Stock Strut Questions

[DJSpellBound]

I picked up a 98 GTP recently and it has 144k on the clock. I'm using it mostly for my winter car/daily driver. I will probably be driving it a lot becuase of my job.
Rear end sags and hits hard over bumps so I am assuming the struts needs to be replaced and the front passenger side strut mount is completely shot so I figured I would replace struts all around along with the mounts because of the mileage on the car.
From reading around on the board, Seems that the KYB-GR2 struts are the way to go. However, (over on rockauto), I see that the Monroe-Matic Struts were about 10-15 bucks cheaper and was wondering if anybody had any experience with these struts or I should just spend the extra 70 dollars for the KYB's all around......:th_scratchhead:
The other question is if I could still use my stock springs, or should I 'spring' for new ones because of the mileage.

 

[Warhellride]

The rear sag is due to the springs, not the struts. Given your age/mileage, all your struts and springs are probably due for a a replacement, along with all four mounts. You can reuse most of the other hardware from your old struts (dust boots, bump stops, etc).

Sorry, but I don't have any experience with the Monroe-Matics.

 

[DJSpellBound]

So I'm probably better off using the Monroe Econo-Matic Complete Strut's in the back and keeping the stock springs in the front, since they don't seem to be to bad.

 

[Bio248]

monroe are gonna keep the stock feel of the car. the GR-2 are gonna be a little more sporty because of their valving.

 

[Reefer82]

KYB makes a loaded strut assembly called the Strut-Plus. Comes ready to bolt on including new springs and has a GR-2 strut in it. If you plan to keep the car for awhile, or at least 30k I'd spend the money on refreshing it all and get that new car handling feel to at least partially come back. It's also and easier install as they are assembled and ready to go.

 

[TheOtherNick]

Yeah get quick struts with everything on them, then just bolt them in and have all new stuff.

 

[DJSpellBound]

Yeah I'm prolly going to roll with the quick struts, 220 shipped (w/discount) through rockauto for the rear, even though I'm still toying with the idea of KYB's Strut Plus's for 275 on Amazon......

Thanks for replies and ideas.

 

[WhatNext]

If the rear is sagging then replacing the rear springs are a must. Did KYB GR2s at all 4 corners this spring (struts plus on the rears). Thought hard about the Monroe's but wanted better quality. My son put the Monroe's on an Olds Alero with 80k miles and ended up concluding they didn't feel any different from the old ones. I really wanted the Bildstein HDs (but not at $500 a piece with out mounts) and would have gone with KYB AGXs for the ability to set the damping but they were not available for 05 (stupid GM changed the front sway bar mounting to attach to the strut). The GR2s just take the float out of the suspension so technically they are OK but I wish they were tighter. If the GTP has a stiffer suspension than the GT, then I would definitely go for the AGXs to match (plus they are adjustable).