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When to replace struts and springs

L

Luke_Miller

CEG'er
Joined
Jul 21, 2005
Messages
60
Location
Florida
I have a 1999 SVT with 94K miles. When will I need to replace the struts? Will I need to do the springs at the same time? When that is done, do you need to do a realignment? I don't want to lower the car, just keep it OEM. TIA.

Luke
 
I saw from TireRack I can get the KYB GR-2 Strut for $68 (Front) and $76 (Back). The H&R Sport Spring Set is $229. So parts are going to be about $530. Do you have an idea how many hours of labor are involved?

Is that a good combination of Strut/Spring or is there something else that I should look at?

Will I need to redo my alignment?

Thanks to everyone for the help?
 
Luke_Miller said:
I don't want to lower the car, just keep it OEM.
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Then you don't need to get H&R springs. I'd look into Ford OEM Springs from one of the ford parts guys here either Bill Jenkins or Steve from Tousley Ford.

I've bought GR-2s before and I like them on my daily driver :shrug: Otherwise BAT makes a lot of suspension products so check them out.
 
Do you have a rough idea how much OEM springs cost.? Is it generally good to replace both struts and springs at the same time? Thanks.
 
Luke_Miller said:
Do you have a rough idea how much OEM springs cost.? Is it generally good to replace both struts and springs at the same time? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Cost $100 each. Yes, replace both (as previously posted). Labor is usually 1 hour each side (about $100 too). If you are replacing struts, there is no labor for springs, as they have to compress the springs to take the struts out. Which is why it is good to replace both (struts and springs) at the same time.
 
Tony2005 said:
Cost $100 each. Yes, replace both (as previously posted). Labor is usually 1 hour each side (about $100 too). If you are replacing struts, there is no labor for springs, as they have to compress the springs to take the struts out. Which is why it is good to replace both (struts and springs) at the same time.
Click to expand...

So a total install estimate would be $1000? For the BAT suspension struts and springs? What other parts should be changed? mounts? bushings?
 
CSVT1214 said:
You can't use any old strut if you're lowering the car.
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Guess my car should have collapsed 25k miles ago :shrug:

Sure you can do it.. but it's not recommended. Pretty much doubles the amount of wear your struts go through.
 
I was told by 3 seperate mechanics that the only reason you ever need to replace the springs is if one is cracked, or if you are doing a drop.

If you are keeping stock ride height there really is no need to put new springs in.

On top of this every garage I went to wanted extra to install the springs, although normally only about $50- $70.

There is extra labor involved, because when replacing the struts they compress the springs to get the struts off and then back on, but when replacing the springs they must fully remove each spring, and then fit the new ones in.
 
Umm WTF? It's no different! You still have to remove the hat to get the strut seperated from the spring. Should be no more $. Same exact amount of work!!!!
 
no it is slightly more cause you have to take the spring compressor off the old spring and install it on the new one. i know its not much but the shop wants to get every penny out of you they can
 
It's really a wash. The time lost in moving the spring compressor is more than made up from the ease of reinstalling a shorter strut/spring assembly into the car.

You are right, they are after every nickel.
 
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