FAQ: Shocks & Struts Options

ok ok ok. So I should be ready to rock n roll with this? Dang. $350!

Looks good. I'd pull the trigger. Let me know if you need help with the install.

Trigger has been pulled. Next, I am going to need a full set of those sway bar links you got, Aaron!

They're ready for you. Do you want me to send, or should I hold on to them?

Aaron, I took it to PM.

http://shop.zzperformance.com/store/p/634-Drop-in-Strut-Spring-Combo.aspx

Robo, this looks like what you are up to. Next I am headed to see more on the KYB AGX. I don't think i've read about many people here having them. the research continues.

FYI, those are just preassembled strut assemblies, not true coilovers. Our cars use the set-up pictured, but you use a spring compressor to install the struts & springs before putting in. What the ZZP option does is it lets you drop in everything at once, without the compressor. It costs more because you get new springs. IF you need new springs, might be a good deal. Make sure it fits Riviera - there are even differences between some 8th gen Riviera years.

OK so... i was told you can adjust the preload on a stock front strut. while waiting for new suspension from robo i had to buy front struts the car was undrivable( quick struts with springs). The wheel gap is horrible so i was told you can adjust the preload to lower the car... anybody every heard of this>

Could be by tightening the center nut?

what do you mean by preload?

i think that may be what it means, the shocks arent the same length brand new so somehow there is away to adjust them.. i mean i dont really care sense i am buying yours but i got really curious when that was mentioned lol

I'm pretty sure the oem struts are non adjustable.not in any way.if you can figure out a way to fab up a spacer that would match the springs spiral,and then drop in a pillow ball mount,and do away with the oem mount,you would drop the car by allmsot 2 inches and have a really tight ride.

eh, ill just wait for yours. and then post these up for sale

Driver's side KYB strut is failing (leaking oil). Any suggestions for replacement? RockAuto has many choices. Trying to decide if KYBs (warranty replacement for one of them) or Gabriels (they are on closeout) or Sachs. Don't want Monroe (no offense). Don't want OE (no damping).

Albertj

the kyb's still have to use the air ? i dont think my air is working

Yes, the KYB's are direct replacement air shocks.

if my air wasnt workin wouldnt my car be sitting real low?

albertj wrote:

Driver's side KYB strut is failing (leaking oil). Any suggestions for replacement? RockAuto has many choices. Trying to decide if KYBs (warranty replacement for one of them) or Gabriels (they are on closeout) or Sachs. Don't want Monroe (no offense). Don't want OE (no damping).

Albertj

DO IT AJ! DONT BE SKEERED!!

Interesting enough, but I don't want to put inserts into a strut casing that's already failing, thanks just the same Robo.

It occurred to me that the Gabriels I had before failed similarly, it was the passenger side that became a leaker.

the inserts fit in the shell of what the strut used to be.so..the shell is just a carrier for the brand new high quality Koni. and the shell failing and splitting open like a banana is allmost impossible.a tiny weld here or there and problem solved.

robotennis61 wrote:

the inserts fit in the shell of what the strut used to be.so..the shell is just a carrier for the brand new high quality Koni. and the shell failing and splitting open like a banana is allmost impossible.a tiny weld here or there and problem solved.

You are right, the shell won't fail catastrophically.

The original struts (IIRC they had threaded tops with a guide line for that casing cut) would have been perfect to be opened and filled this way with the Koni's. i can see how they get around the issues with filling the aftermarket struts by using the bolt in the bottom. I am also thinking that a fat dollop of grease in the bottom would help with heat transfer away from the inserts.

Back in the mists of time, had a '74 Datsun 710 wagon, and putting carts in the struts is *exactly* what I did (more than 30 years ago) - however, those were original struts (they are **way** heavier cased than any replacement struts) and the carts were Monro-Matics from JCWhitney.. Lopping the tops with a hacksaw took a while... At the time the Japanese had not quite caught up to USA ride control technology. I'd also installed a set of wheels off a Ford Falcon (14" with the right offset I think it was JJ) and some very decent Goodrich radials a neighbor gave me off a car he was trading in (he had recently put new tires on it, about a year back, but instead of trading with the new ones on he gave them to me and put the takeoffs back on. God Bless You, Mr. Robinson, wherever you are.

I am going to shop for a set of replacement struts, KYBs or Gabriels, and boots. The one KYB that's leaking should be warrantable. So... we'll see who has what. I may or may not replace the springs (probably should). I wish I could get a set of progressive rate springs, no lift, for about the same price as Moog replacements for the stockers. A pair of ready-struts (along with replacement rear springs) looks attractive.

sounds like youve had a bunch of nice projects in your life. ive had a few too.mostly vintage bikes. I picked up a few Motobecane frames that im going to restore.

robotennis61 wrote:

sounds like youve had a bunch of nice projects in your life. ive had a few too.mostly vintage bikes. I picked up a few Motobecane frames that im going to restore.

The Datsun was kind of interesting. Reliable runner. Had fiber optic light guides in the dash that illuminated the knobs for headlights, wiper, etc. All lit from one can with a bulb inside and a rheostat on the back. The suspension was not too punishing to work on; the brake pads literally dropped in to the calipers (I think they were Hitachi), front disks solid rotors. I made replacement carpet for it out of a large commercial level loop remnant, and used a soldering iron to heat-seal the edges (with a little "paddle" attachment) and the holes (hot knife) for the pegs that secured the carpeting.

Car projects for fun? Dad talked about getting a VW Beetle and when done with it as transportation turning it into a Fiberfab Avenger. Mom did not like the idea of the Beetle, she had a friend badly injured in an accident (broken collarbone) in one.

I'm thinking of keeping the Riv a very long time, but it will likely have to be a "driver" quality as I can't keep it "pristine" and drive it at the same time. (it LOOKS pristine but has a handful of nonstandard parts). I'd like to reupholster the A and C pillars, along with the package shelf, get factory replacement floor mats (well at least driver's mat)and have the steering wheel redone. And for some reason it occurs to me that a little bag made out of NASA "space blanket" material would be enough to retard UV degradation of the exterior mirror, if you put it on when parked. Mine is not that bad yet even after 15 years, it still darkens for anti-glare but yes it has turned gold.

Required suspension content - RockAuto has some closeout Gabriels I'll buy, hopefully they won't mess with me and send different model ones. Also getting replacement mounts and bellows. I still have my good OE bellows, but I plan to have them to put on the replacements for the KYBs which I am asking warranty replacements for. I am still thinking about replacement springs, the perfect thing might be to come across a set of closeout Eibachs - wasn't the '99 - '03 or some such Seville STS spring set supposed to fit?

Albertj

..beats me

robotennis61 wrote:

..beats me

well... used the search function, and actually found answer elsewhere on this site. A set of Eibachs goes for about $275. There are other choices - custom springs, and a couple OEM-ers. You can get OE-spec springs for $35/pair off eBay plus shipping (25, they are not light). They are wound, however, for a variety of GM cars - showing the same spring for certain models of CTS, DTS, Bonnevile, and several Buicks (Pk Ave, LeSabre, Riv).

That said... I just might do that (buy replacement OE springs) if I find an extra (it's not a need) $150 hidden somewhere...

albertj wrote:

I am still thinking about replacement springs, the perfect thing might be to come across a set of closeout Eibachs - wasn't the '99 - '03 or some such Seville STS spring set supposed to fit?

Please let me know if you find a supplier! As far as I know, those springs are relics.