What shocks and struts

[99W68Firebird]

Well I've never had mine replaced yet from what I know and at 155k miles lol. But what are the best shocks and struts out there for a better ride? I dont want ones that make my ride feel more bumps since I live in Michigan with like the worst roads in the universe, also dont want ones that lower my car either because with my ground effect its low enough and already scraping it on roads and driveways as it is now.

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: What shocks and struts

What kind of price are you looking at? No shocks will lower your car unless they are made for adjustable ride height, which are much much more expensive, and also just that; adjustable.

Btw, we have shocks at all four corners. Last I heard, Tokicos were toward the top of Sam Strano's list for non lowered cars. But you're looking for a better ride vs. better handling?

[99W68Firebird]

Re: What shocks and struts

Ah I meant springs too.

[SnIpEr]

Re: What shocks and struts

Konis are the best shocks you can get, no question. They're also the most expensive. I'd get some Strano springs, but you don't want to lower, so it's hard for me to say

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: What shocks and struts

I'm not currently aware of any springs that won't lower your car that are anything other than stock rates. So unless you buy some QA1 adjustable ride height shocks and your choice of springs, you'll have to just get lower mileage stock springs.

If you can deal with a 1 inch drop, Hotchkis give you a nice ride and lots of performance benefits as well as they are progressive rate. Strano springs will get you the performance with a bit lower quality ride, but it's still lowering the car.

[enzia35]

Re: What shocks and struts

I'm going with KYB AGX's and mostly looking at the Strano springs.

I think Summit might sell stock springs.

[cam98aro]

Re: What shocks and struts

why exactly do you want to replace the springs?

the front springs almost NEVER go bad, and the backs usually start to rust pretty good, but have to be checked for cracks or if it is broke

[ssms5411]

Re: What shocks and struts

My QA-1 shocks are really nice their only single adj. but still ride quite well, they were about the same price as Konis, I used a 300LB springs in front and 1LE rear 130lB -170 lB progressive springs in the rear. Ride height adjustment and adj. shocks is a really nice feature. Esp. when you have a lifetime allighments on the car, so you can make changes whenever you want to.

[ssms5411]

Re: What shocks and struts

why exactly do you want to replace the springs?

the front springs almost NEVER go bad, and the backs usually start to rust pretty good, but have to be checked for cracks or if it is broke

he has 155,000 miles on them so I would think they would be bad, decarbons last about 60,000 to 70,000 if their stock height , lowered its about half that.

[cam98aro]

Re: What shocks and struts

he has 155,000 miles on them so I would think they would be bad, decarbons last about 60,000 to 70,000 if their stock height , lowered its about half that.

the springs usually last forever, the shocks are usually like you said at half life around 30,000 miles. My stock shocks lasted till about 120,000 miles before my car was bouncing all over the road

i just didnt want the thread starter to waste his money on springs that he may not need

[pace2006]

Re: What shocks and struts

Aftermarket shocks won't lower your car unless you go with an adjustable coilover set or use the optional lower perch on shocks like Konis. That's typically the job of lowering springs.

Your best bet for a quality shock would probably be Konis. They are a good adjustable shock (rebound, not height adjustable) and will be a comfortable match with stock spring rates. They also happen to be on sale right now. I'd recommend the 4/3 set for some pre-set adjustments and a lower price. There's really no need for the 4/4 set ("infinite" adjustment settings) if you're not looking for anything more than street duty. Since you're not wanting to lower your car, I'd also suggest either sticking with your current springs or finding some lower mileage OEM springs (if your current ones are sagging).

Btw, we have shocks at all four corners. Last I heard, Tokicos were toward the top of Sam Strano's list for non lowered cars. But you're looking for a better ride vs. better handling?

The only list Sam has Tokicos at the top of is that of a lower budget and stock rate springs. Other than that, they're hardly a step above stock shocks.

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: What shocks and struts

The only list Sam has Tokicos at the top of is that of a lower budget and stock rate springs. Other than that, they're hardly a step above stock shocks.

Right. But to me, that's kinda what it sounds like the OP is looking for. Wants to stay stock ride height and never mentioned anything about better handling, only better ride quality.

[pace2006]

Re: What shocks and struts

Right. But to me, that's kinda what it sounds like the OP is looking for. Wants to stay stock ride height and never mentioned anything about better handling, only better ride quality.

Gotcha. But he also asked for the best shocks available for a better ride. Konis are going to offer the best ride quality, especially when paired with stock springs. They are beneficial for handling, whether the OP wants that or not, but were made to be a better quality shock overall. One of the most comfortable combinations for these cars is to use Koni shocks and stock springs, all while keeping the stock height.

Konis will keep the car at stock ride height unless the installer decides to put them on the lower perch. Otherwise, they'll sit the same as the stock shocks.

But if the OP isn't looking to spend that much money, there are other options out there such as the Tokicos.

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: What shocks and struts

No argument there.

[99W68Firebird]

Re: What shocks and struts

Yep, definately want to keep stock height, cant say I wouldnt mind better handling if I have to right? lol Anyone got links to the parts that I can see that are on sale those konis you saying. I mean it'd be nice to have better springs but like it looks they all pretty much lower the car. But how much are we talking lowering if I did go that route? Like inches or not even an inch? I think I might just be picturing it being a huge drop. But I have Wings West Front air dam on my car so thats why Im concerned with the lowering because I've already had it ripped completely off when I hit a possum years ago.