Monroe Sensa-Trac / KYB GR-2 / ACDELCO / ??? - Any opinions?

[Kupop]

My '95 Lumina needs new struts and these are the 3 listed on this one site I am likely to order from. I've seen some other brands out there but they were basically only on one site or another. For example NAPA has one of their own...

Of those three, or any others out there does anyone have opinions on any of which I should get?

I am not looking at doing this for performance. If performance increases that is fine but it is not the reason being this. My car has low miles and wasn't used much but I drive it hard and it is really showing signs that the struts are blown.

I another another car for "performance", therefore I just want a smoother ride.

Slightly OT, do I really need that special tool to install the front struts? What about the back? Anything else needed besides the norm? I have a spring compressor and such.

Who all makes books about the car with diagrams and instructions for jobs like this? One that lists torque specs.

[jeffcoslacker]

Monroe Sensa-tracs are probably the most sensible choice in your situation, not familiar with GR-2's but KYB adjustables rock, but I bet that's not what you're looking at.

Most private label (NAPA, AutoZone, etc, maybe AC/Delco, I'm not sure) are made by Monroe or Gabriel, so if you can get them cheaper that way, so much the better.

[tblake]

why do you say your struts are shot? Does your car sag? If so, you need new springs. The springs support the vehicle, struts just contoll spring oscillations.

[Kupop]

You are right Jeff, I am not looking for adjustability. The Lumina is my daily driver. I am only looking for an OE replacement. I have plenty of adjustments on my '93 MR2 Turbo.

I guess I'll check into warrenty information for the Monroe and KYB and see which might be better that way. The prices only vary slightly between these two. The AC Delco were the most expensive.

Have you ever done the work? Am I going to need that special tool? Any other odd-ball tools required doing this job?

tblake, Struts/Shocks typically wear out much sooner than a spring, at least from what I've seen. My car is like riding the ocean going down the interstate. When you hit a bump it takes a little while for it settle down again. If I push a corner of the car down a few times and let it go it will bounce up and down a little before stopping (springy).

Both signs of blown struts. Curious why you might think it is the springs though.

On a side note.. Has anyone ever had the REAR of their Lumina sliding around a turn (oversteer)? Heh, good times! Left foot braking with a Lumina... Damn I would of loved to seen that from the outside.

I did say I drove it hard, didn't I?

[BNaylor]

Before I traded in my '96 Lumina sedan in for my '01 Regal GS I put Monroe Sensatracs on it. However, the suspension felt too soft and the handling didn't feel as good.

I've got KYB GR2s on my '97 Grand Prix GTP and I am very happy with them. A little stiff sometimes but the handling is better. IMO the OEM AC Delco struts are still the best but more expensive.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Before I traded in my '96 Lumina sedan in for my '01 Regal GS I put Monroe Sensatracs on it. However, the suspension felt too soft and the handling didn't feel as good.

I've got KYB GR2s on my '97 Grand Prix GTP and I am very happy with them. A little stiff sometimes but the handling is better. IMO the OEM AC Delco struts are still the best but more expensive.

Seconded on Delco, never had a Monroe shock/strut that I was happy with!

[Kupop]

Hmm.. Not sounding good for the Monroe. If the ride is a little stiff at times I would be alright with it. I am used to that with my other car.

According to this site I am looking at, they list two separate AC Delco struts for the car. One is reasonably priced but the other is out of my range for my daily driver.

ACDELCO Part # 50396
CARTRIDGE,FRT SUSP STRUT PREMIUM GAS CHARGED; REQUIRES SPECIAL STRUT INSTALLATION TOOL.; {#88945576} More Info
$38.99 $0.00 $38.99
ACDELCO Part # 505388
CARTRIDGE,FRT SUSP STRUT w/FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41) {STRUT-GAS CUSHIONED #22074850} $93.99 $0.00 $93.99

[93LT]

My experience with Monroes shocks are good after initial install, but the new ride feel wears off fast.

Front Strut replacement cartridges on the 95 and later Luminas are easy to change, a special socket is required to remove the OEM assembly keeper. You don't actually remove the strut housing from the car (saves and alignment right there), you simply work through the upper strut mount.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Kupop

Slightly OT, do I really need that special tool to install the front struts? What about the back? Anything else needed besides the norm? I have a spring compressor and such.

Who all makes books about the car with diagrams and instructions for jobs like this? One that lists torque specs.

Autozone has on-line repair info guides for 1996 and earlier cars including the Lumina. See link below for strut cartridge:


http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d800edf7c.jsp