Ok put on lowering springs (2") about 6 months ago. Also at the time I replaced the struts with OE struts and cheapo Napa "Bearing Mate" mounting plates. Now since then I've replaced my springs with the stockers and about 1 month later I had a clunk sound, come to find out its the strut! It has ripped the mounting plate's guts out!

My question is, when switching to lowering springs, should I get a different size strut, or would the Napa mounting plate be the one to blaim? I would call them cheap, but @ $90 they are just expensive. Thanks.

Any recommendations for lowering setup that won't compromise launching, but would get rid of the ugly fender gaps?

 

see sig everyone!!

Oh, Paul, your car isn't an SS

 

I know, but I like to call it one

 

Which part are you calling the "strut mounting plate"? There are no "struts" on a 4th Gen, they are coil-over shocks and springs. The top piece for the shock and spring is the upper spring seat. Is that what tore apart? Was it a heavy, rubber covered piece, like the stocker?

Stock shock/spring seat parts

Since you got "OE stock struts" were they the orange deCarbon shocks? Did you reuse the top dust cover? IF so, it has a hard rubber jounce bumper in it, and its conceivable you compressed the shock so far with the lowering kit that the jounce bumper bottomed out excessively and ripped the top seat apart. Maybe it just happened to let go after you reinstalled the stock springs?????

 

Ok, well I think I know what they are called, I work at a very professional auto center and they are Struts. But you can call them coil over shocks if you wish. Almost the Same thing, just with a removable spring perch.

Ok, now I replaced the strut mounting plates (Yes the rubber covered mount which is sandwiched between the spring and the fender....and they gave way and just gave out. Now I remedied the situation by placing a special washer made for some types of mounting plates. So I really don't need any help any more. I'd just thought I'd give a tip for anyone lowering their cars anytime soon. Because more force is put onto the mounting plate and its just a matter of time before they give out...for me it was 6 months... who knows, but be sure to reinforce them with a washer for mounting plates. (Which aren't on the stock ones)

Thanks for the help anyways. Now I'm outtie Like SloMo's Case against me...yes I am cocky. Thank You.

Edit: Oh that picture is of the drivers side and the mounting plate is located in the right lower portion.

Oh yes, Injuneer I did use the dust cover with the jounce bumper inside - good point... next time I lower it it will be 1.5" instread of 2", I wonder if I should remove it next time? hmm...

 

 

You know, I'm really sorry I irritated you by trying to help you.

Next time I'll know better.

 

As a matter o' fact I own 3 certificates of ASE certification smart-***, and I'm not sorry for being harse. Keep your head outta your *** and your nose on it.

 

What a tool. If you're such a pro why are you asking us? Dumbass...

 

I think GM might know what they are and they are called shocks in the factory repair manual. Same thing in the parts book. It's called a front shock absorber upper mount.

A strut suspension is a whole different animal. 4th gens don't have 'em.

 

I'm sorry If I'm wrong.

 

Suspension 101:

Strut type suspension - e.g. 3rd Gen F-Body, Mustang

Unequal A-arm type suspension - e.g. 4th Gen F-Body

 

It is a coil over shock, they don,t take side loads like a strut does.
I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt but I am beginning to think SloMoFo is right, Stop being a D**k and listen to people who have shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that they know what they are talking about.