Replacing Spring/Shock?

[bigpanther63]

I recenlty bought my 1996 Firebird. I noticed when I hit ditches the front right tire makes this loud thump like I hit the tire on the car. Does this mean that I need to replace the spring?shock? How easy is it can I do it myself? How much do the springs/shock cost?

[Backfire]

I would first inspect all of the fasteners to make sure they are tight. Could be a loose component somewhere. How does the car ride? Is it bouncing all over the place like an old Caddy or still firm?

[DominusEtDeusNatus]

Springs/shocks aren't that bad of an install. Your shock could be bottoming out. With a 96 you might have your front shock bolt all rusted solid so make sure you can have the car in the garage for a few days if that happens. You might need to get an upper mount from a yunk yard. What I would do is just take out the strut/shock assembly and inspect the nut. If it's good then order your parts, if not also order the upper mount.

Z28 takeoff shocks are $50 from SLP. Bilsteins HDs are $300.