How do you know shocks/struts are blown?

[BigChiefSmokem]

Ive been riding on H&R Super sports on the stock struts/shocks for a long time now, and am looking to get some new shocks/struts, but my question is, how do you know when your shocks/struts are blown or need replacing?

 

[tomustang]

Ive been riding on H&R Super sports on the stock struts/shocks for a long time now, and am looking to get some new shocks/struts, but my question is, how do you know when your shocks/struts are blown or need replacing?

ever ride in a 87 chevy celebrity? feels like your riding in a boat

 

[BigChiefSmokem]

Wouldnt that be hard to tell with lowering springs?

 

[4.6vertGT]

ive always heard that it is highly recommended to get aftermarket shocks and struts with springs... especially with the supersports. so i imagine that you do need new shocks and struts...

 

[BigChiefSmokem]

Yeah, i figured I would. wouldnt hurt anything, thats for sure!

 

[topless98gt]

Yeah, i figured I would. wouldnt hurt anything, thats for sure!

I'm going with the Bilsteins...but there's been a few things holding me back later:

1) Built a bar from scratch, had to buy tools and everything
2) Bought a 42" flat panel LCD
3) My clutch started acting up yesterday. Hasn't gone completely out yet, just loud creeks, squabbles, cries, moans, squeaks, and grunts.

But I have my mind set on the Bilsteins...heard that they are 1 of the 2 best brands for the Super Sports. Other brand I heard is the Tokicos.

 

[Dusstbuster]

When my front right strut was blown, every bump no matter how small sounded like the front of the car was going to die. You couldn't even tell with the whole pushing on the corner to see how it bounces trick, but you could hear it plain as day. My rear left spring was also snapped in half too though.

 

[BigChiefSmokem]

I'm thinking tokicos HP non adjustables, but i dunno yet... I think anything would be an improvement.

 

[SaleenGT2001]

thats what i'm looking at right now

 

[BigChiefSmokem]

I emailed Josh over at Stang Suspension, he said the tokicos are good bang for the buck...

 

[bullitt 736]

You're right about anything is better than worn out stock. I have Bilsteins and H&R SS and am very happy. Keep in mind the Bilsteins have a lifetime gurantee.

 

[bdcardinal]

if you go to Maximum Motorsports webpage you have 3 Bilstein options. the standard run of the mill Bilstein HD (thats what i have) , the Bilstein Race, and the MM designed Bilstein Sport. dont skimp on suspension parts.

 

[BigChiefSmokem]

dont skimp on suspension parts.

...said the man with money to spare....

 

[bdcardinal]

...said the man with money to spare....

not money to spare, just spending it in the right places.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Actually I got Gabriel dampers at AutoZone. They were $18 for each shock and $38 for each strut. They lasted a good 18 months or so if you want a temp fix get Gabriel or even better Monroe. If you want the final solution go with Bilsteins. I also agree that Tokioco is good. The stockers are actually Tokioco made to a special crappy Ford spec just for the assembly line. But aftermarket Tokiocos are acceptable.

 

[Pennywise2]

On a lowered car the stock OEM struts and shocks don't
live long at all be thankfull they lasted.
Get yourself some Bilstein struts and shocks.

 

[hotmustang331]

I went a bit cheap on my first try. Went with tokico drag struts. Well about a year later, I turn and hit my breaks...CLUNK. Left front strut snapped in half! It had also went bad about a week before, and was leaking fluid.

I ditched the drag approach, went with 275# springs vs 175#, and switched to the HD Bilsteins. Couldnt be happier! Bilsteins ROCK!

 

[topless98gt]

Too bad my clutch is fubar'd. I can't wait to rebuild my suspension! Only thing left I have to buy is struts/shocks and then LCAs. Yippee!

 

[DTNODYA]

If you push down, say on the front quarter panel (don't dent it) and the car comes back up and then rests, the shocks are fine. If the car bounces more than once then your shocks are poo. Thats a general way to tell ...