Just bought an 02 P5, need new struts and springs...daily driver.

[prz]

from what ive read so far, KYB seems to be the strut closest to a stock setup.
also, i dont know the difference between the KYB or KYB Gr2

and what about the springs?
what should i get? i just want something cost effective to restore the original ride.
should i even replace my springs at all?

also, at quick glance from some links posted here on the forum, i cant seem to find a place to buy only the front 2 springs..
im not going to replace both front and rear at this time. just need the fronts.

thanks yall.

 

[CR3 Motorsports]

Go with coilovers!

 

[prz]

expand on that please...
why should i get coilovers? are they cheap and provide a stock ride?
brand? where to buy?

 

[derekshannon]

I have KYB's and Racing Beat springs. .75" lower than stock but rides and handles great!

 

[prz]

i just want to be economical here...coilovers look to be more of a racer quality with the ability to adjust..i dont need that.

thanks derekshannon for your input..

can someone comment on whether or not i need to replace the springs at all? unless they are broken, do they really wear out?
im thinking of just re-using what i have..

 

[ihone]

unless you're springs are showing significant signs of sagging (lower on one side than the other) - I would throw a set of quality struts on it and call it good. That's one of the most financially "sound" ways to take care of your issue.

just my $.02

 

[o0n8]

unless you're springs are showing significant signs of sagging (lower on one side than the other) - I would throw a set of quality struts on it and call it good. That's one of the most financially "sound" ways to take care of your issue.

just my $.02

+1 springs should be fine, just new struts and an alignment

 

[prz]

thanks yall, thats what ill do.

 

[prz]

hey also, i read that the KYB Gr2's are now being called Excel G's...havent seen anyone mention that yet, but when i was looking for them, i ran across that tidbit of info..

 

[Mazda Fan]

I installed the Excel G struts to all four corners. Car handles great again. Would love to have added Eibach springs but it was'nt in the budget. If your going to change them yourself, may I suggest you have new endlinks ready if you have to cut the old ones. It would be a good idea to change the bump stops too. My original ones were vaporized after 175,000 miles. Bought everything I needed from rockauto.

 

[Jordysoso]

^ get some escape endlinks on if this is the case!!

 

[Vangpride]

Get some stagg struts with Tein S tech Springs. Works wonders and is about a 1.5 or so drop all around.

 

[00bluees]

all you need is new struts, springs should be fine like others mentioned. and an alignment is key.

 

[prz]

im getting the 02 ford escape end links..can i get the bump stops at autozone or advance auto parts too?

had an alignment done a week ago, lambs tire and auto said they would redo the alignment after the struts were installed for free...
they dont normally do that, but i had to get pushy with them after they did my alignment knowing i had a bad strut and therefore my car still pulls to the right..

thanks again for all the help.

also, anyone know of any online step by step instructions on replacing the end links?
also, ive been hearing the terms (end links, sway bar, tie rod ) are these all referring to the same part? getting kind a confused..

i will be doing all the work myself.

 

[Mazda Fan]

end links and sway bar links are the same thing. I didn't have air tools so I ended up separating the ball joints on the endlinks. With the exposed end I cranked down a set of vice grips. The vice grips would turn and hit the frame, then I was able to remove the nut with a breaker bar. The rotors were off at the time so it made it easier. Advance auto shows the bump stop but I doubt you'll find a store with it in stock.

there is a really good how-to on this site for strut replacement or lowering springs. It will show you info on the endlinks. I didn't have the patience for them so I muscled them off.