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Front strut recomendations (2 very different cars)

CadVetteStang

CadVetteStang

New member
I'm needing to replace the FRONT struts on 2 very different cars driven very differently. Recomendations please:
Car 1. My wife's 04 Grand Prix GT. FE2 suspension. 147,000 miles. She does ZERO performance driving and is interested in comfort and safety. She has no complaints about the FE2 ride but doesn't want anything stiffer.... I'm thinking about FE1 struts but keeping the stock springs. (or buying ready struts -for the cost savings- then swapping in the stock springs for ride height conservation. Your thoughts?

Car 2. I'm converting to Grand Prix struts w/swaybar tabs for my daily driver and autocross racing 02 Eldorado. (50 miles per day and 6 track events per year.) 97 Thunderbird rear springs will be used on the struts.info i can find claims 418 lb. Variable rate. However, they will get stiffer as I cut to adjust the ride height. Goal is 3/4" to 1" drop.
My car is 43lbs. Heavier on each front corner than the Grand Prix. I'm fine with a sporty ride (Camaro to Vette-like), but I don't want bone-jarring back and neck pain from a suspension that is too stiff for the street. My springs should be about right after cutting.
23MM sway bar and poly A-Arm bushings.
255/45 18's 8 months out of the year and 275/40's 4 months.
I'm thinking FE3 Comp G front struts. Your thoughts?

Cody
 


I dunno about jarring pain, but FE3's are plenty stiff. It's not like feeling every pebble, but definitely feel every crack.

Mine are old too, so.

I'd say save the money on soft ride. My .02
 
So maybe Monroe ready struts for the wife's car (but swap springs)?
How long do the Monroe's last?

And the FE3 struts may be good at 1" drop and 450ish spring rate?
 
I've considered the Monroe's, but they seem kinda hit or miss sometimes. I'd like to keep Delco's on it for longevity.

I'm not very familiar with spring rates. Although, with a kid (you said 86lbs) up front, 1" might be pushing it. 3/4" might be the better option.
 
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