changing shocks

talontroy · 08-05-2008, 08:09 PM

hey guys i have an 02' xl7 touring that just turned 85k and is do for shocks, i have a friend who works at advance auto parts and i can get monroes for about 175 for all 4 an another 100 or so if the mounts need replacing too, have any of you done them yourself..good,bad,ugly im pretty handy with tools and have two ase certified mechanics as friends to help just wanted opinions if youve done your own..

netlos · 08-05-2008, 08:53 PM

You are probably do for a set of new springs also,i put in my coil spacers with minimal problems ,from the looks of it the shocks should not be to bad especially in the back,but then again the back is always easier.I think i see my back springs sagging a bit more than they used to but i'm gonna wait till the shocks go and get a complete suspension lift kit.Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Max · 08-05-2008, 10:39 PM

True, the rears are cake to change out.

The FRONTS are another story. See this link below. You've got a complete strut / shock assembly to deal with there. A bit of work, a wide selection of tools at your disposal and a front end alignment will be in order.

OEM Suzuki Parts

Honestly? At only 85K on them, IF they have no evidence of leaking, the vehicle tracks / rides properly and you aren't hearing suspension related noises...I'd leave them just as they are.

The same with springs. They are pretty much bullet proof. Again, if the vehicle rides well, doesn't sag at any corner of the vehicle, and you haven't beat the crap out of them off-road, they'll last a lifetime.

I'm a little concerned that you can "get monroes for about 175 for all 4" when a single OE strut (discounted too) cost $200 a piece! Something doesn't add up. See..
OEM Suzuki Parts

Just my $.02.

Did you confer with your "two ase certified mechanics as friends" yet?

murcod · 08-06-2008, 02:38 AM

The shocks on my '04 were shot at 49000km when I bought it- from what I can tell it has never been off road. IMHO they are a sub standard shock from day 1. Mine was scary to drive through any twisty roads and I could feel the weight suddenly transferring and it lurching- not confidence inspiring at all! Even my wife commented on how bad it was (she was a passenger and never notices that sort of thing in cars!)

If you can afford them I'd highly recommend the Koni Heavy Tracks (which are also adjustable and rebuildable.) They made a huge difference to the way mine drives and handles.

Max · 08-06-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

The shocks on my '04 were shot at 49000km when I bought it

I hear ya' Dave!

I've had a different experience then. I got my Zuki with service records from a friend and co-worker who bought it new. With over 200,000 miles on the original shocks, I thought I'd replace mine, even though the ride was fine to the feel. I pulled the rears, compared them to the new (Monroe's) and I'll be damned if the old ones weren't any different feeling than the new one's when I compressed and pulled on them through the entire travel! I replaced them anyway, but I've stopped short on doing the fronts because appears fine (ride and visual inspection for leaks) so why waste the money.

My thought is that maybe your Zuki had a rougher experience prior to your getting it OR the later model shocks are not as tough. Don't know, just speculating.

talontroy · 08-06-2008, 08:03 PM

thanks for the replies guys...ya my buddy at advance with his discount can get the fronts for $59.32ea and the rears for $21.13ea pretty darn good..i have a rh front half shaft clicking too that i was gonna replace at the same time, i can get that for $55.91 his cost. think maybe i should just do the rears ? see how it is . the front feels a little sloppy but not bad,possibly do ball joints and tie rods too..

murcod · 08-06-2008, 08:34 PM

Max, I tested the old rears against the Konis and couldn't tell much difference from compressing / extending them by hand. However, there is a HUGE difference on the road- no more wallowing around or sudden lurching.

IMHO Suzuki made a huge mistake fitting the shocks and stock tyres they did.

(It could also be a case of the USA models getting different shocks to the Jap made models?)

mcholak · 08-23-2008, 07:35 PM

Hey guys, I've got this posted two other places so I hope I'm not annoying anyone, but I have 2 KYB rear shocks that are brand new that I'd be willing to make someone a sweet deal on. My wife apparently bought them at some point but doesn't know why and they were never installed. When we moved her out of her apartment we found them, I always planned on putting them on but we sold the car before I ever did it.

I don't know how they compare to the Monroe's mentioned by others but KYB is a good shock in my experience. List is about $51 a shock but I'm very willing to make a deal.