Rear Suspension what to replace?

LastSVXintheChi · #1 01-23-2013, 03:21 PM

Hey guys i was just curious about something...i have asked several people this and i have had 3 different answers so im hoping to get some help here

my rear suspension is getting real saggy and i want to know if i need to replace both struts and springs or just struts or just springs or neither. the ass is riding real low and the other day the rear tire started rubbing when i had 4 people in the car. there really isnt any bounce like the front.

one guy told me to do both because the springs in the back aren't as "strong" as the springs in the front

another just the struts because thats all i did in the front and they were fine

someone else you dont need to replace them until **** starts dragging XD (i thought this was funny)

thanks in advance

North Ursalia · #2 01-23-2013, 05:37 PM

Your ride height is determined more by your springs than your struts. If the rear is sagging due to weight, you want to replace the springs. Thing is, if you are going to replace the springs, you might as well do the struts too, as the whole kaboodle has to come out to do one or the other.

processengr · #3 01-23-2013, 05:39 PM

If the suspension is down 2" or so, its more likely your strut mounts has collapsed.

LastSVXintheChi · #4 01-23-2013, 06:44 PM

North yeah thats what I figured about the ride height and about replacing them...i guess I was hoping I wouldn't have to spend all that money on them

Proces its deffenetly more than 2 inches but im sure those need to be replaced too.

Right now my springs in the back are only about 8" long...thats seems a little short doesnt it?

SURTEESS · #5 01-28-2013, 10:32 AM

The other option rather than replacing the springs is to get them re-tempered, here in NZ it costs less than 1/2 price of 1 new spring to do both...

SVXMAN2001 · #6 01-28-2013, 10:54 AM

I have been researching this for a bit as well, I am in the process of replacing my entire rear suspension.

The concensus based upon automotive articles, internet articles, posts and blogs indicate that springs do not wear and recommend replacing the struts to address a fatigued suspension.

Springs however can become compromised due to a severely worn strut or failure of another major suspension component, i.e. strut mount. This is in no way gospel, but wanted to share.