Hi Guys
Looking to change the front struts. Anything else you can recommend while that is apart? I figure that mounts should be done anyhow. Any other ideas?
Actually, probably a good idea to do some more aggressive springs too...
Thanks
Erik

mounts are a definate, with the new struts


i would NOT change the springs Unless you are doing the ENTIRE suspension with the stiffer springs....

X2 on the springs. I don't even think I'd get new OEM springs unless you did all 4.

May be a good idea just to check the other suspension parts too if they are original (ball joints, tie rod ends).

the bearings that the top of the strut rotates on

or instead if you don't want to compress the front springs, you can always just buy a set of quick struts. they are pre assembled and come with a new strut bearing mount. They do cost alot more, but they save a boatload of time.

I belive they are made by Monroe and you can find them at ay advance or checker auto parts.

I am thinking about doing the back to. If I had a lick of common sense I would have done them when I replaced the back struts, but that would have been too easy!
The basic suspension on the 98 is just too soft for me!

I used to sell the Monroes, and the only thing that scared me about them was the fact that I never was confidant that I new what springs were going in. Were they softer or the same as before?

If you want to firm up your suspension, you can custom upgrade it to FE2. All you have to do is change the sway bars, add a strut tower bar and change the coil springs from another H body with FE2 installed. If you have the extra money to grab these parts from a junk yard, it really would be an opportune time to do it while you have most of the suspension torn apart.

Edit: To answer your question about those springs...those are basic OE as far as I know. They would most likely be as soft as the suspension you have now. But if you do the upgrade to FE2, just get the struts of your choice, I would recommend Monroe SensaTrac Sport and then new Strut Bearing Mounts and you will GREATLY improve handling.

Make sure to check your RPO tag in your trunk to see what suspension you already have. If you have FE2 already, then replacing your struts on all 4 corners should bring back that sport feel.

I thought the 98'* already had FE2

Nope.
Took a look in the trunk and it has FE1.
Are the FE2 springs variable rate? I think that is what Olds used on the Touring Sedan.
Wonder what they would cost new from the dealer. Bet I wouldn't sleep for a week after I found that out...
E