Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Don't know much about suspensions...

My CSVT has about 80k miles on it, and I have to say it looks like it is riding a little bit lower than when I bought it 2.5 years ago, and feels a bit mushier than I remember.

So I'm thinking that the shocks & struts should be replaced sometime before the winter gets here. I'm also getting new summer tires on Saturday (Goodyear F1 GS-D3's), and I figure a new suspension would prolong their life somewhat.

I don't autocross, or drive like a total maniac, so I would be inclined just to go with OEM parts.

Question #1: if I go to the dealer, what range of prices should I be prepared to hear? Is $400 too much? Would it be a bargain? (Note: The dealership hasn't actually quoted me $400; I'm just throwing it out there for the sake of illustration.)

Question #2: I tend to be very averse to visiting places like Midas or Monroe, on the basis that I think they try to bend you over a barrel and make it seem like they're doing you a favor. I'm going to assume that you would all suggest I continue that policy for the purposes of replacing my shocks & struts.

Question #3: On the subject of aftermarket suspension parts, would anyone recommend anything that isn't ridiculously expensive that would be an improvement over OEM parts? Like I said, I don't auto-x, or tear up the roads (that much), but trying to replace the tight feel of the car is something I want to do. However, let me put it this way: I don't want to drop $1000 on this kind of work. In fact, I think my ceiling would be around $750, maximum (including labor). (Unless I am being completely unrealistic as to my expectations of how much it would cost to replace everything with OEM.)

Thanks to everyone for helping out a guy who knows about -zero- when it comes to suspension issues.

dont know if the springs would be shot. maybe replace the struts w/ something from batinc.net like st200 struts or the bat euro struts or the "new" bilsteins they carry. to tell u the truth, i'd avoid the dealer just as much as the midas places. i'd ask around and find an independent shop that is reputable. or buy some pizza and beers for fellow members in your area to help do the install. more fun that way

If I were you (as you described your driving above) I'd:

1) Not go anywhere near a Ford Dealer for any work unless you want to get boofed on cost.
2) Order SVT struts from Bill Jenkins, our discount OEM source ($67 per strut).

Bill Jenkins
www.SignatureLM.com
3030 E. Sahara Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89104
parts@signaturelm.com
800-876-3280 x272

3) I'd read the "How-to" on changing the struts.
4) I'd get spring compressors from Auto Zone.
5) I'd beg/barrow/steal 1/2" drive tools for the job.
6) I'd spray everything down the night before with PB Blaster
7) I'd plan on taking the weekend, and saving the $$$ from not getting boofed and doing the job yourself. Its not that hard at all.
8) With some of that $$$ you are saving, you should look at getting front sway bar links, rear end links, new front strut bearings, and perhaps new lower control arms that have new ball joints and bushing. All that would still be under $350, and your car would be close to factory fresh.
9) Take remainder and get Bridgestone S-03s
10) Be happy....

Stock SVT struts ($240 + s&h), new front lower A-arms (?<$150), and keep the stock springs unless they are broken. Get poly bushings at least for the front and rear swaybars and endlinks, and possibly the rear control arms ($40?). Get the OEM parts from Bill Jenkins, and the ES bushings from SPMotorsports.com.

Find a good mechanic, if you don't want to do the work yourself. By all means, shop around. Dealers almost always overcharge. Most of the work is pretty basic, except that the rear control arm bushings might require some special tools. And of course, an alignment will be necessary when it's all done ($60-$80).

With all this and labor, your car will feel slightly better than new, and you just might come in under your $750 cap. If you are at all mechanically inclined, can follow instructions, and have or can get the right tools, you can save some money doing it yourself.

BAT kit would be my recommendation.

Spring for the Bilsteins if you can spare the extra dough. They will be worth it over the standard struts in the kit.

Great advice guys. One last thing though. A small portion of the money you save should go to support CEG.