Planning out my repairs for the upcoming year. After the cracked radiator, rear drums and shoes (hopefully getting the parking brake working again through that), the suspension needs to be addressed. Wish I had the funds to do more than one or two things here and there, but not until I have a new and stable job.

I know the Olds has a more floaty ride than I am used to from my previous vehicles (86 Thunderbird, 97 Thunderbird, 96 Outback, 03 Outback) but I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say the 22 year old suspension is done for.

No severe creaking, groaning, or thumping of note but the car takes a few bounces to settle down over highway expansion joints, fails my "bumper bounce test", and nosedives something fierce under moderate braking.

Looking at Monroe and KYB for quickstruts. I neither have the funds, nor can justify the cost of replacing everything individually for a 22 year old under $600 vehicle.

I have had good experience with KYB on my Subaru'* and mediocre experience with Monroe on my Fords. I know KYB tends to ride firmer than Monroe, which does not bother me unless the Olds will be miserable firmed up. Thoughts/reviews/suggestions?

You will want to do further research on the quick struts. There was a big rash of Monroe units using the wrong spring rates for the 2000+ FE3 H body applications, but I am not sure how wide spread the issue was. It did result in Monroe listing the parts as not compatible. If the car sets level with no load, I would suggest keeping the springs unless you find cause to ditch them. I have 186k miles on mine, on likely the original suspension. The springs are about the only thing that is not worn out. If I did the full workup, I would keep them.

Monroe was the best there was at one point, but many are suspecting that might not be the case any longer. Gabriels are generally considered scum of the earth. KYB may be worth a shot as well.

Motorweek reviewed a new 1991 Park Avenue Ultra, which I believe had the 'Grand Touring' suspension, and noted the nosedive as 'excessive', so I don't know how much ground you are going to be able to make up on that issue without a full custom set of springs.

i always get the kyb, struts only. i would agree springs likely are not necessary

Hollow,

I have read a lot of negative reviews on the quick-struts, including posts that Monroe has taken them off the market because of engineering issues. Others have complained that the struts make the front end sit to high. I have read that Monroe was refunding the purchase price to some purchasers of the quick-struts.

I put Monroe quick-struts on my 2001 Bonneville SSEi a few years ago. Found them well built, super easy to install, and a simple solution to worn out struts. I have not had any of the quick-strut issues others have documented on the internet. What I liked best is I did not need a spring compressor or any extra tools or special knowledge; often needed when replacing just the struts. I personally would not hesitate to use quick-struts again, but because of the documented issues- using quick-struts may be a risk.

This is my thought right now. I have never replaced suspension bits to this degree, and although most of the tools can be rented from Advance/Auto Zone/etc...it'* not a job I am comfortable doing alone without anyone who knows what they are doing. Plug and play feels safer, and is still cheaper than just having struts installed at a shop.

You might some relevant information in this thread:
https://www.gmforum.com/2000-2005-90...struts-303831/

really the hardest part or the job is getting the rusty crap off. once you have done that the switching of the springs is a nothing deal if you have a air or battery ratchet and the compressor tool. i think if someone brought me the stuff i would do 2 for 20 bucks or 4 for 40. thats something you may look into

Thank you.