[Shotimes] Suspension? Advice

[van Oss]

Stock rear Taurus springs, SLO or SHO, do tend to sag.  I would replace
them.

I agree with Kerby --- since you carry a trunkful, you want Cargo Coils.
They are rated higher (measured in lbs. of load needed to compress the
spring one inch) than factory springs, so your car will sag less when
loaded, improving handling.  If you were to empty out the trunk, Cargo Coils
in the rear would feel firmer than stock springs.  If you carry a load most
of the time, the ride will feel like stock.

Because Cargo Coils are rated higher, they need a beefier strut to
compensate.  Monroe Sensa-Tracs are not quite enough.  However, there are a
few owners who have that combo for budget reasons, and you might feel it's
an acceptable compromise for your budget.  If you can spend just a little
more, not a lot, I would look at KYB GR2 struts.  They are a bit better
match to the rating of the Cargo Coils.  Don't neglect to watch for them on
eBay.

The rattle you hear might be the strut mount plate, yes.  Another
possibility is the rear sway-bar link.  You'll know more when you get things
apart.  While you're working in the vicinity, I'd advise checking and
perhaps replacing all the sway-bar bushings.  This would be a convenient
time to consider upgrading to a 26mm rear sway-bar, if you wish.

One time-saving tip:  Get yourself a ratcheting box-end wrench in the 13mm
size.  When you get to removing the three nuts that hold the strut mount to
the body on each side, crawl into the trunk and use your new wrench.  Much
faster than pulling the rear seat and deck.

VO


----- Original Message -----
From: "Barry Hayes" <Barry@kingcon.com>
Cc: "'Shotimes'" <shotimes@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, July 05, 2004 2:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Shotimes] Suspension? Advice


Hello
A need some advice on rear suspension. I will soon need to replace a
leaky rear strut. I know this means both of them. I will probably go
with Monroe Sensatracs for budget reasons and since I don't do any track
work. However the rear seems to be dragging and I am contemplating doing
the springs since the struts will be out anyway. What would be a good
swap in? Factory original? Perhaps something a bit stronger? I usually
carry a fair amount of stuff in the trunk since this is my  business
car, but I want a good ride and decent handling. I do mostly interstate
driving but I live in northern Vermont so there is also a lot of 2 lane
blacktop. I've heard of Moog cargo coils. Any opinions? What about trw
springs from autozone? Are they comparable to factory ratings & quality?

Finally, any surprises I should expect doing the struts? I have a rattle
at the top of the left strut which I suspect is a bad mount. Is this a
factory only part? Anything else I should watch out for?
Thanks in advance
Barry Hayes

95mtx all stock 120K+

--
"It's all in the mind ya know"- George Harrison
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