i have just hit 70k on my 01 AE and was wondering a few things. I know it depends on what kind of roads you are driving on, but when do you have to start to think about replacing shocks and struts?

Also, do we have steering stabilizers? i notice over some grooves in the road that it pulls the wheel pretty drastically, and i think it may be getting worse. If we have one, it may need replacing, if not, im going to look into welding up braces for one.

Lastly, when i replace shocks and struts, what are good ones that wont drop it more than a half inch, will keep pretty much a stock feel to it, and improve handling a little. i know it wont make a huge difference if it isnt drastic, but just something that i'll notice.

Thanks in advance

 

If ya haven't already, check out this site set up by Housecor for info on drops and ride quality:

http://www.innerbean.com/housecor/sp..._decision.html

Lotsa good info there...

I replaced my struts/springs while they were good cuz I wanted to drop the car and also get rid of the floaty SUV feeling when cornering and all that... so I'm not sure when the stockers die... or if they do at all....

Btw, ride quality is a very personal thing and you're gonna get many MANY different opinions.... just a warning to ya... one thing I'd suggest is to see if you can hook up with some local Org guys and ride in their cars with the different set-ups so you can figure out what you like... its hard to describe in words how rides feel and they're all gonna feel different to you vs someone else anyways.... just my take on this....

 

Thanks, thats a good thought. anyone on the ORG around Worcester Mass?

 

Try the regional forums for that too, might get better responses there...

All the best...

 

I don't think stock struts are good for more than 30,000 miles if you're lucky.

 

I don't think stock struts are good for more than 30,000 miles if you're lucky. I don't think you are going to find any springs that will only lower your car 1/2".

 

I've had mine for bout 115,000 (they defenetly need replacing now)

 

Had my stockers for 35K and they were still in great shape when I went aftermarket... I think it depends on the road conditions that you drive in most often and also the way ya drive....

And yeah, I think the smallest drops are around 1"...

 

the smallest drop I know about is 1.3 inches and that is Eibach. Th stock struts should last between 50-70,000 miles depending on where/how you drive. You can blow struts on any car by taking a corner too hard. I did it in other cars. In my cougar I blew 4 (aging) struts in one hard turn. I had 2 other people in the car and went around a 90 degree turn at 45MPH.

Mark