struts, springs, all that good stuff

[AmatureCDV Driver]

alright, i need to get new struts and strings for my car all the way around, any suggestions? I was just going to go to checker auto or something and pick up a set but i figured i should see whats good first. I could handle some performance ones, but i dont really want to change the ride height. thanks for the help.

[BNaylor]

It would be helpful if you could post the year and model of your Grand Prix.

[AmatureCDV Driver]

sorry, its a 1992 gtp

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by AmatureCDV Driver

alright, i need to get new struts and strings for my car all the way around, any suggestions? I was just going to go to checker auto or something and pick up a set but i figured i should see whats good first. I could handle some performance ones, but i dont really want to change the ride height. thanks for the help.

Normally this is not a dyer job, without the proper tools and know how. Go autozone.com/repairinfo, enter the car and go to repair info for suspension instructions.

[gprixgtp]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Normally this is not a dyer job, without the proper tools and know how. Go autozone.com/repairinfo, enter the car and go to repair info for suspension instructions.

Yes absolutely, coil springs can and do kill. Wrong tools=pain, injury, missing one head.

[AmatureCDV Driver]

i know how to do all the work, i was just wondering if anyone had any advice on what kind to buy?

[richtazz]

Your car has the single mono-leaf rear suspension, and there is no aftermarket rear springs available. Most companies make rear struts that are complete with upper mounts, dust boots and everything all ready to go. The AC-delco part number is 503-359 and they retail for about $120 ea. The front struts on your car are cartridges, and they are part #503-96 and run $40 ea. There is a special tool required to change the cartridges (avaliable in A-Zones tool loan program) and it is not required to remove the spring/lower cartridge housing to change the fronts. I would advise against Gabriel branded struts (although I hear their ultra series are decent). Personally , I'd stick with Delco, or go with Monroe (not sensa-trac) or KYB.

[AmatureCDV Driver]

thanks for the advice, i was thinking of going with the monroe myself.

[SNKPWR]

Originally Posted by richtazz

Your car has the single mono-leaf rear suspension, and there is no aftermarket rear springs available. Most companies make rear struts that are complete with upper mounts, dust boots and everything all ready to go. The AC-delco part number is 503-359 and they retail for about $120 ea. The front struts on your car are cartridges, and they are part #503-96 and run $40 ea. There is a special tool required to change the cartridges (avaliable in A-Zones tool loan program) and it is not required to remove the spring/lower cartridge housing to change the fronts. I would advise against Gabriel branded struts (although I hear their ultra series are decent). Personally , I'd stick with Delco, or go with Monroe (not sensa-trac) or KYB.

the fronts on my 93 SE are shot...so they're only 40 bucks each and can be replaced w/ an autozone loan tool??? i may have to tackle that one...just remove the strut assembly and remove/replace the cartridge?? that would be cool....

on a side note rich, do you ,know if the dealer has the replacement bulbs/bases for the instrument cluster/DIC bulbs on 97-03's?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by SNKPWR

on a side note rich, do you ,know if the dealer has the replacement bulbs/bases for the instrument cluster/DIC bulbs on 97-03's?

The IP panel lamps are AC Delco LL194 but you can use any alternate brand like Sylvania 194. The suitable replacement for the 5 DIC bulbs is Sylvania #24.

A lot cheaper than the GM dealer and better availability...Autozone, etc.

[SNKPWR]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

The IP panel lamps are AC Delco LL194 but you can use any alternate brand like Sylvania 194. The suitable replacement for the 5 DIC bulbs is Sylvania #24.

A lot cheaper than the GM dealer and better availability...Autozone, etc.

do those #24's come with the plastic base?? i need one since i hooked up my Perf Shift light in the DIC, and tied it into the switch i mounted to turn Perf Shift on/off (for my DHP 1.0)...i pilfered the low washer fluid bulb/base, and would like to find one to put back in it's place...

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by SNKPWR

do those #24's come with the plastic base?? i need one since i hooked up my Perf Shift light in the DIC, and tied it into the switch i mounted to turn Perf Shift on/off (for my DHP 1.0)...i pilfered the low washer fluid bulb/base, and would like to find one to put back in it's place...

No it is just the bulb with the contacts integrated into the glass base.

You're about a year too late. I had an old DIC to give away. I threw it in the trash.