moody

What's up guys...

Okay, I have 80K miles on my 2000 Max SE and my struts are shot. I have Tokico Blues up front and the stock struts in the back. I was going to order new Blues on PerformancePeddler.com, but then I thought "heh, I should probably just get a few things replaced since I am at 80K".

My plan is to buy all the parts, take it to a local shop, and have them install it all (I don't mess with suspensions). Should I be looking to replace bushings, boots, bumper stops, etc? Or am I good just changing out the struts? (I plan on keeping the stock springs... unless convinced that I can get a better ride with something else). Also, if I'm not auto crossing, does Illuminas offer me anything that Blues do not for normal city driving?

Any suggestions?

diverdown3

iTrader: (9)

If you're not changing to aftermarket springs, and simply looking to restore stock ride quality and performance, there is no need for Illumina's in my opinion. The advantage Illuminas have over other shock products is in their adjustability. Adjustability is desired when you go to aftemarket springs so you can tune and control the rebound of spring rates which are higher than stock.

HP blues are considered to be stock replacement shocks as are KYB GR2s. They are a fine choice for stock springs. Illuminas are overkill for stock springs.

At 80k, I would suggest replacing all suspension wear items. In your case, since you plan to simply restore stock ride quality, replacing shock mounts (incl. the mount bearing), boots (which include bump stops) and possibly the mount gaskets (optional) should do it. Your spring isolators are likely fine.

moody

diverdown3, I definitely appreciate the response. I've been doing some more digging around, but your response put me over the top.

I'm going to replace:

struts
strut bearings
strut boot
strut mounts & gasket
possibly sway bar bushing? (I read that somewhere)

I suppose it is time to crawl under the car and see what may be cracked or what not...

Thanks again!

diverdown3

iTrader: (9)

Sounds like a good plan.

You should check the sway bar bushings, but mine were fine @ 108k. I will be changing mine to Energy Suspension urethane, but that's because I've been taking steps to improve suspension performance beyond stock.

You'll also want to check all the rubber parts while you have the wheels off. Everything is probably fine, but I aways like to check while I'm in there.

moody

Yeah... I know for sure my CV boots are torn (both of them). I need to get that serviced as well. I just hope I don't need to replace the axles. Regardless, March will be a good month for the Max...

diverdown3

iTrader: (9)

You'll want to get those replaced ASAP. The longer you wait, the more likely you'll have to replace the CV joint as well. $