Anyone use these Shock/Spring kits

[Seichters4.0L]

Ive been looking into replacing my front struts on my 03 Eddie because lately it's been riding more like an ocean liner. All the local parts stores want something around the tune of $90 for just a strut, and just under $200 for the whole strut spring assembly. I was going to just order the struts and deal with the old springs until I decided to jump on Ebay. I typed the key words "explorer strut" in the search and I find a few different brands that I can get the whole strut and spring for around $90 or less.

As for my question, has anyone used AMautoparts, or Speedystrut? These are offered in pairs shipped for less than $150? Also, Alliance Automotive has all four of them for about $330. Are these any good? I know there are the Monroe brand for about $90 which are sold individually and Monroe usually makes good parts.

I haven't seen any other info on the other ones, or see any other branding name on them. I'm guessing these are their own assembly that they build and sell but I don't know.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts and opinions!:scratch:

 

[Triton8273]

Quite a few of the modified 3rd gen guys have been really pleased with their Struteks and they are $73 per assembly.

I'm planning on getting them as well.

http://www.primechoiceautoparts.com/c-38-strut-assembly.aspx

 

[Seichters4.0L]

Thanks for the link Triton8273! As long as those are something that everyone else seems to be happy with, I might just run with those. Definitely a much better price than local stores. I'm not picky, as long as they aren't something that will be junk in a short period of time. Anything would be better than what I got. It literally feels like I'm driving a boat right now.

Another question I have is are there any decent write ups on here for the removal and install of the front strut assemblies? Never done one of these. Seems like it may be simple but would like a heads up on what all it entails.

 

[Triton8273]

It's a mechanically easy removal and install but can be a pain in the but because getting the top bolts off aren't always easy.

Use the spacer install thread to help you out.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279667

And email me if you have questions as you will because that thread is not perfectly explained. there are some tools that are not needed and some things aren't described properly. So definitely email me before attempting.

 

[Seichters4.0L]

Thanks again I appreciate it! I just got the StrutTEKs ordered, hopefully they will be here this weekend when I have the time to tackle it. I was originally just going to do the front, but for less then $300 I figured why not. Had I went to A**hole Zone...I mean Autozone, I would've spent $200 on just struts anyway. For $100 more, why not do it all I figure.

 

[Exproblems]

As for my question, has anyone used AMautoparts, or Speedystrut? These are offered in pairs shipped for less than $150? Also, Alliance Automotive has all four of them for about $330. Are these any good? I know there are the Monroe brand for about $90 which are sold individually and Monroe usually makes good parts.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I agree 100% with what "Triton" told you on the Strut Tek brand. I have read that several in here have installed them on their Ex's and have no problems with them and are happy with them, and they really do cost a lot less than some of the other brands. They are made in China. Buy the whole strut assembly with the spring and strut as a packaged part. You do want to seperate the spring from the struts or have to put them together on new ones. Too much extra work. I will probably order the Strut Teks myself when the time comes to replace mine. If you don't want to use them and have a Advance Auto Parts store near, you can get a $40 off coupon on an order over $100 from www.couponcabin.com to use at the Advance Auto Parts web site. You can use the coupon code for multiple orders that add up to over a $100 each, so an order of two new Monroe Sensa Trac strut assemblies for your Ex, each costing around $175(last time I looked there) new at Advance, would save you $80.00 on the cost of the two new struts. Just order each strut assembly as a seperate order and apply the coupon code for each. If the struts happen to cost over $200 each, there should be a $50 off coupon on orders over $200 as well at coupon cabin. Good luck.

Update: disregard, I missed the follow up posts between you and Triton and that you already ordered the Strut Teks, but I'll leave my post up in case someone else may want to use the info on Advance Auto Parts and the coupons from couponcabin.com.

 

[esclamada]

Installed them 5months ago, I'm happy with it.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.204265239641635.48139.110528882348605&type=3


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[BigRondo]

I'm running the StrutTek's on all four corners and have nothing but good things to say about them!!

 

[Seichters4.0L]

Its good to hear everyone is happy with the StutTEKs! They just came in today, gotta work tomorrow but hopefully I will be installing them either Sunday or Monday. Can't wait to feel what it will ride like. The stock ones are definitely shot.

 

[Triton8273]

If you haven't done so now...you better spray some penetrating oil on all the bolts now.

 

[fr0st m0nkey]

Installed them 5months ago, I'm happy with it.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.204265239641635.48139.110528882348605&type=3


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Nice write up!

 

[jpoprock]

I'm getting ready to do this myself! I was going to order some Monroe Spring/Strut sets for the front, and just the struts for the rear because I replaced the springs last summer when I replaced my rear hubs (the springs were broken). THAT job was a nightmare.

I'm thinking this job might be much easier to do with a complete kit. I will look into the StrutTek brand. Monroe is a popular brand, so there must be a reason why you don't go with those? They aren't that much at Rockauto.com, but maybe they aren't worth the extra dough?

So, am I to assume then that since I'm replacing the rear STRUTS only, that I won't need a spring compressor? If so, then forget that noise! I used one I bought from Harbor Freight, and compressing the spring was the hardest part! I can take it to a friends house and use kneumatic compressor tool, which will be easy. But if I don't do an all in one kit in the rear, can it be done without recompressing the spring? My buddy said it could, I say you'd have to compress it.

EDIT: I now see that the entire assembly is one piece and comes out no problem. It's when you replace the springs only that you need to compress!

In hindsight, I should have replaced my rear struts when I had the chance! Perhaps with the new Moog springs, I don't need to mess with them? The fronts are HORRIBLE though.

And then once done with that job (which I'm HOPING is an afternoon one man job), I'll get it aligned.

Thanks guys!

Jason

 

[Triton8273]

If you get a complete assembly then you are all set whether your doing the front or rears.

But if you replace just the springs then YES you will need a spring compressor. Ronin replaced his oem springs with moogs not too long ago and he was not able to do it himself. I say just go with a full assembly, barely costs more the springs alone and it's less work to do.

 

[jpoprock]

YEah, doing the springs with the help of a superhero strengthed buddy was a complete NIGHTMARE, but we did it. Ended up being 10x harder than the hubs!

 

[jpoprock]

Installed them 5months ago, I'm happy with it.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.204265239641635.48139.110528882348605&type=3


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Yes, great write up! It really helps when you can see pictures. I'm still not "geting" the whole 2x4 / breaker bar leverage thing. It looks like the 2x4 is touching the floor at your feet. So you'd only be able to pivot upwards from that angle. Downward if in the rear. I don't have a breaker bar... looks like I'll need one huh?

Did you use one of those ratchet wrenches that are angled to get those strut bolts out? Those were a pain to get to. Very tedious.

I'm assuming that nothing needs to be "torqued" when put back together right? Just wrenched tightly?

EDIT: Just noticed that you indeed do need a torq wrench. I'll rent one that goes beyond 150lbs.

Good call on the lube the day before. My rears are fine though, but the fronts are probably corroded.

 

[jpoprock]

Are you suggesting that I order new nuts? Just what parts do you suggest I order when It's all said and done? My Explorer has 178K miles on the original struts! Boat isn't the word. It's damn near uncontrollable!

I was going to order from Rock Auto, but if I get the Strutek's, I 'll need to know exactly what parts I should order to make life easier.


THanks!
Jason

 

[jpoprock]

Man, I may ask the mechanic down the alley how much he will charge me to install all of these for me? By the time I buy some better sockets from a pawn shop, buy or rent a torque wrent AND a floor jack... I'm not going to save a lot of money no?

 

[jpoprock]

Just so you know, Rockauto.com (or I guess anywhere really) has a Monroe promotion going right now.

http://www.monroe.com/assets/downloads/promotions/Monroe_SafetyFirst_Rebate_US_WEB.pdf

For me, If I installed QuickStruts on all four corners, I'd save $100 via a Mail In Rebate. That would make the total $467.16 less $100 = $367.16 not incl S & H.

Is there a reputable place to order the Strutek's? Is primechoiceautoparts the place of choice?

Also, while I'm doing the Struts... can you think of anything minor that I should replace while I'm in the area?? I just put new hubs and bearings on the rear. The fronts are ok right now. New rotors and ceramics all around too. I've not replaced any bushings or joints ever.

 

[Exproblems]

Is primechoiceautoparts the place of choice?>>>>>>>>>>

Yes, you can order Strut Teks there. That is where I have read some in here got them from.

 

[jpoprock]

Since I have new Moog springs in the rear, why not just buy struts only for the rear? Do I still have to compress the spring if doing that? if YES, then I'll go w/ the all in one. If not, it's a LOT less money.

Why replace the springs in front if they aren't broken really? This is soon going to be a "if I need to use it" vehicle anyway.