Aftermarked struts and shocks; 2004 LeSabre

[lbear]

Are the AC Delco loaded struts any good?

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

They are probably the most expensive so not a lot of owners may choose them because of cost. The other item is if they are actually OEM or one of GM AC Delco other grades like Professional or Advantage which are probably outsource to one of any number of manufacturers and a GM AC Delco part# and labes slapped on.

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

 

[lbear]

If you get the KYB struts but replace the strut mount with an AC Delco/GM version, does the spring have to be removed pff the loaded strut?

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

If you get the KYB struts but replace the strut mount with an AC Delco/GM version, does the spring have to be removed pff the loaded strut?

you need to compress the spring to remove the mount off the top, yes. you dont need to remove it from the strut assembly but you cant remove the mount without the spring wanting to play 🙁

 

[JGBuick]

you need to compress the spring to remove the mount off the top, yes. you dont need to remove it from the strut assembly but you cant remove the mount without the spring wanting to play 🙁

Yes... exactly. The springs are under compression and you definitely DO NOT want to remove the center nut without compressing the spring.
(Spring compressors are dangerous if you don't know what you are doing.) So... while the spring is compressed to the point (Using a compressor) of zero-tension on the top mount, the nut can be removed and the shock body exchanged for the new one. It's a slow process that takes much care.

If you have never done this before... Verse yourself in the knowledge and perhaps even obtain professional assistance. That's just my 0.02cts.

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

Yes... exactly. The springs are under compression and you definitely DO NOT want to remove the center nut without compressing the spring.
(Spring compressors are dangerous if you don't know what you are doing.) So... while the spring is compressed to the point (Using a compressor) of zero-tension on the top mount, the nut can be removed and the shock body exchanged for the new one. It's a slow process that takes much care.

If you have never done this before... Verse yourself in the knowledge and perhaps even obtain professional assistance. That's just my 0.02cts.

We need some cages like they use for large medium/heavy duty trucks to mount tires and air up, as well as old split rims. Just something like that for the strut 🙂

 

[lbear]

So it looks like using KYB gas struts, factory springs, factory strut mounts, would be the best outcome. It's too bad that one can't just get a loaded strut that works well without issues. Maybe the Gabriel loaded strut could work but still some reported clicking problems. It's a pain to have to remove and load springs, not an easy task for the DIYer.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

All this worry about safety, I mean what could possibly go wrong doing strut springs.....

 

[John Canon]

All this worry about safety, I mean what could possibly go wrong doing strut springs.....
View attachment 36289

As Inspector Clousseau would say, "It's a bim."

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

All this worry about safety, I mean what could possibly go wrong doing strut springs.....
View attachment 36289

Id like to see some color variety zip ties but the spirit is in the right place

 

[RobR]

So it looks like using KYB gas struts, factory springs, factory strut mounts, would be the best outcome. It's too bad that one can't just get a loaded strut that works well without issues. Maybe the Gabriel loaded strut could work but still some reported clicking problems. It's a pain to have to remove and load springs, not an easy task for the DIYer.

Thats what i did and im happy with. 30k mi on em and they feel like new.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Shops will do the spring swaps, but most owners are doing this type of replacement to cut cost, so it doesn't get mentioned often and it's another option.

The only issue is that the owner is now taking on the responsibility for all the components are going to have the proper fitment.

 

[JGBuick]

Shops will do the spring swaps, but most owners are doing this type of replacement to cut cost, so it doesn't get mentioned often and it's another option.

The only issue is that the owner is now taking on the responsibility for all the components are going to have the proper fitment.

Correct. Some don't even like doing it for some odd reason... It can be done, but adds another degree of complexity.

Even the "Quick-Struts"... for the DYI'er... Not for the average person or moderately "mechanical"... One must be ready to dive-in and have a backup plan.

 

[lbear]

Shops will do the spring swaps, but most owners are doing this type of replacement to cut cost, so it doesn't get mentioned often and it's another option.

The only issue is that the owner is now taking on the responsibility for all the components are going to have the proper fitment.

True but like mentioned. Any warranty is gone as once you start mixing and matching parts.

 

[lbear]

So you got new KYB shocks and reused the old GM springs? Did you get a new GM strut top mount?

Who mounted the spring onto the shocks? A shop or did you do it yourself?

 

[JGBuick]

So you got new KYB shocks and reused the old GM springs? Did you get a new GM strut top mount?

Who mounted the spring onto the shocks? A shop or did you do it yourself?

I just did my rear shocks (Piece of cake). I haven't purchased any front suspension parts yet... still weighing options. But yes... New KYB's and using the GM mounts and old springs (Really nothing wrong with the springs!). I"m checking around to see if someone will mount the shocks for me...

If not??? I will do them myself. (Just a Pain in the A___ to do...) 🙂

 

[lbear]

Strutmasters sells a loaded strut but it doesn't say who manufactured the strut parts:
2000-2005 Buick LeSabre EZ Strut Full Strut Assembly (Front SMLS281)

As does 1A Auto or TRQ:
2004 Buick LeSabre Front Driver & Passenger Side 2 Piece Strut & Spring Assembly Set TRQ SCA56967

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

LOL, suggestions are good but actually doing it is something different.

The spring perch is one item to check on fitment when doing the mix and match process and limiting the number of different manufacturers can also help on eliminating the potential of parts not playing well with others.

 

[mikec6201]

OK here is what I did . 2005 Lesabre , I got the Monroe quick struts and used them with the new spring . Yes it raised the front end about an inch , but I felt that the factory springs were probably a bit weak after 100005 miles . A couple months later I replaced the rear shocks as they were shot . I did something a bit different and installed coil-over shocks . The ride is just a bit stiffer , but the ride height matches the front and the handling is much improved . Probably not for everyone , but I like it .