Looking to replace the shocks/struts on my 3" lifted '85 wagon and my stock '84 wagon.

 

There are a lot of options out there, From the super expensive Bilsteins (which Amazon currently has at a great price) to the super cheap AC Delcos. I'll personally stay away from cheapos, they're cheap for a reason. I'll also stay away from the really expensive, as at some point your just paying for name and throwing you're $$ away.

 

My thinking is a good name brand middle-o-road set should be just fine for my needs (mostly highway driving). Looking for something with a nice smooth ride.

 

So, what are you guys running and recommend? What should I stay away from? Should I spend a little extra skrillage for a better shock/strut?  Am I wrong about el cheapos? Or am I right on the money with my middle-o-road line of thinking? I've never bought shocks/struts in my life.

 

Discuss.......

I'm following your post becuse I am trying to decide for my stock wagon (85 GL dual range 5 speed) also.  I need suspension redone as well.  What about coils too? Thanks

Yes, I would be interested in coils as well. I can safely guess that mine in both cars (200k + mi.) have never been replaced. But, coils seem to me to be something that can last forever unless physically damaged thru abuse and/or an accident. Am I wrong on that? Inquiring minds want to know!

... coils seem to me to be something that can last forever unless physically damaged thru abuse and/or an accident. Am I wrong on that? ...

 

Appreciated Jonas,

 

Despite that coil springs could look OK and phisically Be in perfect Shape, you can be Sure that after thirty years of Use, those coil springs had Lost already a good amount of the original Specs, so they are not as Rigid as they used to be, nor can bear the loads as they should, so the car will be Bouncier and drop the back with load.

 

Maybe you can find useful information, here:

 

~► http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/106807-improved-shock-absorbers-and-spring-coils-on-loyales/

 

Kind Regards.

Appreciated Jonas,

 

Despite that coil springs could look OK and phisically Be in perfect Shape, you can be Sure that after thirty years of Use, those coil springs had Lost already a good amount of the original Specs, so they are not as Rigid as they used to be, nor can bear the loads as they should, so the car will be Bouncier and drop the back with load.

 

Maybe you can find useful information, here:

 

~► http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/106807-improved-shock-absorbers-and-spring-coils-on-loyales/

 

Kind Regards.

i can confirm this, i only switched the coils from my donor/parts vehicle to my daily driver, not the shocks, and i noticed a huge difference, the shock doesn't do all the work, its also the spring that does some too, my old coils had 215,xxx and the donor/parts vehicle had alittle over 100,xxx. i used to think that because they looked good and seemed right, that they were fine.

Edited April 25, 201510 yr by Subasaurus

Yes, every single person that I know, that have changed Tired coil Springs, with New -or newer- coil Springs, had noticed a lift on their cars, of around an inch, also a firmer feeling; which is somehow "Natural" because the coil springs loose their preload as they are used / aged.

 

Kind Regards.

Appreciate the info guys. Is there a better spring (different model/year) I should be looking at if I go that route? Or just stick with the EA81 springs?

Does anyone know of a chart/guide for cross referencing different shocks/struts?