factory electronic front struts

Topic: factory electronic front struts (Read 1497 times) previous topic - next topic

factory electronic front struts

April 01, 2012, 10:15:52 PM

I have a factory Left front strut leaking on my 88 turbo coupe. I bought one from a junkyard, but how do i tell if its any good? i can push it up and down, there is some resistance, and it wants to extend back up by itself, but its not very stiff.
what are the other options for replacement struts? if i cant get the electric ones, oh well. should i just get 3.8 ones? I dont want fancy coil overs or mustang struts. but if there is a simple bolt on good handling strut i'd be interested. thanks

factory electronic front struts

Reply #1 – April 01, 2012, 10:56:41 PM

I would just grab a stock replacement from the auto parts store.

factory electronic front struts

Reply #2 – April 01, 2012, 10:59:31 PM

well when i check at the parts store, the catalog says "except turbo coupe" and they dont have a part number for one.

factory electronic front struts

Reply #3 – April 02, 2012, 02:02:29 AM

It's because the PRC struts are discontinued. Keep in mind though, that if it's easy to push/extend, it may be set in "soft" mode. You can turn the little piece inside at the very top 1/4 of a turn. It will either push down easier, or harder, depending.

All the controller does is tell a small servo to turn that piece, and that puts it into "firm" mode. You can also get them into firm mode and disconnect the connector, or manually do it with a small screwdriver or needlenose pliers. I had a set on my sport for awhile, made quite a difference in cornering when I switched them....
Good luck.

Currently I have a pair of struts from a '97 Stang GT. They're sufficient for now.

factory electronic front struts

Reply #4 – April 02, 2012, 07:37:38 AM

Found some at a great price here http://www.strutmasters.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=1988+Ford+Thunderbird
The monroes at the bottom left of the page.

factory electronic front struts

Reply #5 – April 02, 2012, 03:49:03 PM

If you are looking for the cheap way out then just buy a set for the non adjustable TC's and move on. If you want performance and some resemblance of what the car used to be in the Sport mode start looking at the Tokico Illuminas, Koni SA's, or the Bilsteins.

Darren

factory electronic front struts

Reply #6 – April 02, 2012, 04:28:11 PM

Quote from: bryan163;385790

Found some at a great price here http://www.strutmasters.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=1988+Ford+Thunderbird
The monroes at the bottom left of the page.

Has anyone tried these yet?

factory electronic front struts

Reply #7 – April 02, 2012, 05:28:43 PM

They're so cheap, I'm thinking about buying a set now. It would be nice to have an adjustable strut to go back and forth between drag racing and street handling. I wonder if they would be stiff enough for a 5.0 car. The adjustable mustang 5.0 struts are pretty expensive. This could be a nice low budget alternative.

factory electronic front struts

Reply #8 – April 05, 2012, 06:40:41 PM

i have figured out that the junkyard one i bought is good. i can turn that little thing at the top, and it firms right up. will install it this weekend, thanks for the tips guys

factory electronic front struts

Reply #9 – April 05, 2012, 07:01:06 PM

Quote from: bryan163;385814

They're so cheap, I'm thinking about buying a set now. It would be nice to have an adjustable strut to go back and forth between drag racing and street handling. I wonder if they would be stiff enough for a 5.0 car. The adjustable mustang 5.0 struts are pretty expensive. This could be a nice low budget alternative.

If you do be sure to update us on them! :D

factory electronic front struts

Reply #10 – April 05, 2012, 08:41:33 PM

Quote from: bryan163;385814

They're so cheap, I'm thinking about buying a set now. It would be nice to have an adjustable strut to go back and forth between drag racing and street handling. I wonder if they would be stiff enough for a 5.0 car. The adjustable mustang 5.0 struts are pretty expensive. This could be a nice low budget alternative.

I have Sensatracs on my T-bird. They ride nice, not too stiff but not too soft. The car corners well with low body roll. This could have something to do with the tires and sway bars though.

factory electronic front struts

Reply #11 – April 06, 2012, 09:16:53 AM

I also have sensatracs in the rear. KYB in front. Happy with both. But adjustables would be nice to get some weight transfer at the strip and handling on the street.

factory electronic front struts

Reply #12 – April 06, 2012, 09:52:15 AM

I love having adjustable struts. I leave it on firm until I hit a really rough patch of highway, then I flip to the soft mode!

factory electronic front struts

Reply #13 – April 07, 2012, 08:45:03 AM

Quote from: bryan163;385790

Found some at a great price here http://www.strutmasters.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=1988+Ford+Thunderbird
The monroes at the bottom left of the page.

I think both of those are the same, just the bottom mount is narrower on the one for the TC. I don't think it is an adjustable strut. :(