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Old 12-31-2004, 12:11 AM   #1
HolyCrikey
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Default How long can I expect my struts to last? And how much to expect for labor?

I know everyone says to change struts and springs at the same time (will save money and time later), but how long do you suppose my 41k stock struts will last with Prodrive springs when driven just daily? I'm only a college student, so I'm scared about putting another 400-500 into shocks when I just spent 290 on my prodrives. Not to mention I may not have the access to tools here to do it myself, so I'd require a shop to do it, which would add even more money on top.

Also, how much can I expect to pay at a shop for them to change both the struts and springs at the same time? I would absolutely hate to do this, because I want to learn how to change out everything myself (I'm a noob), but it may be the only option I have. Thanks a ton guys, I appreciate it!
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Old 12-31-2004, 12:36 AM   #2
Mark Avery
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I recently met a guy shopping for struts because his stockers only lasted 30k with lowering springs - Hotchkis, not Prodrive. Prodrives are supposedly not too harsh on stock struts, but any lower, stiffer spring will decrease the lifespan of your struts. There is no definitive number. It depends on how you drive, the kind of roads you drive on, and how sensitive you are to the dampers degrading. I have a friend with Eibach springs who thinks his struts are still good, but I would have replaced them long ago.

I paid $280 for an install a couple of years ago in SoCal. Sometimes you can find fellow Suby owners in your area to help with an install. We're all one big happy (slightly insane) family.
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Old 12-31-2004, 01:22 AM   #3
HolyCrikey
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So how exactly can I tell if my shocks are going bad? I'm pretty noob at suspension, so I don't quite know what to feel for. I'm sure when they start dying I'll notice a difference, but what exactly should I be noting? Thanks again!
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Old 12-31-2004, 11:20 AM   #4
WRXSleeper
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most likely your stock struts are fine. you can tell if they are going bad by leaning down on the corner of your car and letting it spring back up. if it bounces up/down while letting in spring back your struts are bad. also, you can check the strut body for any oil that may be leaking from it. i would venture to guess you could get 25-30k out of the stockers with the prodrives before you have any problems. if your paying for labor it kinda sucks to pay that cost twice, my friend charges $250 to do it.
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Old 01-01-2005, 03:05 AM   #5
HolyCrikey
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And only last question. I've found a few guides online specifically for changing out struts and springs. I can't really guage how hard it'll actually be until I do it. Do you guys feel its a pretty easy task to do? I wanna learn, but I don't wanna break anything or screw up anything in the process.

Also, what do I have to have done to my brakes during the strut/spring changeout if i do it myself? Anything else I should be aware of (other than a good realignment afterwards) Thanks yet again!
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Old 01-01-2005, 04:17 PM   #6
HolyCrikey
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Anyone?
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Old 01-01-2005, 05:06 PM   #7
SkylineR35GTRx
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i would also like the know the information the starter of this thread is asking. and i would like to add a questoin of my own, which is , if you buy aftermarket struts, do these struts last significantly longer than stock struts? what i am asking if, if you had two brand new cars that has never been driven, and one has prodrive springs with stock struts, and the other has prodrive springs with say...KYB struts, would the car with the aftermarket struts last longer?
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Old 01-01-2005, 05:23 PM   #8
Silver04WRX
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SkylineR35GTRx
i would also like the know the information the starter of this thread is asking. and i would like to add a questoin of my own, which is , if you buy aftermarket struts, do these struts last significantly longer than stock struts? what i am asking if, if you had two brand new cars that has never been driven, and one has prodrive springs with stock struts, and the other has prodrive springs with say...KYB struts, would the car with the aftermarket struts last longer?
I know Konis have a lifetime warranty, and I believe KYB does too. It depends on the spring...strut companies do not recommend lowering more than 1.5".
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Old 01-01-2005, 08:00 PM   #9
typeRS
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I know you already covered this but I have to suggest saving until you can afford to get some struts to install with your springs.

The difference in handling and comfort is night and day.

Also, find someone who enjoys working on cars as a hobby or whatever and have them help you do the install. Will cost you as much as a spring compressor rental from your local AutoZone. It really isn't very difficult at all
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Old 01-01-2005, 09:09 PM   #10
SkylineR35GTRx
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Yeah, I agree with typeRS, if I were you, I'd just do it myself with some help. You just need to invest in some tools, a jack, and jack stands, and I tihnk those are well worth it if your going to work on your car.
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