Shocks and Struts advice please?????

Hi Everybody,

Im new to this forum having just bought a 99 GP GT w/ 138000 miles. I got a great deal on the car and its in excellent condition too. I ve been upgrading the car since i got it 2 weeks ago. I ve done the thermostat, MSD wires w NGK plugs, slotted and drilled rotors w/ ceramic pads, new set of yoshimoto tires and now im moving on to the struts. I had thought the car floated a little too much when i got it but now that i dropped my sub box and amps in the trunk its very noticeable. I was wondering what would be the best route to go if im wanting handling and ride improvements yet low cost? I do all my own work so there is no issue there and im prepared for the alignment but as far as the struts themselves im at a loss. There is just too much out there. Any help would be appreciated.

Welcome to AF.

For the cost and all around performance hard to beat the KYB GR2. Other aftermarket struts like Monroe and Gabriel are too soft and cushy feeling.

The other option is to go with the OE GM struts but they will cost more but some specialty Grand Prix suppliers have them for a reasonable cost.

So please tell me that i will be able to reuse the other parts besides the struts themselves. I couldnt believe the price just for a mount.

With your mileage you should be able to reuse the strut coil springs. However, probably best to replace the upper strut mounts and load bearings at least on the front end. Also, the coil spring pads should be inspected.

Forgive me but what are load bearings exactly? Shocks and struts are a new thing for me. Where can i find everything the cheapest? I ve been doing ok on ebay so far just dont wanna miss out on a good opprtunity. Thank you by the way.

The front upper strut mounts have a load bearing incorporated into them so if you get new upper struts mounts they will be replaced. The rear upper strut mounts do not have load bearings.

Try zzperformance.com, PFYC.com, 3800performance.com and w-body store.

KYBs are available on EBay at better prices. ZZPerformance has the best deal going on all 4 OE GM struts. See link below.

Click here (http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=883&catid=138)

As Far as floaty handeling , You could also upgrade the stabilizer bar with a GMPP from ZZP. You might want to check out your existing stabilizer bar, it might be cracked. Mine was at 80,000 miles. Right on the passenger side.

Also if your considering adding a strut tower brace. I got a brand new one I'll sell you. It came from zzp, and costed about 80 after shipping. It is Black in color and has never been installed. I messed up when I ordered it, I thought it would fit on the g/f's GP SE with the 3100, but it turns out the alternator sits up too high. It is this one.

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=614&catid=138

If you want it, make me an offer. I have the same thing installed on my GTP, and it seemed to give me better handeling around corners. After I installed it I went and did a bunch of figure 8's in a tarred parking lot at 20mph. No wheel spin at all.