Hi Everyone,

So it seems at about 82k miles, the original struts are beginning to go on the I35. The ride has gotten very stiff recently and 2 out of 4 of the boots are all torn up which I guess allowed dirt to enter the struts. Besides encountering some tight and rusty bolts, the job seems like it wouldn't be too bad with combo strut/spring assemblies as a replacement. The only loaded assembles I could find that fit were by Monroe and some no-name brand on 1aauto.com which didn't make me feel too comfortable. Does anyone know if KYB or Tokico makes loaded struts? I really would like to do the job myself and the convenience of loaded struts, not to mention all new boots, bump stops and mounts together seems great.

 

I personally wouldnt want to go loaded strut unless I had a known problem with my springs. The actual spring replacement from old strut to a new one is not a big deal, certainly if you are capable of doing a loaded strut swap you could do it with swapping springs over as well. That way you can get known good struts

 

I changed all 4 of the struts out last weekend on my 03 SE and the job was MUCH easier with loaded struts. The springs do go bad after time but for me the preloaded struts were the only way to go. The backs went right in and the fronts only had to be turned slightly by hand after I got the top 3 nuts started. I am replacing the front motor mount this weekend because at the alignment shop I had the tech look into a thud and sure enough my front electronic mount is busted as @!?$. Alsi going to change my end links this weekend when I do the MM.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...on-thread.html

Not a fan of quick struts. For the same price (but a bit more labor) you can replace with much better quality struts.

OP, where are you located? I do installs for local members in the NJ/NY/PA area.