Struts and springs?

The How-To Forum
Learjet45
Senior Member
Posts: 1394
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:14
Location: Troy, NY (RPI)

Struts and springs?

Postby Learjet45 » Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:14

I believe I'm in need of new struts for my 6. IIRC, I was told it was the struts when I ended up hitting a curb a few months ago (I'm pretty sure the 6 uses struts in front and shocks in the rear). The shop quoted $700 for the parts and labor, and I'm assuming it won't have drastically decreased since then. So here's the deal:
I can get both KYB GR-2 shocks/struts and TEIN S Tech Springs for less than the cost of just replacement OEM shocks and install (about $200 or so less). The issue is that I don't have the knowledge or proper tools to install these on my 6. Would anyone be willing to help with this task if I do indeed end up getting new shocks/struts and springs?
Image
[color="Blue"]2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i PZEV - Current Ride, 100% stock[/color]
[color="Gray"]2005 Mazda 6i Pebble Ash Metallic - Dead[/color]

User avatar
RX-7 Chris
Posts: 7800
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:14
Location: Colorado Springs
Contact:

Postby RX-7 Chris » Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:14

I ran KYB GR-2 struts on my old RX-7. They aren't the best in the world but they will work great for you. Mine lasted about 75k or so.

If you were closer, I'd help you with the spring/strut replacement.
1984 RX-7 GSL-SE [size=84]My restomod project[/SIZE]


1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL flat black w/ white interior, 2 dr fastback, 390 thunderbird, C6 auto, 2500 rpm high stall converter, shift kit, AC, Holley 750 cfm

[size=100]RIP 1983 RX-7[/SIZE]

My Car Blog

Learjet45
Senior Member
Posts: 1394
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:14
Location: Troy, NY (RPI)

Postby Learjet45 » Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:14

KYB actually makes the OEM struts for the 6, and the GR-2 is the next step up from the OEM version.
I would be really tempted to go for Bilstein HD Series shocks, but I would likely have to come up with some money of my own to pitch in to help pay for it. I've read on 6crew that the Bilsteins would be better if I ever want to track my car (which I probably never will), but I've heard the ride quality is better. They are just really expensive.
Image
[color="Blue"]2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i PZEV - Current Ride, 100% stock[/color]
[color="Gray"]2005 Mazda 6i Pebble Ash Metallic - Dead[/color]

User avatar
erod550
Posts: 3764
Joined: Wed Sep 23, 2009 9:14
Location: Colorado Springs

Postby erod550 » Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:14

Running the GR-2s on my Miata. They're not great, but they are cheap and do the job.
2015 Ironman Silver Veloster Turbo - Bone stock and staying that way
1990 Crystal White Miata - Beater - Bignose 1.6L Swap, Robbins Top w/Glass Window, E-Codes, Air Horns, Brembo Rotors

Former Rides:
2011 Kona Blue Mustang GT 5.0
2009 True Red Mazdaspeed3 GT
2005 Flame Red SRT-4

User avatar
reconbygod12
Posts: 393
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 9:14
Location: madison wi

Postby reconbygod12 » Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:14

coil overs are also an option
2008 wrx sedan-new love
09 cwp mazdaspeed 3 GT-gone
04 mazda 6s-gone

User avatar
memphis
Senior Member
Posts: 998
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2007 9:14
Location: Monument
Contact:

Postby memphis » Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:14

I had the S-techs on my 6i.. I loved them..

Learjet45
Senior Member
Posts: 1394
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:14
Location: Troy, NY (RPI)

Postby Learjet45 » Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:14

reconbygod12 wrote:coil overs are also an option


Not for me they aren't. I'm looking at $700 for the Bilstein shocks/struts and S Techs, less than $500 if I go the GR-2 route, and $1000 minimum for a set of Coilovers. I would have to chip in at least $100 for the Bilsteins, no way I can afford another $300 for coilovers, and they are also overkill for me.
Image
[color="Blue"]2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i PZEV - Current Ride, 100% stock[/color]
[color="Gray"]2005 Mazda 6i Pebble Ash Metallic - Dead[/color]

User avatar
ecam8000
Posts: 478
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2011 9:14
Location: Littleton, CO

Postby ecam8000 » Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:14

Learjet, this is something we can handle at the club thing this weekend. It may have to be scheduled on Sunday depending on Uribe's work and helpers. I do have the tools we need (spring compressors). If you can't get them in time let me know when and I can give you a hand - you will do the work and I will coach - that is the best way to learn!
Eric
99 Miata, 45 STR SCCA goto: http://www.rmsolo.org/

2 Fords 29 & 2000.

99 BMW 328i

THANKS! To all who serve.

Learjet45
Senior Member
Posts: 1394
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:14
Location: Troy, NY (RPI)

Postby Learjet45 » Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:14

I don't I will be able to get the parts by this weekend but we'll see. I doubt it though.
Image
[color="Blue"]2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i PZEV - Current Ride, 100% stock[/color]
[color="Gray"]2005 Mazda 6i Pebble Ash Metallic - Dead[/color]

User avatar
RX-7 Chris
Posts: 7800
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:14
Location: Colorado Springs
Contact:

Postby RX-7 Chris » Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:14

You can rent spring compressors at autozone for free with a deposit.
1984 RX-7 GSL-SE [size=84]My restomod project[/SIZE]


1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL flat black w/ white interior, 2 dr fastback, 390 thunderbird, C6 auto, 2500 rpm high stall converter, shift kit, AC, Holley 750 cfm

[size=100]RIP 1983 RX-7[/SIZE]

My Car Blog


Return to “DIY”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 31 guests