Hey all, got a question, I found a great deal on some struts for the front (S4 N/A), BUT, can you use ones that are non adjustable? The shop selling "assumed" they would work, but couldn't say for sure, and sure didn't sound like they even knew what I was talking about. Currently have the OEM adjustable suspension.
I just don't want to buy them if they will not work.

Thanks all for the help.

 

The OEM 'adjustable' suspension only really has 3 modes: Soft, stiff, hard. And after 20+ years these units are generally inoperable.

As for the answer you desire, yes you can use the non-adjustable front struts, but you should also replace the rear's while you are at it as they rear's wont be too long in needing replacement.

In fact if I remember right, my own gxl's entire 'adjustable suspension' system is blown as every shock shows obvious signs of leakage, and its not even moved in a year. Im personally replacing mine with coilovers.

 

Thanks, though the system actually does "operate" though does it really do much? Maybe a little stiffer in "sport" mode or whatever its called. You can hear it do its thing when you hit the button also.

Thanks for the help, I will replace all 4, just got a deal on fronts for 40 bucks for both brand new gabriel struts.

Could go with coilovers, but its driven only a K miles or so a year, and just to work and back, so it doesn't need anything fancy.

 

the stock system is excellent when it was brand new... all it does is dynamically stiffen and soften the shocks due to G-Forces or speed... it really is as good as it gets...
but from age, wear and tear, it turns into any old blown shock.... if anything - maybe the stresses it faces and the adjustablility makes it wear out more?

if you are using stock springs - a set of brand new, stock, gxl shocks may work great - maybe even better than your off the shelf tokico blues - as far as all around goes....

 

AAS was one of those things like DTSS and the twin scroll turbo that sounded really neat but didn't work very well. Even back when the GXL was new, I remember drivers replacing the AAS with good aftermarket springs and dampers in order to get a better ride.

The Gabriel struts will probably work OK if you are just using your car as cheap transportation from point A to point B, but if you actually enjoy the sports car aspect then I would recommend Tokico HP dampers and a new set of springs.
Tokico HP dampers are non-adjustable and include a lifetime warranty:
http://www.tokicoperformanceshocks.com/hp_details.aspx
If you search the internet you can get a full set in the $300 range:
http://www.advancespeedshop.com/toki...3-p-14565.html
Regardless of which dampers you choose, you should also replace the springs. Otherwise, if the springs are bad (which they probably are), then the new dampers will wear out quickly and you will need to go through this whole nutroll again. Mazdatrix has a good selection of springs:
http://www.mazdatrix.com/h4586-92.htm
You should also check the condition of the mounts and bushings. If these are broken/worn then that may cause damage to any new components.

 

Thanks, its just a cruiser, I use in the summer, point A to B.
Got all the mounts and bushings to go along with the install.

 

So you got...
- anti-sway bar links
- front/rear anti-sway bar end link bushing set
- front/rear anti-sway bar bushings
- front/rear lower control arm bushing set
- engine mounts
- rear subframe mounts
- rear camber links
- transmission y-blocks
- front/rear differential mounts

 

It doesn't need a whole suspension overhaul.
The struts are worn, most likely springs too, need new strut mounts.

Links are good
bushings are good
- front/rear anti-sway bar bushings- replaced PO like below item
- front/rear lower control arm bushing set, newer control arms with newer bushings, replaced by PO 4 years ago.

Motor mounts are good
subframe, who knows I drive it less than 1K miles a year, maybe someday with a whopping 8 mile round trip, thats all its driven I have another DD.
just had alignment and camber last year, shop stated A OK I would assume a good shop would say the links where bad.
The 2 others, maybe someday.