Struts for 99 Ultra

[bronzeback5]

Just wondering if the Monroe Sensa Trac is the best strut replacement for my 99 Ultra. I was looking at Monroe 71665. I would like the softest ride without breaking the bank.

[northstar1958]

I went with the monroe sensatracs and really love the ride. Don't know if its the softest since i bought my pa used with 130,000 miles, so the struts were already bad. The sensatracs really tightened up the ride....I like the tight firm feel, not soft and floaty. After about a month the monroes broke in and the ride was excellent. The sensatracs are my first choice...

Northstar

[HotZ28]

Sensa-Trac shocks and struts have groove tube technology that features precision tapered grooves that allow fluid to flow freely around the piston, creating a smoother ride under the wide range of driving conditions. During emergency maneuvers or braking, the piston travels beyond the grooves firming up the ride for added safety and control when it is needed most. Click Here for more details.

[bigsky]

I find the sensa-trac a bit "floaty" for my taste. I put them on a 97 and the part # was 71664 (different number but I think the same strut).

I put KYB's on a 99 and appreciate the firmness of them. Much better IMO. The KYB are not available for the 97 so tried the Monroe's. Both of these cars have the FE1 Dynaride suspension. The F41 Gran Touring suspension has stiffer springs so that would be another consideration (if one has this).

I recently had an emergency maneuver with the Monroes and while it did drive the strut hard I was able to maintain control so glad to know about that feature.

The trouble is one does not know until trying something; also have to consider the wear on the springs...I imagine they do weaken over time.

[bronzeback5]

I ordered the Monroe 71665 from Amazon. I found them for $134.59 shipped. Great price, quite a bit cheaper than Advanced, etc. I will share my thoughts on them after i get them installed. I plan on taking them to a buddy who works at a shop and having him swap everything. I would like to swap them myself but everyone i ask says it's too dangerous. Anybody ever use the cheap spring compressors that you tighten by hand. Would just like to do it myself so i know that i can do it again if i ever need to.

[HotZ28]

Even if you had the special tools & equipment to do the job, you will have to take it to an alignment shop afterwards for a 4-wheel alignment. IMHO, it would be better to let the shop do the complete job. The job is not that difficult, (with the proper tools) but unless you have been through it before, it could be a major PITA!

[bronzeback5]

I just changed the front struts tonight and put on the Monroe 71665's. Wow, what a difference. I should have done that a year ago. I am going to have the wife take it in Monday for an allignment and i will be able to drive it more after that. I put another brand rear air shock (gabriel or KYB i think) on the back about a year ago and i do not like them at all. Pump was not working and it was easier to just throw some air shocks on there. I may start looking at Monroes for the back or searching the forums. Anyway's, this was the best money i ever spent on my PA.

[bigsky]

Originally Posted by bronzeback5

I just changed the front struts tonight and put on the Monroe 71665's. Wow, what a difference. I should have done that a year ago. I am going to have the wife take it in Monday for an allignment and i will be able to drive it more after that. I put another brand rear air shock (gabriel or KYB i think) on the back about a year ago and i do not like them at all. Pump was not working and it was easier to just throw some air shocks on there. I may start looking at Monroes for the back or searching the forums. Anyway's, this was the best money i ever spent on my PA.

Monroe makes the MA822 air-adjustable for the rear. I bought a pair for the 97 but have not put them on yet. Looks to be a fairly easy job, except for maybe the time to remove the trunk liner. Alignment not needed after replacing the rear. Check "Big River" for deal.

[bronzeback5]

Took the PA in for wheel alignment after changing some tie rods. The shop said that they could not do the front because my Sensa-Tracs did not have the grooves in the bolt holes that allow them to adjust the camber or toe ( don't remember which). They said i needed some special bolts that will allow them to make adjustments. Fill me in here.

[bigsky]

Originally Posted by bronzeback5

Took the PA in for wheel alignment after changing some tie rods. The shop said that they could not do the front because my Sensa-Tracs did not have the grooves in the bolt holes that allow them to adjust the camber or toe ( don't remember which). They said i needed some special bolts that will allow them to make adjustments. Fill me in here.

When I had the 97 aligned at a Buick dealer I was told similar; the camber (pendulum) adjustment could not be made. No mention was made of special bolts allowing this. They did align the toe and caster however and the car drives well.

[Jrs3800]

After doing these struts on the 97+ Parks, and a hand full of the 97+ W bodies.. I have seen no room for adjustment.. On these cars castor is not adjustable either.. Toe is adjustable..

I would have the alignment checked after doing the front, they should have a tiny bit of room to play with, but even then it will be next to nothing..

If this was a 91-96 Park ave this would be a very different story and the alignment would have to be reset 100%..

The Rear shocks... MA22 is the Monroe Max Air... Its a good replacement air shock.. Some like the firmer ride other don't care for it... The removal and install is easy, and I do like the firmer ride...

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by bronzeback5

Took the PA in for wheel alignment after changing some tie rods. The shop said that they could not do the front because my Sensa-Tracs did not have the grooves in the bolt holes that allow them to adjust the camber or toe ( don't remember which). They said i needed some special bolts that will allow them to make adjustments. Fill me in here.

Click Here for a variety of camber/caster adjustment shims & eccentric bolts.

[HotZ28]

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[hairbear21]

I have a quick question. I have a '98 Ultra with the F41 suspension. I did struts at about 125K, and they are due to be replaced again (247K). I bought the sensatrac because no one had anything for the F41 option, and I haven't liked them very much, so I was wondering if anyone has any idea where I can find the correct struts for the suspension that I have, that would be great.

Thank you.

[TopherS]

Originally Posted by hairbear21

I have a quick question. I have a '98 Ultra with the F41 suspension. I did struts at about 125K, and they are due to be replaced again (247K). I bought the sensatrac because no one had anything for the F41 option, and I haven't liked them very much, so I was wondering if anyone has any idea where I can find the correct struts for the suspension that I have, that would be great.

Thank you.

When I got mine (SensaTrac struts), the other option was KYB, but I was told that they would firm up the ride on my car. I have the FE1 suspension, and I wanted the soft ride. In all my searches for struts, I found that KYB and SensaTrac's seemed to be the only options out there. I heard that the dealer has some "OEM" struts, but that they did not seem to be recommended. Sounds like the KYB's may be your better choice.