[The_Ghost]

Ok, I'm at 179,xxx miles.

The car floats funkily and doesn't feel very surefooted, even with my big fat wide tires.

I want the car to feel solid again, like it's firmly on the ground and actually connected to the road, and not make all kinds of nasty noise whenever I go over a large bump or hit a dip.

I am thinking I at a minimum, need new shocks front and rear, and might probably even need new springs.

I am also on a very tight budget-- what should I do to get the car to feel decent again?

Thanks,
Ghost

 

[The Great Obucina]

you can get just about all the parts to rebuild the front end for about 350$ not including front shocks - from rockauto.com. front shocks run about 80$ each, rears run about 20$ each.

 

[JMags]

I want to say go ahead and replace the shocks at all 4 corners but there are a tremendous amount of bushings in the front end that you should replace while things are apart. Up to you to decide how much of the looseness is the bushings and how much is lack of damping in the shocks.

If you do the shocks the most ecomonical performance minded shocks are the 96-97 t-bird/cougar sport shocks on the front and 03-04 Cobras in the rear. Make sure you get new shock mounts for both sets.

Edit:With my slow typing, Ubucina beat me and gave prices.

 

[KrAzyT]

maybe the front struts and rear shocks....

 

[tlpru]

if you dont hear any rattles...or shakes....your bushing are probably ok...for now...

on a budget...

get monroe sensatrac... the shocks and struts are easy to do yourself....

get a spring compressor ( most autopart stores will let youborrow them free) small deposit

front strut...upper mount is optional....if the rubber looks good use it again...

i say this for buget reasons....i reused mine at 120k when i changed my struts..


trent

 

[master486]

If the ball joints are worn in the front end, the suspension can feel loose and all over the place. More than likely the upper control arm is very trashed and the lower might still be somewhat ok. Check if the boots are torn on the upper control arm. If they are, you should replace those. They run about $100 for the pair.

Also, I would pass on new springs. Just stick with new shocks all around. You'll probably also need new front sway bar links, which are around $75 for the pair I believe.

 

[Mod Motor Cat]

Almost anytime I've had a loud clunking in the front end when going over a bump (especially with the wheels cut) it's been those damn spherical end links. Seems like you're always replacing them once a year!

Correcting your sure footedness may be as simple as adjustments to your alignment. Might want to see what that does for you first, before you go droping a pile on new suspension components.

 

[Porkchop]

well he did go from a sc to a rusted 95 lx :tongue:

the bushings are gone nick, they needed to be replaced when i had the car last year.