Strut question

98 Venture extended, 100,000 miles.
Need new lower strut bearing plates (both sides). Mechanic mentioned using Quick Struts. I intend to keep van for a long time so a little extra $ is OK. Anybody have any experience with these? He also said they would bring the ride height up an inch or so, and that everything would be new.
Thanks!

A "Quick Strut" is just a fancy name for a complete strut assembly. This includes a spring already installed. This makes it much easier for the mechanic to install, so you should get a break on the labor since he doesn't have to pull the old spring off of your old struts. If it was me doing the job for myself and not paying labor I would just replace the bearing and stuts but not the spring. If I was the mechanic doing the job for you I would want to use the quick struts if you get my drift.

Replace the whole strut if you are going to keep the car.

Rock auto has all the stuff relatively cheap.

I bought KYB gas struts for them for like $60 each and mount kits for another $20 or so. Could'a spent even less on Monroe struts but i like firmer struts.

98 Venture extended, 100,000 miles.
Need new lower strut bearing plates (both sides). Mechanic mentioned using Quick Struts. I intend to keep van for a long time so a little extra $ is OK. Anybody have any experience with these? He also said they would bring the ride height up an inch or so, and that everything would be new.
Thanks!

I just posted about this in another thread, however that thread was closed immediately thereafter.

If the part is ts171661 is appears to be designed for a :

Strut Assembly - 1997-2004 Buick Century :disappoin

So I am holding off using them unless I read good reports from others who have already tried them and are happy . :cool:

How are you getting these struts off ?

I have the factory manual and know there are 3 nuts to remove on top to get the struts off the van. However looking at it today - how in the heck do you guys get to those 3 nuts?

They are back in behind the cruise control, ABS brake components and then there is the windshield wiper linkage. Not enough depth to get a socket and ratchet on them and how are you suppose to get a wrench into that space?

I guess it is being done by some but sure looks ridiculus to me.

Its not too hard while you have the driveline frame out on the floor and the engine compartment is emtpy--You stand inside the engine compartment !! :grinyes:

The top bolts do come off...I used a 15mm ratchet wrench after I took the wiper shroud and and the coolant resoviour off.