Guys, what do we have in the back, shocks or struts? I have a 2004 max and Mine are squeeking real bad when I have people in the back and even when its just me in the car so I need to replace what ever is back there. What do we have? Any recommedations? I am not interested in doing anything like lowering the car or any of that stuff right now. I just want to fix this problem with no mods... feedback please? Thanks

 

We have shocks in the rear, only vehicles with independent rear suspensions have struts in the rear. Many people use KYB gr2's but they are more performance oriented (stiffer then stock), and ok to install on lowered cars. I would just go with stock or see if monroe or gabriel make stock replacement... but as you said only if your not lowering. BTW are you certain the rears are bad, usually squeaks are do to worn bushings/mounts or just lack of lubrication on those parts. Also there is a suspension forum you prob want to look at.

 

ummm...maybe I'm more retarded than I thought, BUT doesn't the 6th gen have an IRS?

 

Yes we have shocks in the rear but sorry you are dead wrong, the 6th Gen Max has an independent rear suspension!!! I dare you to challenge me on this, 99% of 6th Gen owners know this...

 

tanks for confirming

 

Yeah you guys are right, I am big enough to admit when i am wrong, so thanx guys for correcting me. I dunno what I was thinking and I was just under the rear of the car fixing the abs issues... must be all the meds i am on do to this freaking flu/step throat. But anyways lets not get off-topic maybe you guys can chirp in on his rear suspension issues, remember he dosen't want to lower and wants a soft stock ride.

 

There are tons of guys on this site that have opted for GR2's and other kinds of shocks who still have the OEM rear shocks. Maybe even me included.

For slightly over the cost of shipping you can just acquire some used shocks from one of us. This is your cheapest, quickest, easiest, first line of defense (ok trouble shooting).

Also, it's very easy to take the spring out as well as the shocks. You can make sure the gaskets on both sides of the springs are intact. Do some lubing back there as well. Check all the associated screws/bolts for torque.

Get a BIG AZZ heavy friend (get him over via burger) to push down on the rear end while you listen for noises. See if you can isolate it to one side. Then focus on that one side. Temporarily disconnect the rear sway bar to ensure it's not the issue (two screws no need to remove it).

 

OR sit in the back seat while getting in and out of the car listening for a squeak
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I have the rear GR-2 shocks for sale. PM me if interested

dan

 

My car has a weird squeak since it was new so I figured it was the domestic build quality but when I replace the actual shocks/struts and springs Im just gonna order the OEM replacement stuff from ActiveTuning, and springs from who ever maybe progress

 

Well I do hear a squeek when someone heavy sits in the back seat. And also, my friends say that the squeek is coming from the left side. So does this mean that it may or may not be my shocks? Thanks

 

Check your end-links as well. That was my main squeak with th after-market links.

 

I have a 2006 SE and live in NYC where the roads are really bumpy. I'm wondering whether I might have made a mistake buying an SE (with its sport suspension) rather than an SL. Is the SL suspension very different than the SE? Anybody know how difficult it is to change the entire car's suspension to the smoother SL's (and how expensive that might be)?

 

LOL! Beer works too!