labor savings.

Given your mileage, I'd replace the whole thing - don't go cheap.

There are several videos on youtube that will give you an idea of how it goes. One shows replacing the entire strut assembly in less than 10 minutes (on a Dodge Neon - after it's been jacked up, tires removed, etc).

I'm considering this option for my Camry that has 170K on it.

 

[austinringding]

I found this part on eBay:

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

LEACREE 501713529 Front Strut & Coil Spring Assembly

I've never heard of the brand, but did a bit of research and I think they'd be fine.

$60.73 apiece is not a bad price. I just wonder about their quality.

They've got to be better than what is on there now. I'm pretty sure that they are the original shocks.

 

[cztheman64]

you should be able to rent a coil compressor thing from like advance or auto zone... i helped a friend swap in new coilovers on his 01 tacoma... was pretty straight forward and not to difficult, the hardest part was just getting the coil compressed enough to tighten up the nut on top...

 

[austinringding]

i am aware that I can rent a spring compressor, but if I don't have to, are there any other factors to consider other than cost and level of difficulty?

 

[blaniac22]

I found this part on eBay:

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

LEACREE 501713529 Front Strut & Coil Spring Assembly

I've never heard of the brand, but did a bit of research and I think they'd be fine.

$60.73 apiece is not a bad price. I just wonder about their quality.

They've got to be better than what is on there now. I'm pretty sure that they are the original shocks.

Do a little more research on them....may be worth a chance if you're on an tight budget. Like you said, they'd be better than what you have now.

Also have to think about how long you intend on keeping the vehicle. If you have to replace those $60 assemblies more often (likely), they may not be worth it in the long run.

I'm usually not too keen on using "off-brand" equipment for major items like shocks/struts. You also have to keep in mind that if there is a problem, you'll probably have better luck dealing with monroe than someone you dealt with off of ebay. Unless that ebay seller is an authorized distributor, the manufacturer may not honor the warranty.

Edit: I did a search for these on Amazon. They have a pretty good return policy if you have any problems. Also, the price is about the same. Not to mention, there may be some vendors on here.