I'm going to be replacing my stock GLE shocks and struts with KYB GR2's soon, and replacing the stock GLE rear springs with stock SE springs. I need help in finding out what else i need to buy for these replacements (ex. do i need new strut boots, etc. - if so, how many, which ones, etc.). I am not as mechanically inclined as some of you so i really need your help. Thanks in advance!

 

You'll need new boots if the old ones are ripped. Get the KYB boots, you'll need 2 of these http://www.coximport.com/prod/SB103 and 2 of these http://www.coximport.com/prod/SB108 . Also go to autozone and rent spring compressors. Besides that you'll need a ratchet and wrenches. 14mm, 17mm, 19mm. Think that's all.

 

Thanks for the reply. Actually i'm going to get the work done at a shop. So just the strut boots if necessary and nothing else? What about the rubber isolator things at the top of the springs, do they need to be replaced, or anything else i might be missing? Like i said i'm not very mechanically inclined so i'm just trying to be as thorough as i can before i give my car in for the suspension work. THanks again.

 

...I read something about replacing strut bearings. What are these? Do i need to replace them?

 

Only if you hear a POPPING sound when you make turns at low speeds.

 

i would definitely change your strut mount bearing while you're at it. simply relubricating seems not to work very well. they aren't that expensive anyways. save yourself a headache later. also strut mounts, rewrap coils if they're coming off, keep note of the ordering of the rear bushings(dont throw anything away if you're not sure) the only thing you won't need from the rears are the stock bumpstops(dont confuse them with the bushings cause you'll find yourself back in the garage in less than 5 min of test driving it). I believe the KYB dust covers come with bumpstops attached to them and shouldn't need to be cut or modified.

when you're done, drive it around for a couple days to let the new setup settle(as long as alignment isn't too horrible and you aren't planning to go on a road trip or something, if in doubt keep a close eye on your tires to make sure its not wearing unevenly at an incredible rate). Then get alignment.

I have the same setup, stock SE springs and GR-2's, cause i drive to work everyday in L.A. where the streets suck @ss.(potholes, construction steel plates, patched stress cracks, split level freeways, etc.) Definitely not even close to a dropped ride feel but very good for daily driving and much much better compared to a stock GLE. Much more assuring on the freeway at speeds. I felt FSTB helped quite a bit even though I was really skeptical at first.

 

Where can you buy the smaller cylinder rear bushings.... mine are shot.

thanks

 

i'd jus like to subscribe to this thread. thanks