Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: blackcat85 on May 26, 2010, 11:32:45 AM

Title: struts / shocks ???
Post by: blackcat85 on May 26, 2010, 11:32:45 AM
hi guys
how long do you think the struts and shocks last , or how long before  they start to lose their effectiveness? i mean the above question based on new struts and shocks? also do you think that pushing down on the corner and seeing if the car bounces back is a good indicator of the shock/strut?

thanks
eddie
Title: struts / shocks ???
Post by: mcb82gt on May 26, 2010, 02:26:10 PM
I dunno, what type do you have, how many miles, how old are they,

My brothers were shot on his 86' and the car only had 25K miles on it, so age plays a factor also.
Title: struts / shocks ???
Post by: blackcat85 on May 28, 2010, 06:18:02 PM
i have about 35,000 on them , they are motorcraft brand. i did them about two years ago.
i thought they would last a little longer ,but  the car is all over the place now .
maybey i should try a different brand.
Title: struts / shocks ???
Post by: T-BirdX3 on May 28, 2010, 06:45:19 PM
If the car is wandering I wouldn't automatically assume it is the shocks/struts.
Title: struts / shocks ???
Post by: daminc on May 28, 2010, 08:12:46 PM
Mine were still factory with 120,000 on them. Still rode like a new car
Title: struts / shocks ???
Post by: sarjxxx on May 29, 2010, 03:31:08 AM
"recommended" replacement is every 50k miles
Title: struts / shocks ???
Post by: mcb82gt on May 29, 2010, 09:09:02 AM
Quote from: blackcat85;323500
i have about 35,000 on them , they are motorcraft brand. i did them about two years ago.
i thought they would last a little longer ,but  the car is all over the place now .
maybey i should try a different brand.


What is the rest of your suspension?  Those motorcraft pieces should still be fine.
Title: struts / shocks ???
Post by: Whiteboy on May 29, 2010, 10:31:23 AM
motorcraft is a good brand for us. also Monroe, I try to avoid Gabriel, but if they are less expensive and price is a factor thats ok....
Title: struts / shocks ???
Post by: V8Demon on May 29, 2010, 12:19:25 PM
Quote from: T-BirdX3;323501
If the car is wandering I wouldn't automatically assume it is the shocks/struts.



Indeed.  It would be wise to do a THOROUGH inspection of all suspension related components if your car recently became loose and there is no definitive answer as to why.....
Title: struts / shocks ???
Post by: blackcat85 on June 07, 2010, 10:11:16 PM
well i found the papers for the shocks and i have had them 2 1/2 years and more miles then i thought. it is more like 55,000 miles instead of 35,000 miles. also when i said the car is all over the place i  didnt mean wandering, i meant when you hit a bump or series of them the car feels like its going to change direction, and it feels very unsteady. i was also thinking about the coil springs of possible replacement as they are old. no sagging from them though. new bushings last year on the front and everything seems tight on  the front. 
question on replacement of the sway bars... as it is a v6 if i upgrade to  the v8 sway bars will there have to be any modifications, or is it a direct bolt in ?

thanks
eddie
Title: struts / shocks ???
Post by: sarjxxx on June 07, 2010, 10:14:51 PM
99% direct bolt in, but you have to use the correct sized bushings. I think 1 7/8". Somebody correct me if not.