what shocks and struts to use??

**timothyodell2525** · 09-18-2011, 04:33 PM

i have a 98 trans am, i just bought with 170,000 miles on it and i beleive all the shocks and struts are original shocks and bushings on it. im in the process of replacing all the bushings and shocks, because as everybody knows i have some horrible squeaking. but just curious on which ones are the best to buy.. i found an energy suspension bushing kit that im probably going to get, cause i know the poly bushings are way better. but which shocks and struts should i buy, i was leaning towards kyb, but just curious on which was the best for the money.

**BadTA00** · 09-18-2011, 06:06 PM

SLP/Bilstein shocks or Koni shocks. There are no struts on a 4th Gen F-body.

Poly isn't the best for everything :

http://hewsoninc.ca/mythinformation.htm

http://hewsoninc.ca/mythinformation.htm#poly_problems

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**35th-ANV-SS** · 09-18-2011, 06:13 PM

The best are Koni. They are also the most expensive. I run the Koni 4/4 on-car adjustable shocks with Strano lowering springs and have zero issues.

The second best shock is the Bilstein.

I don't have any experience with KYB, but people on here have said KYB = Keeps You Bouncing

And the previous poster is correct. Our cars have (4) shocks, no struts.

**timothyodell2525** · 09-19-2011, 07:18 AM

ok thanks, ill probably go with the bilstein. i didnt know about the strut deal either. i just figured it had struts never looked at them, just assumed it did. would you suggest replacing springs as well?? oh and where is the best place to buy the shocks at??

**BadTA00** · 09-19-2011, 07:40 AM

Check the site sponsors out first for your shocks.
Strano, and WS6 Store/RPMSpeed among others carry the shocks and springs.
Do you want the car lowered or keep the current ride height? If you want lowered get the Strano or LT1 Eibach springs(Eibach is lower). If your happy with the ride height keep the factory springs.

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**timothyodell2525** · 09-19-2011, 08:03 AM

im happy with stock ride height, but i was just wandering if the springs weaken over time and if i needed to replace them, the car has 170,000 miles on it. i want the car to handle really good around corners. im going to buy all the suspenion upgrades eventually. torque arm, control arms, panhard bar, and sub frame connectors. so i wanted to know if the springs weaken over time.

**BadTA00** · 09-23-2011, 05:43 AM

Some people say that springs are not wear items but I've worked with metal and I believe over time all springs will be weakened with use. That's not to say yours are worn out but eventually they will be.

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**Nowhereman** · 09-23-2011, 07:29 PM

I have had stock, eibach an stranos on my WS6.
Eibachs are good for 2 years, then they sack out like shit causing clearance issues and body lean.
I like the Stranos I have on now as they are as supple as the stock units but, still allow good cornering due to the spring rates and the drop in body height.
I would pop for the stranos and Bilsteins as an excellent combo and you could not out drive them in the twisties.

**timothyodell2525** · 09-25-2011, 05:01 PM

ok, thanks for the info.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 09-25-2011, 05:06 PM

You might get lucky, but Strano springs are usually on back-order because Sam cannot produce them fast enough for the demand.

Kind of says something about them

**BadTA00** · 09-26-2011, 10:15 AM

If you're lowering your car, Strano's are the way to go but according the Strano's site the LT1 Eibachs are a good alternative to his springs.

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**Sam Strano** · 09-28-2011, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS

You might get lucky, but Strano springs are usually on back-order because Sam cannot produce them fast enough for the demand.

Kind of says something about them

I have some in stock... SLP Bilstein's too.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 09-28-2011, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Sam Strano

I have some in stock... SLP Bilstein's too.

Good to still see you around Sir.

**Sam Strano** · 09-28-2011, 10:12 AM

I check in every once in a while....

**az gt eater** · 09-28-2011, 03:57 PM

I dont know what the diff is between your car and mine as far as suspension goes, but i did what you are planning on doing. Poly kit, did the whole car, and slp bilsteins, and I also replaced the inner/outer tie rod ends, and upper lower ball joints as well. Everything, and I mean everything was shot. I kept the stock springs in the car. Handles, and corners better. Rides like new again. If you need some help, or pointers, PM me.