Someone educate me please. I need a new suspension on my 88 GXL.
How many shocks/struts do I need ? Are there shocks and struts on every wheel? And what about springs, sway bars etc.? Do I need adjustable shocks if I never run on a track? Or is it worth the extra $ for all around driving? Thanks!

 

I suggest you do a whole lot of searching around on this forum. And maybe go outside and check out a car for a while. Inspect your car just to see what's doin. Pop the hood, maybe jack it up and looky under there. You are either joking or young (sorry if you're not). But it almost seems hard to believe that you could own a sports car and not know if there is a shock or strut on every wheel. I'm trying not to sound mean, if that helps.

 

Be nics, Samps I think he's just confused, as people (incorrectly) bandy about the terms "shock" and "strut" interchangably.

LITESPEED:

There is one strut per wheel up front, and one shock per wheel in the rear. What difference does that make? None.

Since you seem to be fairly uneducated about cars, I suggest calling a place like Rotary Performance or Racing Beat. Tell them that you're looking to upgrade your suspension, but that you don't know much about it. They're both very reputable dealers, and will treat you right

Good luck,
Brandon

 

I tried to be nice. But i've been at work for damn near 8 hours and it's about time I go home. :p

 

Litespeed, the car will have one shock/strut on every wheel. Shocks and struts are the same thing.

As far as springs and sway bars go, you could get different springs, but if yours aren't worn out you don't need them. Well, you might, I guess it depends on if you want to UPGRADE your suspension, or just replace it. If you want to upgrade it, get racing beat springs and racing beat sway bars and some KYB AGX struts. That would be a decent setup and not cost you an arm and a leg. Go to www.racingbeat.com and look at thier suspension section. That should help you out.


Jeff

 

If you upgrade to stiffer springs its usually best upgrade struts at the same time because stiffer springs can cause a strut/shock to be overly stressed and wear out faster. You can upgrade struts however and not necessarily need new springs. Depends on what you want your car for. If you want to go all out, go for a coilover suspension setup. A coilover setup will allow you to raise and lower your car. Stiffer springs and struts will make your car have less body roll and will make your cars ride more harsh and noiser. Anti-sway bars, or anti-roll bars also prevent body roll to give you more precise sharp steering. Strut tower bars prevent chassis flex and won't make your ride any more harsh. You can also replace all the suspension bushings with polyeurathane to prevent any play or movement in suspension parts. This will increase road noise and harshness of ride a LOT though.

 

"How many shocks/struts do I need ?"
4

"Are there shocks and struts on every wheel?"
yes, hence 4. (2 struts=front) and (2shocks=rear).

"And what about springs",
yes 4. they are different (front/rear) =(same for front/same rear)

"sway bars etc.?"
don't worry, you have a front and rear already.

"Do I need adjustable shocks if I never run on a track?"
no, but it is better.

"Or is it worth the extra $ for all around driving?"
ofcourse, you can change the setting to your liking (soft/stiff).

 

I have a set of shocks/struts and springs that would be perfect for your car.

Email me at matt@foreignbody.com for details.

 

Sorry for being an idiot about such things, but I know EVERYTHING there is to know about bicycles not cars. My current bicycle cost me $5,000 bucks. (Titanium frame, Dura Ace 9 sp) I race bikes not cars. And when I hear people say they need shocks and struts they are the same thing but for different wheels. Shocks on the rears, and struts on the fronts! Again, thanks for the help Rotorheads!

 

idiots; are the people who refuse to ask questions, and go through life never learning anything.

 

idiots; are the people who refuse to ask questions, and go through life never learning anything.

Nicely said Samps! Never hurts to ask. Unless were talking about wives here!