Suspension questions for 2000 Convt

[lottathought]

I have a 2000 Mustang Convertible with the V6 engine.
It has about 102K mikes on it.

As of late, it is starting to ride a little like a tank so I am thinking that it is time to change the shocks. (Never been done before)
I have purchased the shop manuals and it looks easy enough to do.

I do have a few questions though and I am hoping that somebody can help me out by answering them. I have searched and have not found the answers to my questions.

I want to do the job properly but I am not looking to spend any more money than I have to.
I also have no desire to lower the car. I just want to get my smooth ride back.

I have seen a few mentions of changing the springs when I change the shocks...but this has usually been mentioned in reference to lowering the car. How concerned should I be that my springs are worn out? It has never been driven all that hard and they look fine to the eye.
And in addition to the springs and shocks...are there any other parts that I should be paying attention to and changing at this time?

I have seen a few mentions of the Tokico shocks and struts. I have also seen a mention of the Monroe Sensi-tracs.
What I can not seem to find any info out on is if the Tokicos really offer anything to the daily driver over the Monroes. If there is a significant advantage over the Monroes for daily driving they might justify the extra in cost... otherwise, maybe I would just be wasting my money. And if the Monroes are too low end and the Tokicos are too high end for what I want..what is the happy medium?

Also...just for my knowledge...on average..should I consider changing the shocks and struts to be routine maint? If so...about how many miles should pass between changes?

Lastly...when I have checked different sites for prices, I have noticed that some sites seperate the hard top and the convertible Mustangs. Other sites do not.
Is there a difference that I should know about when ordering the shocks and struts?


Thanks in advance for any help.

[351wStang]

Not sure if there is a difference between the coupe & vert as far as the shocks/struts go. But if you are just looking for a stock replacement shock/strut then I'd suggest going to your local auto parts store and picking up whatever they have. As far as the springs go they should be fine. But you may want to take a look at the rubber "bushing" or "spring cup" or whatever they are called that goes between the springs and the body & control arms. These rubber peices ware out eventually.