My TH has done 145000kms, so looking at everyone's opinion on whether the shocks need replacing.

Contemplating lowered springs as well, so also wanting to know whether to do the shocks at the same time as the springs. Would I be saving much in labour costs doing both instead of doing springs now and shocks later?

Considering the k's I would replace the shocks. By the sounds of it there the originals.
And its always better to replace shocks if your changing to new lower springs also. Labour cost shouldn't change much cause they have to take the struts out and pull the springs and shocks apart to change over. I not sure on actual labor costs as I lowered my car myself.

you would saved on labour no doubt. I had my shocks changed at about 145000km in my TF as well as they were on their way out. I would be wise to change both at the same time.
Going by what a member told me, he paid about $40 per corner to replace shocks and spring by Pedders recently. K Mart charged me $160 some time ago to have lowered springs fitted to my car, at the time my shocks were about 20000km old.

You should be able to work out when your own shocks need replacing, by pressing down on each corner of the car, it should rebound back up and stop.
If it continues to bounce up and down til it settles, They are Dead..... or watch some one drive over a speed hump and it should not continue to bounce. It should be firm, or just watch a couple of cars go over one and you'll soon see the difference.

As far as I've been able to tell, 160,000 is a really good run out of shocks, and past that is rare.

As aftermarket springs are easier to fit the OEM's, ( OEM spring's are much longer than Aftermarkets and are tedious to compress and decompress to remove and re-use, it's way easier to discard the strut n spring) if you thought about lowering, now is the time, it save you labour time as they don't have to remove your old springs from your knackered shocks, but you will pay more, as the springs will cost you gennerally around 250.00 or more depending on brand. It may save you up to a hundred in labour.

New shocks that popular are Munroe GT Gas, KYB's and Boges ( Listed in Price/performance = cheapest/lowest performance).

These parts are also available from our sponsors.

But as per the norm, research yourself. As one person's opinion is well, just one person's opinion.

Marty.

IMO, and it should be fairly safe to ASSuME, that better springs is a better performance increase than shocks ( at the cost of ride softness/Quality) but the two combined well is bliss, If I were to choose, I would go with TYPE40's gear i.e. King springs + Boge shocks. Great handling but very comfortable.

If I were to choose, I would go with TYPE40's gear i.e. King springs + Boge shocks. Great handling but very comfortable.

Definitely the way to go, unless you want to start spending big $$ for konis or similar.

You should be able to work out when your own shocks need replacing, by pressing down on each corner of the car, it should rebound back up and stop.
If it continues to bounce up and down til it settles, They are Dead..... or watch some one drive over a speed hump and it should not continue to bounce. It should be firm, or just watch a couple of cars go over one and you'll soon see the difference.



The 'bounce' test' is about as unscientific as you can possibly be. Yes if they fail the 'bounce test' they are definantely stuffed, as it means there is literally no damping on the rebound stroke whatsoever.

But most of the time stuffed dampers will pass the 'bounce test'.

Bottom line is @145,000km the dampers are definantely stuffed. Most cheapo OEM/aftermarket shocks are not working correctly by 60-80,000km - not that most people would notice.

New shocks always work better than old shocks, there is no magic point on the speedo where they become "stuffed" overnight, they simply become less efficient at absorbing the energy oscillations of the wheels as km/time goes by. If you don't approve of your suspension abilities by all means replace everything.

Thanks for the comments. Some detailed responses there. Looks like we have a consensus on new shocks and springs at the same time. I will definately be going with the king lows and either the KYB or Boges for the shocks.

Just need to source them at a good price. Not sure of local prices. Anyone recommend a supplier that can freight if local is too dear?

IMO, and it should be fairly safe to ASSuME, that better springs is a better performance increase than shocks ( at the cost of ride softness/Quality) but the two combined well is bliss, If I were to choose, I would go with TYPE40's gear i.e. King springs + Boge shocks. Great handling but very comfortable.
I agree. I went from reasonably worn (100k kms) stock springs/shocks to King Lows/KYBs. Ride is definitely firmer because of the stiffer springs, but because of the better shockies, I actually prefer how it rides compared to stock. I'm going to go for Konis next time around though.

As stated, because of labour costs, if you're thinking of putting lower springs on, now would be the time.


Anyone recommend a supplier that can freight if local is too dear?
Try Philcom Rally.

speak to shawn from phillcom rally (club sponsor) he'll have competitive prices for shock and spring packages.

The 'bounce' test' is about as unscientific as you can possibly be. Yes if they fail the 'bounce test' they are definantely stuffed, as it means there is literally no damping on the rebound stroke whatsoever.

But most of the time stuffed dampers will pass the 'bounce test'.

Bottom line is @145,000km the dampers are definantely stuffed. Most cheapo OEM/aftermarket shocks are not working correctly by 60-80,000km - not that most people would notice.

I really agree with this. And in all reality, a car with good shock absorbers shouldnt be able to be bounced anyway. They will be too stiff. I have adjustable shockabsorbers in my sti, and i know when they need another click up as they no longer are solid over speed bumps, the car feels softer (eg taking speed bumps at speed, or hard corners)

basically shocks do have quite a short life span from optimal performance to just average, then quickly become unsafe.

But they are also one of the best improvements to a cars handling, IMHO more than any spring could ever give because the make the wheels movements controlled.

basically shocks do have quite a short life span from optimal performance to just average, then quickly become unsafe.

But they are also one of the best improvements to a cars handling, IMHO more than any spring could ever give because the make the wheels movements controlled.


I just replaced my shockies today.. i used the good old monroe gt gas shocks to replace the oldies.. it took me all of 45 mins to change all 4 cnrs that included havein to make a mad dash to the local repco store to get 2 new boot kits.. my shocks were stuffed to the point of the front bump stops that are normally 4 inches in lenght were 1/3 of inch.. lol

it is amazing how big of a diffrence new shocks do to the handlein of the car....

I agree. I went from reasonably worn (100k kms) stock springs/shocks to King Lows/KYBs. Ride is definitely firmer because of the stiffer springs, but because of the better shockies, I actually prefer how it rides compared to stock. I'm going to go for Konis next time around though.

As stated, because of labour costs, if you're thinking of putting lower springs on, now would be the time.


Try Philcom Rally.


speak to shawn from phillcom rally (club sponsor) he'll have competitive prices for shock and spring packages.

Thanks Guys. Will contact them soon.

I really agree with this. And in all reality, a car with good shock absorbers shouldnt be able to be bounced anyway. They will be too stiff. I have adjustable shockabsorbers in my sti, and i know when they need another click up as they no longer are solid over speed bumps, the car feels softer (eg taking speed bumps at speed, or hard corners)

basically shocks do have quite a short life span from optimal performance to just average, then quickly become unsafe.

But they are also one of the best improvements to a cars handling, IMHO more than any spring could ever give because the make the wheels movements controlled.


I just replaced my shockies today.. i used the good old monroe gt gas shocks to replace the oldies.. it took me all of 45 mins to change all 4 cnrs that included havein to make a mad dash to the local repco store to get 2 new boot kits.. my shocks were stuffed to the point of the front bump stops that are normally 4 inches in lenght were 1/3 of inch.. lol

it is amazing how big of a diffrence new shocks do to the handlein of the car....

Cheers Guys. I guess you don't notice the slow decline in performance as the km's click by over time.

This may help.

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70312&highlight=boges

This may help.

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70312&highlight=boges

It does thanks Ange71.

First local quote on King Lows and Boge shocks including fitting + wheel align = $1350. Seems a bit high??

Seems about right to me. I am in the same process as you, getting quotes and the highest I have found is

$1760 including bushes for the AWD sway bars - Pedders... eww.

Cheapest is

$1330 from a suspension and preformance centre in Geebung, Brisbane.

It does seem a tad high. I paid $1215 for King Lows + KYBs + alignment, and I got it done in the sticks. I would have thought about $1100 with the Boges would be pretty competitive, but if you're familiar with the workshop, I'd be prepared to pay that much.

Cheers for the comments guys. Still have a couple of quotes to get.

Hey Dehydrated, did you end up finding someone a a good price? I can't beat $1330 in Brisbane at the moment. Would love to know if you found someone to do the shocks, lower, and alignment below that?

Dehydrated, have you contacted Shaun at Phillcom, my set - Boges, with King Spring lows was $670 + $150 to fit + 60 for a four wheel alignment.

Goodluck mate.

Oh, here is his mobile #0434828207

Hey Dehydrated, did you end up finding someone a a good price? I can't beat $1330 in Brisbane at the moment. Would love to know if you found someone to do the shocks, lower, and alignment below that?

Not as yet Joshua. $1350 is the best I can find so far, but I am in Rocky. Refer to my comments below to Ange71's post as this may be a better option for you too.


Dehydrated, have you contacted Shaun at Phillcom, my set - Boges, with King Spring lows was $670 + $150 to fit + 60 for a four wheel alignment.

Goodluck mate.

Oh, here is his mobile #0434828207


Cheers Ange71. I have the same quote from Shaun but I am in Qld so can't get him to fit. Still looking at getting from Shaun and finding someone to fit to save some $$$$$$$. Only $50 to freight, so only need fitting and align under $600 to make this option a goer.

dehydrated, If Caboolture isn't too far out of your way, Wayne from Deepcore Service Centre seems to know what he is on about and has priced me for KYB springs and Strut replacement at $1100, with just possibly some additional costs for the bushes and bump stops. Maybe he can help you out?

dehydrated, If Caboolture isn't too far out of your way, Wayne from Deepcore Service Centre seems to know what he is on about and has priced me for KYB springs and Strut replacement at $1100, with just possibly some additional costs for the bushes and bump stops. Maybe he can help you out?

Cheers Joshua. Will check this out. Looks like time for a road trip! :ninja: