Advice on which econ-strut. '89 LS

[Mudman]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for some advice on choosing the lesser evil here.

1989 Lancer Shelby

I've replaced all my bushing with PolyBushings and I plan to go with the BC Coilover conversion later down the road. Being as I can't quite afford the conversion just yet, and I have blown struts and shocks, I'm in the market for cheap suspension.

I'll be going with KYB Gas-A-Just shocks for the rear as they're a decent affordable option from what I know. If there's a better option in that price range, please do inform me.

But what about those pesky front struts?? My fallback is KYB GR2's. I've heard that the Gabriel's and Monroe's are even worse than this sad excuse of a strut. If any of you know of a better econ-strut available, I would really appreciate the input. Thanks guys!

-Zach

[ajakeski]

I have KYB GR -2 struts and KYB gas a just shocks on my 1989 Lancer Shelby. I don't have any problems with them.
The ride is firm, but nothing that will loosen fillings.

[Mudman]

Thanks for the reply.

It's good to hear your personal experience with the KYB setup. I ordered the parts earlier tonight from rockauto. Only ran me about 160 after shipping for all corners =]

[ajakeski]

The roads here are pretty beat from snow plowing and freeze-thaw cycles. I've consiered something stiffer on the Lancer, but it would probably shake apart.
It corners well and is great on the highway.

[tryingbe]

Last set of GR2 lasted a few months before the front end is floaty again.

[Mudman]

The roads here are pretty beat from snow plowing and freeze-thaw cycles. I've consiered something stiffer on the Lancer, but it would probably shake apart.
It corners well and is great on the highway.

We're lucky enough here in Oregon to have mild winters and well maintained roads, so you can have a lot of fun with a more aggressive suspension. The KYB will still be a huge upgrade from my shot stock stuff.

[Mudman]

After browsing around a bit and looking at options on RockAuto, I started to wonder if I should be replacing the top mounting hardware for my struts. If so, is it important to part match? (I.E. get KYB mounts since I ordered KYB struts, etc.) What I have on there now is stock as far as I;m aware

These are pretty basic questions, I know, but I haven't done extensive suspension work in my experience and don't want any unhappy surprises during installation. Thanks guys!