Should you do shock and struts at same time?

[wyzard]

Would it be best to do the shock and struts at the same time? Or can I just do the rears and then put front struts on in a month or so?

Thinking of going with the Konis.....

Thanks for the help.

[quicksilverdon]

Best if done together, but there were times I did just the rear shocks because I could do those myself - not a problem.

[SteelBlueGT]

In fact it would be interesting if you put the rears on first and then waited and see how the car handled then put on the fronts and see what feels the best. BTW I think all 4 will be best especially if you go with Koni's!

[wyzard]

Thanks for the input. Know I can do the backs myself... How about the fronts with the Koni's?? Hard to do? I've read pros and cons with the cutting, etc.

Thinking maybe I'll just have a local shop do those, but.... always willing to try something if it isn't too hard....

Thanks again.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by wyzard

Thanks for the input. Know I can do the backs myself... How about the fronts with the Koni's?? Hard to do? I've read pros and cons with the cutting, etc.

Thinking maybe I'll just have a local shop do those, but.... always willing to try something if it isn't too hard....

Thanks again.

The fronts are struts which require a spring compressor. What cutting? Should not have to do any cutting.

[DeeV-PT]

quote:Originally posted by quicksilverdon

Best if done together, but there were times I did just the rear shocks because I could do those myself - not a problem.

im in the same boat, if i could avoid the trouble of doing the front struts i''l have someone do it. off course never do one at a time. seems obvious but ive heard stories...

btw wyzard, im interested in hearing about this cutting? on Koni's? whatever you heard---DONT cut it. the only time i heard cutting coils was some import racer guys who cut STOCK coils springs.

[wyzard]

This is where I read about "cutting".....

http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/koni-shocks-review/

See page 2 for information on installation of the front strut inserts. I'd love to get the Koni's but dont' know based on this...

[Sci-Fi]

Yes...for the Koni's, you have to reuse the front struts and cut out part of the top and remove all the guts out of the strut. Then you have to drill a hole at the bottom so you can secure the Koni strut cartridge with a bolt. May need a washer if the hole isn't dead on and you have to slightly make the hole larger. I've asked Koni if they can make a proper strut for the PT, but they say nothing is planned in the future and doing the cutting and installing the cartridge is your only option. If you own a "Sawall" or know somebody that has one, borrow that (wear old clothes) and the cutting will be a lot easier and faster. Then file and round the edges as smooth as possible. If you own a die grinder, it will be a lot faster.

[wyzard]

So....

would you recommend going with the Koni's or should I shift my attention somewhere else (Tokico, KYB, etc.)

Thanks for the help.

[Sci-Fi]

quote:Originally posted by wyzard

So....

would you recommend going with the Koni's or should I shift my attention somewhere else (Tokico, KYB, etc.)

Thanks for the help.

wyzard, the choice is up to you. If you don't mind doing or paying for the work, at least for the front struts, and really desire the adjustability of Koni's, then it's worth the time and money. Many people feel Koni's are worth it, while others are happy with making other choices. There's no right or wrong.

Also inspect the front control arm bushings and if they need replacing, buy the Energy Suspension urethane ones.