Suspension Type from VIN? Strut choices.

[kelemvor]

Well, in my other thread you can see what I need to replace my struts. I didn't want to tack this onto that thread because it's different and would probably get lost.

Anyway, I called around to most places and they all have the standard SensaTrac struts for around $80 each. I don't do anything with my GA except drive to work and run errands and everything. No racing or anything else.

I called the Dealership just to see what they'd quote me and they said that based on my VIN, I have a special suspensino and the struts are $250 each!

One of the other places I called took my VIN and came back and said my suspension was normal and the regular struts would be fine.

So questios are:
1) Can I plug my VIN in somewhere and get the data from it that might tell me I have a fancy suspension. ('99 GA SE2)
2) Even if I do, does it matter that much that using normal "off the shelf" struts would be bad?

Since my spring broke, I'm not replacing the struts if they are $250 each. Of course the dealer also quoted me $111 each for springs where everyone else was more like $100 for a set.

Thanks

[antirice]

as far as I know, there's no special suspension package, regular Sensatracs will be fine

[SE2000]

You may have non rebuildable struts so you have to get the whole assembly. I have not seen this on the Grand Am but I know of other cars that have that problem. Since you have a broken spring, you would get that free with the new assembly. Installation charges shoud also be less as they aren't taking the old one apart. I'd ask the dealer what he meant by "special" suspension.