Since December I have been rebuilding the front suspension, to include wheel bearing hubs, lower control arms, steering links, roll bar bushings, links and struts. With over 350k miles everything was knocking and rattling. My issue now is finding new "Quick Struts" that fit correctly. Lower Control Arms have been change twice now because the first ones were crap. Detroit Axle sent me struts for a 4x4, which I wrongfully installed. They refunded those and sent a 2nd set. These second struts (that are supposed to be the right ones) are rubbing on the inside of the fender! The coil springs are rubbing on the inside of the fenders . . . AND . . . the bottom of the strut curves downward and touches the CV Axle Boot. Luckily the boots have not been torn yet. So now I have SO LITTLE CONFIDENCE in aftermarket parts I don't know what to trust. A lot of STRUTS don't come with the coil spring . . . and so I'm now wondering, "How can I trust the COIL SPRING I'm getting for the right ride height and tension." (Suspension action.) I don't want heavy duty or anything else other than the original height and spring compression. So I have two questions:
1. After 377K miles would you re-use the original springs? (I feel like the car rolls a little more than it should. A little more stiffness would be ok, but just a little. I don't want a hard ride.)
2. Has anyone had success with a reasonably priced brand of strut or quick strut? I would prefer to buy the whole assembly and not have to change springs. I will be installing the 3rd set of struts.
A mechanic told me to quit buying parts on-line. He said it's all crap.
A local 4x4 shop can get Billstein struts for about $128. each, but I have to put the springs on. Then the question arises, do I use the 377k mile springs?
James Gingles, A&P
1. After 377K miles would you re-use the original springs? (I feel like the car rolls a little more than it should. A little more stiffness would be ok, but just a little. I don't want a hard ride.)
2. Has anyone had success with a reasonably priced brand of strut or quick strut? I would prefer to buy the whole assembly and not have to change springs. I will be installing the 3rd set of struts.
A mechanic told me to quit buying parts on-line. He said it's all crap.
A local 4x4 shop can get Billstein struts for about $128. each, but I have to put the springs on. Then the question arises, do I use the 377k mile springs?
James Gingles, A&P
