I know this is heresy here, but I want to keep my oems springs while changing to tokico blues front and rear. The blues are on their way from Soutwest Autoworks (nice people, by the way), and even though I've searched I still can't figure out a couple of things:

1. The KYB/TRW boots that everyone loves (103 front, 108 rear); are they for use only if you have lowering springs?

2. The front strut mounts- I've heard several mentions about how people don't like the KYB ones, but so far I can't find any specific complaints about them. What is it that's wrong with them? And what is a good (and cheaper than dealer) alternative?

I think all I need to change out is the front mounts and all of the boots, even though Bruce at Courtesy quoted me almost $400 worth of suspension parts needed to "do it right".

thnaks

You probably don't need to replace your strut mounts unless yours are damaged.

You can go with OEM dust boots becaues your not lowering your car.

** BUT **

KYB boots will save you a few bucks and work just as well.

You can reuse the strut bearing if it's still in good shape or you can gently pry it open using a small screw driver, clean it out and repack it with bearing grease. New bearings are about 25 bucks each.

There's nothing else that should need to be replaced. Try not to disturb the upper spring seat. Don't remove the OEM spring from the upper perch.

It's an easy job, the Tokico Blues coupled with your OEM springs will give you a really nice ride!