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Thread: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

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    Default Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Hey guys, need some advice.

    Went to Jimmy's today to have him diagnose a noise. Turns out my driver rear end link is toast and as is my passenger rear strut.

    Any recommendations for brands or where to buy from? (I'm thinking Bilstein) Would you recommend getting springs as well or would it be fine sticking with the stock springs?

    I don't care to drop the car, I just want a good balance of mostly DD use and like the occasional track day here and there.

    Thanks!
    Quote Originally Posted by Peter View Post
    There's room it's just really tight I had the same issue play with it a little and it will work
    Quote Originally Posted by horto View Post
    that's what she said...

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Might as well change the springs at the same time, apart from the cost of the springs, labour won't be anything extra if you're already doing the struts.

    You don't need to go with anything too aggressive, but upgraded springs would improve the handling and a less aggressive spring would still provide the comfort

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Swift springs then?

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Quote Originally Posted by fywdyl View Post
    Swift springs then?
    I like em'

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Pro kits are a moderate drop and u can go to the track on the occasion as well.

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Where to buy?

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Quote Originally Posted by fywdyl View Post
    Where to buy?
    I bought mine through Alpha

    I think @S.F.W. picked his up somewhere else...

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    OK, just ordered a set of MOOG end links from Rock Auto.

    I was reading some different threads from here, and Essex Distributors was mentioned to carry Bilstein stuff. Full set of shocks and struts are so expensive...

    I don't think I am going to shell out extra for the springs, UNLESS it is like detrimental if I don't get them or something.

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Quote Originally Posted by fywdyl View Post
    OK, just ordered a set of MOOG end links from Rock Auto.

    I was reading some different threads from here, and Essex Distributors was mentioned to carry Bilstein stuff. Full set of shocks and struts are so expensive...

    I don't think I am going to shell out extra for the springs, UNLESS it is like detrimental if I don't get them or something.
    It's not detrimental

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Essex/Bilstein Canada is an option, as is Northern Performance. For the springs, I bought from Edge when the dollar was higher. They are not essential, but make a big difference.
    If you want to take my car for a drive before you decide just text me.
    2010 Black Mazdaspeed 3 - Lightly modded

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Quote Originally Posted by S.F.W. View Post
    Essex/Bilstein Canada is an option, as is Northern Performance. For the springs, I bought from Edge when the dollar was higher. They are not essential, but make a big difference.
    If you want to take my car for a drive before you decide just text me.
    Swap cars for the day, haha.
    @S.F.W. I may take you up on the offer.

    Also, in my cheapness I thought of something else I can do...

    Order 1 rear strut and get it replaced, since I have no plans to do springs.

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Quote Originally Posted by fywdyl View Post
    Swap cars for the day, haha.
    @S.F.W. I may take you up on the offer.

    Also, in my cheapness I thought of something else I can do...

    Order 1 rear strut and get it replaced, since I have no plans to do springs.
    If you are planning to upgrade the struts, or need something temporary, I have my stock struts sitting in storage.

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Quote Originally Posted by fywdyl View Post
    Swap cars for the day, haha.
    @S.F.W. I may take you up on the offer.

    Also, in my cheapness I thought of something else I can do...

    Order 1 rear strut and get it replaced, since I have no plans to do springs.
    Cheap?

    You married a suga momma!!!

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Quote Originally Posted by loki View Post
    Cheap?

    You married a suga momma!!!
    Suga momma don't know about my spending habits.

    I think I'm going to go OEM cuz I haz no monies.

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    One more question...

    When you guys did your suspension, did you replace anything else? (bump stops, etc etc)

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Quote Originally Posted by fywdyl View Post
    One more question...

    When you guys did your suspension, did you replace anything else? (bump stops, etc etc)
    No other changes. Bump stops are re-usable.

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    Default Re: Shocks, Struts, and End Links

    Bump stops and strut mounts are cheap from rock-auto if they're in rough shape. If you're paying someone to do it, I'd say get them now as it will save you labour later if one is on its way out.

    That said, rear struts are 3 bolts per side, very easy to change, about 15 minutes per side. Springs take a bit more time as they're done independently of the strut and you need to disconnect the RSB. Honestly there's nothing wrong with the stock MS3 suspension, I'm still running it short of an RSB and am plenty happy with how my car handles.

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