Struts & Shocks

[dtufino]

i have a 99 GRAND am and am noticing that my rear is looking lower than the front, does this mean i have to replace my struts or shocks in the rear?

around how much would that run me?

i searched and found nothing.

thanks

[rixGAphx]

The '99+ models have struts at all four coners.

The pre-'99's had struts front/shocks rear.

Struts themselves do not affect the ride height; rather, they dampen the bounce/rebound just like old shocks did.
Plus, they help locate the tire.

You could litterally remove all the shocks from an old car, and it would still ride as high, or low, as before.
But boy would it bounce! :yup:

If your '99 is riding low in back, you need new SPRINGS.
You might also need new struts, but they won't help raise the rear.

And don't let the in-laws ride back there anymore :eek: :D :D

-Rick

[dtufino]

Thanks dude, i had someone sit in the back and they said they feld every bump, turn and everything, i'll replace both struts and springs....

thanks a bunch, any idea how much it may run me?

[rixGAphx]

Not too bad, if you use OEM stuff and do the work yourself.
For an 8-yr old car, you should also consider replacing the rubber suspension bushings.
From Checker http://www.partsamerica.com/PartTypes.aspx?pgid=SHOCAMS&desc=Shocks+%26+Springs
Springs: $54 (prolly each, but they don't say).
Struts: $75 EA.

You must rent/borrow a spring compressor from the Checker/AutoZone, but that's no biggie.

If you want to get into special performance springs, struts, polyurethane bushings, etc., it gets real expensive real quick.

A shop would prolly want 1.5 hours each side, so ~3 hrs @ $80.
They will prolly want to do a $60 alignment, too; if all you replace is the rear springs and the sturts, IMO an alignment isn't necessary.

Finally, your front stuff is prolly pretty worn too, so consider that it should be replaced soon.
That will require an alignment.

Get a couple estimates from reputable shops.

-Rick

[dtufino]

Originally posted by rixGAphx
Not too bad, if you use OEM stuff and do the work yourself.
For an 8-yr old car, you should also consider replacing the rubber suspension bushings.
From Checker http://www.partsamerica.com/PartTypes.aspx?pgid=SHOCAMS&desc=Shocks+%26+Springs
Springs: $54 (prolly each, but they don't say).
Struts: $75 EA.

You must rent/borrow a spring compressor from the Checker/AutoZone, but that's no biggie.

If you want to get into special performance springs, struts, polyurethane bushings, etc., it gets real expensive real quick.

A shop would prolly want 1.5 hours each side, so ~3 hrs @ $80.
They will prolly want to do a $60 alignment, too; if all you replace is the rear springs and the sturts, IMO an alignment isn't necessary.

Finally, your front stuff is prolly pretty worn too, so consider that it should be replaced soon.
That will require an alignment.

Get a couple estimates from reputable shops.

-Rick

Thanks a bunch, i appreciate everything....

[rys99grandam]

On my 92 saturn the car itself sat pretty low, second I put new struts on it with stock springs, wam it lifted like an inch, so it could just be the strut thats the issue