I am replacing my springs, just for street use & better handling. My stock 93 touring shocks have about 58k on them, feel ok....but wondered should I just go ahead and replace the shocks as well. Is there a "typical" mileage these should be changed? I would rather not have to install twice, but would like to avoid wasting my money on buying shocks if I don't really need them for a while. I only put about 5k on the car per year, so not for excessive daily use either.

Thanks in advance...

 

when in doubt buy shiny parts.



Yours are getting up there. Theres no reason your shocks couldnt last you 100k miles except they rarely do. It all depends really. If theyre leaking fluid or making a lot of noise its time. If your body roll is out of control its time. if your shocks arent damping you need new ones.

 

Your shocks are probably fine. In most cases, the original shocks will last longer than the original engine

 

an excellent question.

and i have the answer. i had a shock dyno for a number of years and dynoed over 30 OEM FD shocks.

the shocks varied between 2200 miles and over 100,000.

with the exception of one shock that had a hydraulic seal leak all the shocks performed indistinguishably from each other.

the shock w the leak had fluid on the outside body.

BTW, the OEM shocks work really well w Eibach Pro Kit and Tein S tech and H tech springs.

howard coleman

 

I got you...I will probably end up doing the whole set-up hell it's only money...

 

That is an excellent post with outstanding information. Thanks Howard.

 

LOL

 

Most shocks will have significant wear by 50k miles that may not be very noticable unless compared back to back with a new shock. Make sure no fluid is leaking out and that the bump stops and dust boots are intact. A torn dust boot or bump stop often means the shock is blown and compressing too much that it is making contact with it. If you are on a budget put them on and see how it rides, but I always do shocks and springs together.

 

aftermarket shocks here i come

 

I've been meaning to ask for a long time if you'd post the dyno plots. Have them?

A friend just built a shock dyno and at some point this season I'm going to dyno my Koni yellows.

 

"Most shocks will have significant wear by 50k miles that may not be very noticable unless compared back to back with a new."

you statement is correct, since you say "most."

since i dynoed a set of 2200 mile (new) shocks i had a "new" shock baseline.

i will say that i was initially surprised at how identical the other 28 shocks were in relation to the new shocks. you literally couldn't pick the 100,000 miles shocks out from new shocks based on the data.

shocks, generally, have 3 sets of valves. a slow speed valve for wide sweeping corners, a nigh speed valve for bumps and an in between valve.

fd shocks showed identical to new on all 3 valve sets.

i am not negative re aftermarket shocks but do think that for 75% of FD owners a combo of Eibach Pro Kit springs, or Tein S and H techs w the stock shocks, the right air pressure 30/27-28 and suspension settings and you have a killer combo.

howard coleman

 

So unless the shocks are actually leaking, they would probably be good for another 100k?

 

In regards to the high speed valve...
Howard, what did the valving look like?
I think my shocks are ok at 85k, but I think the initial high speed bump/bound/ride quality is poor.
Do you think it should be a little softer/less aggressive in the OEM shock.
This is my main motivation for moving to the Koni yellows, but for $600, I'm really on the fence