I just had my tires replaced and the shop said that the uneven wear pattern on the front tires was an indication that I need new shocks. Given that the car is a 94 with 115k miles, that isn't too hard to believe. So I'm looking for new shocks. I don't drag race or autoX. I more into cruising around town top down in the South Florida sunshine... I've done several searches and read a bunch of information on Bilstein HD's, KYB's, SLP take offs, etc... I checked out StranoParts.com ... I've spent some time reading the AutoX forum... After doing my research, I have a few questions.
1) Have any of you bought the SLP Takeoffs and been sorry that you did?
2) I never read about anyone using Monroe or Gabriel shocks. Is there a reason for that?
3) Do Bilstein's really make that much of a difference in ride quality if the car isn't being used for autoX type driving?
Thanks,
Steve

 

Vote for Bilstein HD's

 

I just put the SLP take-offs in a couple months ago. I thought I died and got an SS. For the money, they are definitely unbeatable, and since you dont drag or autocross, a stock replacement seems like the smartest choice.

 

Uneaven tread wear on the from tires is also caused by needing an alingment.

 

I agree, the uneven tread wear does not allways point to bad shocks or balljoints etc. it could just be your alignments off.

 

I'm going to get an allignment, but thought I should wait till I replace the shocks. I'm not 100% sure I need new shocks, but given the age and milage, it is probable. The ride quality has probably degraded over the years, but gradually so I haven't noticed.

Red96LT1, was there a huge difference in ride quality when you upgraded? How old were the previous shocks?

 

Get the alingment first (cheaqper than shocks) and wait to go through another set of tires, I bet they eill be worn normal.

 

I have Monroe! They work great! They lowered the car about 1/4 of an inch and work good after I put DMS springs on there!

 

If your shocks are bad, I'd recommend you go ahead and get the Bilsteins. They are much better than stock. Personally though, I'd try the alignment first before spending the extra money. Have you done the "bounce" test to see if the shocks are bad? Push down on each end of the car and when you release see if it bounces more than once. This should also be noticeable when driving over a bump on the road. If the car tends to bounce several times after a bump then your shocks are bad.

 

SLP take-offs sound pretty sweet to me.

The price is definately right.

 

What does it mean when your shocks make a 'crunching' sound. Mine does that like when i back out of my driveway, or go over a speedbump. That mine I need new ones?

Steve

 

That's prolly bushing in your rear. I could be completely wrong about that though, lol.

 

that expensive?

 

Cheaper than shocks.

 

lol, that's good I'll have someone check that out then.