My 1996 SE has 150,000 miles and, safe to say, needs new struts badly. The hope is to buy a 2002 SE soon, so I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on new suspension. The usual shops seem to install Monroe struts for about $500 all around. Any thoughts on Monroe struts? Are there better alternatives that cost about the same? Also, what else should I have done to the suspension at the same time, keeping costs in mind (e.g. tie rods, linkages, etc.)? Any suggestions/comments appreciated. Thanks.

 

Monroe struts should be fine. You might run into some problems if the new struts go in, but the strut mounts aren't replaced. That's what happened to me when I got new struts from Sears once. (95 SE)

 

I replaced mine with GR-2 all around for $400 and change.