I bought a pair of struts (completely assembled with spring and bearing) for a Buick Lucerne from Detroit Axel.. I called them first to tell them that I had a very bad back and needed the setup for the FE1 soft ride suspension.. Is this strut combo what your offering for the FE1 soft ride suspension?? Yes, he replied.. It is the direct OEM replacement..
I recieved the strut only to find that the spring on it looked very heavy in diameter.. I took the description coded tag information and referenced it on the internet.. Now, only to find it is the same spring used on the mid sized Hummer, Hearses and stretch limos and deffinetly not the soft ride.... We will see how the return/refund and shipping costs goes.

Also as a result I wanted Monroe struts for a FE1 soft suspension as their offering comes as a bare bones strut only situation.. Again I called and said, "you guys only offer one strut for my car.. How do I know that I am getting a soft ride FE1, sport FE2, or a F41 heavy duty strut since you only offer one.. Which is it?? The guy from Monroe said that GM uses the same strut on all there suspensions and the only difference is the spring.. Huh1 I diden't know that.. That is, if it'* true.,,, Your comments please.

I would wait to see how this company resolves your complaint before you start waving the "buyer beware" flag. I've had several experiences where a company sent me a wrong part, but when they go above and beyond to pay for return shipping and refund my money promptly, I don't consider them a bad supplier.

To my knowledge Detroit Axle is a very reputable company.

As you suggested, Detroit Axel is sending a return shipping label out to me along with the proper struts.. Guess I am sensitive after being burned once too often.. My apologies.

i dont believe gm would only use one shock. i find it easier to believe monroe only makes one for cost savings fo engineer and stocking multiple parts

The only way u are going to get the soft ride suspension is to order the correct springs from GM and do the strut and bearing assembly manually.
You can remove the front spring assembly and have the new bearing kit ready to be installed into the new set up with new springs at a local shop that has a strut box compressor. They charge a minimal fee to do it.
Personally with a bad back, I would just take it to a reputable shop and have them do both front & rear work on a lift....and then an alignment.

gm parts direct shows three springs and three struts. soft/firm/and sport

I do have strut, spring and bearing complete "Quick Strut" units with the appropriate strut and spring pre loaded (6LK and 7LK springs ect). I have ordered and awaiting arrival of two KYB air shocks and two soft ride rear springs for the rear.

be interested to see what you think of those. i only buy kyb but they are the same as monroe. one shock for all that is more firm and controlled than my original bonnie sse struts. this is what alot of people like but not sure its what you are after.

FYI Don't buy their wheel bearings for your rides either I bought 4 for the bonnie 2 months before I scrapped her and all 4 were DOA out of the box. Be thankful if he actually sends the return label and straightens things out for ya he didn't with me

Yeah! I have heard tails of things like that happening.