If I can find Bilstein struts on say Rockauto, can I just swap the KYB springs and mounting hardware/insulators to the Bilstein strut? I'm not sure if the spring rate would work well, but I'm mainly looking to do this since I've heard they hold up better. I live in northeast PA and the roads are just covered in potholes. I'd expect since they're gas charged they'd do better on the bumpier roads?
This is an 05 GP, with 97-03 control arm/sway bar setup if that helps.
I did elect the 97-03 front struts on Rockauto, so maybe the mount wearing out due to slightly different load ratings? I'm assuming it's the mount since I aligned the car myself recently and didn't feel any play in the ball joints and such, and I hear a pop from the front left going over bigger potholes. The rear ones are for 04-08, and actually come with variable rate springs to my surprise. Really helps with the back being loaded with subwoofers, a battery, and a huge ported box.
Any input is appreciated. My KYB's are maybe a bit over a year old and due to the ****ty roads, I believe I'll have to replace that front left mount soon. I'm not sure if it would be worth upgrading the struts while I'm up there. Everyone just seems to love them.
Edit: I did find this thread on another forum for an Impala SS, with part numbers for the struts. Think it would work on a GP? For anyone interested Front P/N: F4-VE3-F315-H0 Rear P/N: F4-VE3-F316-H0 Unfortunately I'm having trouble finding these. They are the HD version which would be a plus.
On top of that, the ACDelco replacements on Rockauto for a GXP have me confused. They say gas charged FE4, so it must be right, but a single rear strut is $200, where a single rear strut assembly is only $150. I have to be missing something...
Boom, I think I found them:
http://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-35-15...iac+grand+prix
http://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-35-15...ype=automotive
I'm guessing it's just the mounts and such that determine which side it goes on? There's only one listed for the front and one for the back.
