Suspension

[sleepyalero]

Sorry guys, really didnt wanna join the "make a suspension thread" group.. but i gotta make sure i will be getting the right thing. as you guys know im now working on lowering the car. my canuck springs come in this week. now i just need the strut assemblys...

link to front struts

http://www.justsuspension.com/kyb-excel-g-strut-334229.html

rear

http://www.justsuspension.com/kyb-excel-g-strut-334295.html


now can someone post a link that has pictures of the strut mount kit? i know i have to upgrade kybs mounts just dont exactly what all is needed. and do i need the boot kit as well that i see is offered?

i would like links to both front and rear mount kits please. i just hate to order something and it be wrong. appreciate the help.

[03Sleepr]

why did you decide to go with canuck springs?

front mounts
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-GRAND-AM-Suspension-Strut-Mounting-Kit-LEFT-RIGHT-Parts-w-Bearings-New-/230803319684?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Model%3AGrand+Am%7CSubmodel%3AGT&hash=item35bcf32b84&vxp=mtr

rear
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYB-SM5145-Rear-Strut-Mount-/200805112886?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Model%3AGrand+Am%7CSubmodel%3AGT&hash=item2ec0eadc36&vxp=mtr

boot kit
rear
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYB-SB101-Strut-Cushion-Mount-/120875652827?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Model%3AAlero&hash=item1c24c016db&vxp=mtr

front
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYB-SB104-Strut-Cushion-Mount-/110760402999?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Model%3AAlero&hash=item19c9d5a037&vxp=mtr

[sleepyalero]

jeez its gonna be 80 for rear strut mounts?

more drop then any other springs.. eibach was 1.2

h&r was 1.6 f and 1.4 rear.. i want to be even

i thought i had to replace the strut mouts with monroe mounts?




i used those as a demonstration on what i need thanks, i found a set of 2 rear for the same price as 1 kyb rear mount. and found a full monroe fromt set a little cheaper.

[03Sleepr]

jeez its gonna be 80 for rear strut mounts?

i thought i had to replace the strut mouts with monroe mounts?


monroe set
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Monroe-Strut-Mate-Strut-Mounting-Kit-Rear-Set-NEW-Warranty-/190683721720?_trksid=p2047675.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D222001%26algo%3DSIC.CURRENT%26ao%3 D1%26asc%3D119%26meid%3D4048450068206826713%26pid% 3D100009%26prg%3D1089%26rk%3D2%26sd%3D230874971068 %26

you can find them cheaper in here. but if you want monroe you gotsta pay.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=alero+rear+strut+mounts&_sacat=0&_from=R40

[sleepyalero]

monroe set
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Monroe-Strut-Mate-Strut-Mounting-Kit-Rear-Set-NEW-Warranty-/190683721720?_trksid=p2047675.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D222001%26algo%3DSIC.CURRENT%26ao%3 D1%26asc%3D119%26meid%3D4048450068206826713%26pid% 3D100009%26prg%3D1089%26rk%3D2%26sd%3D230874971068 %26

you can find them cheaper in here. but if you want monroe you gotsta pay.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=alero+rear+strut+mounts&_sacat=0&_from=R40

thanks, i think if i can find em seperetly with free shipping i can get em for around 60$ rear. and front mounts are gonna run 70-100$.


i also found these which are apparently better then stock and pretty cheap

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=160773014610&index=7&nav=SEARCH&nid=88311119787

[XanderWiFi]

I ordered a replacement strut for my destroyed AGX if you are not in a super rush I should be able to get it in soon and give a proper review with a properly installed product.

[sleepyalero]

i appreciate that but im not looking to get agx right now :(

[sleepyalero]

Well my canuck springs came in yesterday, look sweet. Still need to spend around another 350-400$ on struts, strut mounts front/rear, boot kits front and rear. Then I'll finally have her lowered.... Few more weeks.

[03Sleepr]

thanks, i think if i can find em seperetly with free shipping i can get em for around 60$ rear. and front mounts are gonna run 70-100$.


i also found these which are apparently better then stock and pretty cheap

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=160773014610&index=7&nav=SEARCH&nid=88311119787

if you look under item specifics it says "Part brand: monroe/expert series"

[sleepyalero]

Didnt even notice! Thanks for that, although I wonder if it comes with the hardware like this one does...

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=310362817232&index=0&nav=SEARCH&nid=62808818382

[tw0123]

Dammit... why wont they ship those to canada!! I need them too lol

[sleepyalero]

Dammit... why wont they ship those to canada!! I need them too lol


The rear strut mounts? I could help you. If interested, you send me money ill order a set YOU pick out. Then if you pay shipping from here to canada ill get them to you. PM me about it if you are interested. Always glad to help a fellow aleromod member. :)

[billytheman1188]

The rear strut mounts? I could help you. If interested, you send me money ill order a set YOU pick out. Then if you pay shipping from here to canada ill get them to you. PM me about it if you are interested. Always glad to help a fellow aleromod member. :)

You sir are a class act. haha.

I'd imagine those mounts come with the hardware....

[sleepyalero]

You sir are a class act. haha.

I'd imagine those mounts come with the hardware....

I try! Usually down to help out in some way!

It probably does, just wish they would show in picture.

[sleepyalero]

Just so you guys know I'm not lying.... ;)

Canuck springs :) there is 4 they are just inside each other.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/91934612-3BB3-40AA-9028-FF72A0B648E9-46591-00000C5317698077.jpg

[tw0123]

NICE!!! you going to have them powdercoated blue to match the rest of your theme you have going, or leave them red??

p.s. I will let you know on the strut mounts, I have my mechanic neighbour checking his prices at work... the dealership can get stuff shipped in cheaper than I can hahaha :) really appreciate the offer, thanks!!

[sleepyalero]

NICE!!! you going to have them powdercoated blue to match the rest of your theme you have going, or leave them red??

p.s. I will let you know on the strut mounts, I have my mechanic neighbour checking his prices at work... the dealership can get stuff shipped in cheaper than I can hahaha :) really appreciate the offer, thanks!!

If it doesn't work out let me know.

That is an awesome idea actually. Idk ill have to think about it but ill probably leave them red. Unless I can't get the job done cheap, and I mean cheap. It was 10$ extra for my modified heater tube to be powder coated blue from MMS. I'll have to see how much 4 springs would cost around here. Depending on the struts I get they will either be black or silver. Just depends which one I can find cheaper. If I get silver I won't want to get them powder coated black. Then I probably wouldn't bother with coating the springs blue...

Yet silver and blue would also look good. Ahh you came up with an awesome idea now I don't know what I want to do...

[xXManwhoreXx]

My buddy does powder coating sleepy I'll ask him

[tw0123]

I'm surprised you hadn't thougut of that given your theme!! :) just make sure yiu ask them how it would hold up with the travel of the suspension ... it just hit me that it migut crack and chip over time and have to be redone or look really funky with red/blue springs... the spiderman springs hahahaha

[mfuller]

Don't powdercoat them, or heat them in any way. You're asking for problems on something you'll never see.

[sleepyalero]

Okay so powder coating will not happen then, thanks Matt. :)

Yeah, it would be cool but wouldn't want Spider-Man springs lol.

[tw0123]

Glad the suspension guru spoke... I was thinking purely appearance, never crossed my mind about how it would alter the product like that!!

[sleepyalero]

the god has spoken!

[sleepyalero]

Another pic, but all out of the box. :)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/B9514872-A01F-497C-9511-61CF19AE6894-50611-00000D6E18A9100A.jpg

[billytheman1188]

Who has the benz? I think that's a benz key fob....lol.

[03glgold]

Who has the benz? I think that's a benz key fob....lol.

If I am not mistaken then that would be the key for the Dodge Journey...It is only a little bit different then a benz...That is what Dodge keys look like now

[sleepyalero]

Actually it's the key to our 2010 2500 cummins ;)

But yes we also have a journey (as you saw at ass last year) and the key fob is the exact same as the cummins.

[sleepyalero]

Well, looks like I got some money to blow, time to buy more suspension stuff!

[xXManwhoreXx]

Agx?

[sleepyalero]

Agx?

I'm not that rich.

[sleepyalero]

Well front struts ordered.. Monroe front and rear strut mounts ordered... All I need now is rear struts and boot kits for front and rear, that will be ordered next week.

Front struts should be here Christmas Eve. And the mounts should arrive the 21st. :)

[sleepyalero]

Everything ordered, total came to $606.36 for everything. Front struts came in today :)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/7e64e5815362de288cc0a2645dc14d82.jpg

[xXManwhoreXx]

Woot!

[sleepyalero]

I'm going to use this thread to post pictures in here when she's lowered. So keep a look out! :)

[Papa Rad17]

you finally lowering that thing?!

[sleepyalero]

Yuppppp. Couple more weeks and it will be.

[MMGT1]

you finally lowering that thing?!

hahahahahahaa..... ballz up bud!!

[Papa Rad17]

Yuppppp. Couple more weeks and it will be.
will it be done in time for ASS 13? :lol:
hahahahahahaa..... ballz up bud!!

what are you talking about? o.O My balls are draggin!

[sleepyalero]

will it be done in time for ASS 13? :lol:


what are you talking about? o.O My balls are draggin!

Yes of course it will, it will be done months before that, only thing I gotta put cash aside for now is an alignment at my local Chevy dealer. And also wait for everything to come in the mail.

What are you talking about? Your balls haven't even dropped yet.

[tw0123]

How are you assembling everything? Getting a shop to do it or renting a spring compressor? I'm still debating on how to put my set up together after i get the mounts...

[sleepyalero]

How are you assembling everything? Getting a shop to do it or renting a spring compressor? I'm still debating on how to put my set up together after i get the mounts...

I'm going to rent a spring compressor, put them together, install them myself then take the car to the Chevy dealer about 10 miles from my house for a 4 wheel alignment. :)

[sleepyalero]

Well rear struts came about an hour ago. Looks like ill be rockin 2 different colored struts.. Hahaha oh well :)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/1fe93d6b00f568fdd9eb320310cec754.jpg

All 4 struts and springs stacked up. :D just waiting on mounts and boot kits.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/6324cd5f0ad0f975a7676734f58f6577.jpg


TWO - apparently I get my boot kits and mounts in tomorrow. So I will have to take the mounts to USPS as soon as I can for you to see how much shipping will be from here to you.

[tw0123]

Wicked!! No rush man... i appreciate it!!

[sleepyalero]

No problem at all!

[sleepyalero]

Alright I officially got everything I need for the new suspension.

Boot kits

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/8d28de1984400732dfb7fde93ae82fa0.jpg

Mounts + boot kits.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/5058c0197f4264adbebf9af84c161e31.jpg

Closer view of front mount

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/797bc68421179a59baff1a8f043da91d.jpg

Closer view of rear mount

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/e82287682516f8335af50c7339858068.jpg

And the new stack up.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/1bf6b0f613203fa499824149019c6d51.jpg

Two: the mounts seem to be pretty solid. But I won't know how well they perform until installed of course. But they seem to be good. I could still take the box to USPS with all mounts in it, and see what shipping would be to your place (because wether these are Monroe mounts or not, I'm sure they will add up to just about the same weight)

[<woj99>]

Nice stack of parts! Do you also have the rubber insulators for front and rear? Don't see them in the pics so make sure you have those as well.

[Mike The Canadian]

Freaking awesome sleepy!

[sleepyalero]

Nice stack of parts! Do you also have the rubber insulators for front and rear? Don't see them in the pics so make sure you have those as well.

These are not OEM mounts, they are aftermarket and have the isulators built in.

thanks mike!


TWO: Just talked to autozone, they ran part numbers and they are MOOG mounts. said they are the exact same thing as monroe. (same company) so i think we are all good there.

and napa wanted around 110$ for both front mounts, i paid 67$ from ebay for these.

and wanted 63$ for both rear, and i paid 37$ for what i got. savin money!

[tw0123]

Awesome! Ya if you can get the shipping quote that would be cool... the company said $52 combined if i buy all 4 which isn't bad but if i can save even more well that's just even better :) thanks nate!!

[<woj99>]

Sleepy you still need the rubber isolators for those mounts. They're OEM replacements, even if they're aftermarket. You need front upper isolator (x2), front lower isolator (x2), and rear lower isolator (x2). The front uppers fit the shape of the mounts and the front and rear lowers sit on the strut and prevent metal to metal contact between the spring and strut. It's only the rear upper that doesn't need one because of the design of the mount.

If you take a look at your picture of the closeup of front mount you see the little square cutout in the mount, that's where a 'nipple' from the front upper rubber isolator fits it. The isolator also has a square block that fits between the end of the spring and the 'stop' on the mount. Take a look at this picture of the isolator: http://www.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=951258&imageurl=http%3A//www.rockauto.com/info/Monroe/904944.jpg. Here's a pic of the lower isolators, they're molded in the shape of the strut spring seat:http://www.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=1819836&imageurl=http%3A//www.rockauto.com/info/KYB/SM5524.jpg.

Hope that helps. I have all the same parts as you for the suspension upgrade sitting in my basement waiting for spring!


These are not OEM mounts, they are aftermarket and have the isulators built in.

thanks mike!


TWO: Just talked to autozone, they ran part numbers and they are MOOG mounts. said they are the exact same thing as monroe. (same company) so i think we are all good there.

and napa wanted around 110$ for both front mounts, i paid 67$ from ebay for these.

and wanted 63$ for both rear, and i paid 37$ for what i got. savin money!

[<woj99>]

Also, would you mind posting a pic of the KYB boots out of the box if you have a chance. I want to see the design. Trying to decide whether to get KYB, monroe, moog, or some other boot kits. Thanks!

[sleepyalero]

Ahh yeah, I realized it earlier after you first said something, I was on another page, thanks ill be getting some soon!

Yeah give me a few and ill get that for you.

Edit: i will be picking them up tomorrow evening, took me 4 places to finally get a hold of them!

[sleepyalero]

Awesome! Ya if you can get the shipping quote that would be cool... the company said $52 combined if i buy all 4 which isn't bad but if i can save even more well that's just even better :) thanks nate!!

Few more days I should be able to get that for ya!

Also, would you mind posting a pic of the KYB boots out of the box if you have a chance. I want to see the design. Trying to decide whether to get KYB, monroe, moog, or some other boot kits. Thanks!

Here's a kyb boot kit.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/e4b4c9a41f7525ded5d8d9febea84ef8.jpg

And here is a rear strut basically assembled. (Not completely together just seeing how it looks)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/ad5f987da093fd4199ed2a7d9cea91aa.jpg

[tw0123]

how much did your isolators cost? I found a spot in quebec that sells a complete kit...
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Monroe-904944-New-Shock-Strut-Mount-Front-Chevy-Olds-Upper-Oldsmobile-Alero-/251181849440?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &hash=item3a7b9adb60&vxp=mtr

obviously, it is Canadian pricing... but it has the isolators, bearings and mount...

still liking your pricing better if shipping isn't going to kill me!!

[sleepyalero]

how much did your isolators cost? I found a spot in quebec that sells a complete kit...
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Monroe-904944-New-Shock-Strut-Mount-Front-Chevy-Olds-Upper-Oldsmobile-Alero-/251181849440?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &hash=item3a7b9adb60&vxp=mtr

obviously, it is Canadian pricing... but it has the isolators, bearings and mount...

still liking your pricing better if shipping isn't going to kill me!!

All 4!of them for the front cost around 62ish$.

They are 14.99$-17.99$ each.

[<woj99>]

Thanks! Those look good and have a precise fit around the bump stop.

Few more days I should be able to get that for ya!



Here's a kyb boot kit.

[sleepyalero]

Thanks! Those look good and have a precise fit around the bump stop.

Yes it does, there is a lip in the boot that the bump stop slips in so it doesn't come off.

[sleepyalero]

Well I was messing around with the suspension last night basically mocking it up, i got two front struts fully together... But after it was together I noticed the bump stop that goes into the bearing plate is popped about half way out, and no matter how much I push it back it, it keeps sliding out... Is that normal? Wil it fix itself once the struts/springs have a load? (On the car) any help is appreciated.

Here's a picture of one done, sorry my phone died last night so I have no pictures of the bump stop popping out. If the strut looks wrong In anyway in the pic, let me know, but I think it's okay. (Also the top nut needs to be tightened a bit more.)

(TWO) don't worry I still plan on taking the mounts to the post office. I'm just mocking up.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/F999274C-7B99-4356-B6A4-10FDFF8EDB0B-553-000000247A78D7BB.jpg

[tw0123]

Sweet!! looks good man... as I said before, take your time, I appreciate the help!

[sleepyalero]

Sweet!! looks good man... as I said before, take your time, I appreciate the help!

Just didn't want you thinking that i wasn't going to do it, seeing I have two fronts assembled ATM lol.

[xXManwhoreXx]

Looks right let me know when your going to do it ill come help

[sleepyalero]

The bump stop is my problem

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/6C729661-8891-48CB-8B04-3C25931F444D-553-00000048F741A5D1.jpg
http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/469A8161-EEBC-45F7-8D2E-3D72AC48C5B2-553-00000048B662B9A1.jpg

Notice it's cocked

[rustyballs_69]

The bump stop goes under the bellow. The bump stop doesn't go in the strut mount. The top of the bellow goes into the bottom of the strut mount were you have the bump stop at in the picture.http://www.trademotion.com/media/images/oe/collision/D/DG99275.gif

[sleepyalero]

The bump stop goes under the bellow. The bump stop doesn't go in the strut mount. The top of the bellow goes into the bottom of the strut mount were you have the bump stop at in the picture.http://www.trademotion.com/media/images/oe/collision/D/DG99275.gif

Thank you for that! You're a life saver!

But are you sure?

Because here its on top...

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/6ed8178580b5ada88a286f8848920195.jpg

[rustyballs_69]

Thank you for that! You're a life saver!

But are you sure?

Yeah I am sure. When everything is apart you put the bump stop on the strut shaft first. Push the bellow into the upper strut mount, put the spring insulator on then the spring, upper mount and bolt it down.

[rustyballs_69]

The picture you posted is probably just a generic picture more than likely. See how the bellow fits into the upper strut mount in this picture.
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/00-01-02-03-04-05-GRAND-AM-STRUT-FRONT-/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/$T2eC16NHJIQE9qUHsE3(BQ0hD!vnwQ~~60_3.JPG

[sleepyalero]

Ahh yes, I'll have to redo it thank you.

The bump stop does not go into the boot at all?

[rustyballs_69]

Ahh yes, I'll have to redo it thank you.

The bump stop does not go into the boot at all?

The boot will go over the bump stop after you have it all together.

[sleepyalero]

The boot will go over the bump stop after you have it all together.

Will it do it after installed on the car on its own? Sorry bout all the dumb questions..

[rustyballs_69]

Will it do it after installed on the car on its own? Sorry bout all the dumb questions..

Not dumb questions, at least you ask before you destroy something. Also I may be a little wrong. Looking at a youtube video of a factory strut from a Grand Am being taken apart it looks like the bump stop and the bellow go into the bottom of the strut mount. You can see what I'm talking about in the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDOTTMf2n8g&playnext=1&list=PL1D93D7E76D7B96C3&feature=results_video

Start around the 15 minute mark and watch. You can see how the bellow and bump stop are from the factory.

[sleepyalero]

Interesting but i don't see where he used that spacer/washer my strut came with..

[rustyballs_69]

Well when the time comes for you to put the new struts and springs in pull one of your old struts apart to see how they are from the factory. Unless the bellows you have a different than the factory ones the bump stops go on the inside of the bellows.

[sleepyalero]

Well when the time comes for you to put the new struts and springs in pull one of your old struts apart to see how they are from the factory. Unless the bellows you have a different than the factory ones the bump stops go on the inside of the bellows.

Will do. Appreciate the help.

[rustyballs_69]

No problem, can't wait to see some pics after the drop.

[04PONTIACGA]

You could just go to a shop. I got a quote before I decided to do mine, and all they wanted is $40, then you would install the strut yourself. If its a cool shop they'll probly let you watch, so you can see how they go together. Just a suggestion, maybe it could save you the hassle. I just hate dealing with a cheesy spring compressor. Luckily my buddy had a wall mount compressor, so I did mine myself.

[sleepyalero]

You could just go to a shop. I got a quote before I decided to do mine, and all they wanted is $40, then you would install the strut yourself. If its a cool shop they'll probly let you watch, so you can see how they go together. Just a suggestion, maybe it could save you the hassle. I just hate dealing with a cheesy spring compressor. Luckily my buddy had a wall mount compressor, so I did mine myself.

i was just debating going to the dealer in the morning to get that done. get a quote in the morning once im off work ill call em. at work atm and of course at 4 am they arent open.. would be nice though!

[sleepyalero]

Got the suspension together today, now just to find the time to install it..

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/404023911544154e9175f0e361a18a84.jpg

[tw0123]

Thought the boot stop went on the bottom?? Lol... did you take it to the shop to install or DIY? Either way they look good and it's about time you drop your car...







Btw i still have the rear sway bar if you are interested... :)

[sleepyalero]

Thought the boot stop went on the bottom?? Lol... did you take it to the shop to install or DIY? Either way they look good and it's about time you drop your car...







Btw i still have the rear sway bar if you are interested... :)

The sway bar can be a late Xmas present to me... ;) hahaha no I gotta save a little cash and maybe that will be my next purchase :) how hard is install for it?

I took the suspension to my local Chevy dealership to be put together, I had 3 together but they said they were wrong. (I also told them to take them apart and re assemble to make sure they are together right or not)

And I know, 5 years of owning the car, and I'm just now lowering it....

[rustyballs_69]

Thought the boot stop went on the bottom??

If you take a factory strut out and look at it you wont see the bump stop, it is under the bellow. Maybe because he used aftermarket bellows and strut mounts? I used factory bellows and strut mounts when I lowered mine.

[sleepyalero]

Yeah these are supposed to pop into the bearing plate on the front and rear goes into that copper colored piece.

They are KYB boot kits.

[tw0123]

fair enough... cant wait to see them on the car... should make a world of difference for your love of the car!!

[sleepyalero]

fair enough... cant wait to see them on the car... should make a world of difference for your love of the car!!

i bet so!

im looking at it being installed/aligned by saturday. thats whats im shooting for... gotta juggle the car, work and sleep. should have off sat/sun so i can get it aligned sat hopefully.

[rustyballs_69]

i bet so!

im looking at it being installed/aligned by saturday. thats whats im shooting for... gotta juggle the car, work and sleep. should have off sat/sun so i can get it aligned sat hopefully.

I would give it a week before you get the alignment done. That will give the springs some time to settle. If you get it done right away the alignment will be off once the springs settle.

[03gxeco]

well??? lets see her lowered.

[sleepyalero]

well??? lets see her lowered.

refer to the thread titled "am i lowered yet"

[<woj99>]

I'm also assembling my struts and there's some good info in this thread. No luck getting a response on GAGT so trying here since responses are generally quicker and better.

For the front, the bump stops pop into the strut mount. For the rear, do you just pop them into the cup that comes with the strut mount and slide it onto the strut and it just stays loose? There's no way to secure it to the mount. Then slide the boots over the bump stops with the narrower opening on the boot going over the stop?

I also have aftermarket moog boots and bump stops and sleepy's pic shows it pretty well, just want to confirm for the rear bump stop and cup. Thanks.

Yeah these are supposed to pop into the bearing plate on the front and rear goes into that copper colored piece.

They are KYB boot kits.

[<woj99>]

One more question now that I'm looking closely at your pic. Isn't the bottom end of the rear spring supposed to sit flush against that slanted part of the spring seat on the strut (on the right side of the rear struts in your pic)? A bit hard to tell from your pic but it looks like your spring ends on the left side of the spring seat, past the slanted part. Thanks.

I guess I also have the same question for the fronts. Where is the spring supposed to sit on the bottom spring seat on the strut? There's a stop on the top mount and the mount rotates so there's no issue there, but I'm not sure where to place the bottom end of the spring since there's no spot for it like on the rears. Should I go off of how the stock springs are seated on the strut? Just not sure if it will be the same since the lowering springs are different length.

Got the suspension together today, now just to find the time to install it..

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/404023911544154e9175f0e361a18a84.jpg

[sleepyalero]

my struts are put together correctly. as for front spring, i believe they just sit anywhere on the bottom as long as top lines up with isolator. you can copy front if you wish.

as you can see the metal "cup" for the rear the white bump stop slides in there, and the black boot slips onto bump stop. the front, the bump stop slides into the top of bearing plate, and same rules apply to the boot.

that help?

[<woj99>]

Thanks for the reply, that does help. Main question is though once you pop the rear bump stop into the metal cup and you pop the boot over the bump stop, the cup is not attached to the mount in anyway. It basically just sits there on top of the boot right?

my struts are put together correctly. as for front spring, i believe they just sit anywhere on the bottom as long as top lines up with isolator. you can copy front if you wish.

as you can see the metal "cup" for the rear the white bump stop slides in there, and the black boot slips onto bump stop. the front, the bump stop slides into the top of bearing plate, and same rules apply to the boot.

that help?

[sleepyalero]

Thanks for the reply, that does help. Main question is though once you pop the rear bump stop into the metal cup and you pop the boot over the bump stop, the cup is not attached to the mount in anyway. It basically just sits there on top of the boot right?

correct, the metal cup holds the bump stop in place.

[<woj99>]

Ok awesome. That's what I figured, and the bump stop fits over the strut rod pretty snug so it can just float there at the top in the cup.

I will likely attempt to assemble them myself and rent the spring clamps from the store. I've watched a few videos on how to do it. Can't find a shop that will do it for a decent price, everyone is quoting 30 mins per strut which comes out to almost $250..when it's more like 10 mins per strut since all they have to do is tighten the top nut!

correct, the metal cup holds the bump stop in place.

[sleepyalero]

i took mine to a chevy dealer, they did all 4 for 167$ and 2 of em had to be takin apart and put back together because i apparently assembled them wrong. so im glad i had them do it.

[<woj99>]

For sure, that is a good idea. It's definitely not hard to put them together the wrong way, that's why I want to be certain even if it's small details like the bumpstop fitment.

i took mine to a chevy dealer, they did all 4 for 167$ and 2 of em had to be takin apart and put back together because i apparently assembled them wrong. so im glad i had them do it.

[sleepyalero]

yeah, if you know what your doing then do it, if not, id suggest getting them put together. me im anal about who does work on my car. for this id trust a dealership for it. thats where i take my car if i need something done i dont want to mess with, might be more money, but the care they give my car and the work they do right the FIRST time, its 100% worth the extra money to me. i hate going to random shops and watch them treat cars like crap. the dealership i go to knows me well, and knows how i like my car to be takin care of and i must say they do an outstanding job at being careful with her, along with doing the job right, and thats what i look for in a shop.

[02AleroGLS]

Hey this may be a stupid question but is there any difference between a grand am's struts n shocks and a Alero's?? What about springs?? Im lost. Im picking out springs n struts but most companies have different part numbers for grand am springs and struts then Alero's.

[mfuller]

Struts and springs interchange.
Although, Delco dampers are available with 2 different valving options - for RPO FE2 (standard on all Aleros and the Grand Am SE) and RPO FE3 (slightly firmer for the Grand Am GT an an option on the Alero).

[02AleroGLS]

Well i was looking at the kanuck website at the springs and the specs n prices and i noticed the ones for the grand am have a different part number and are cheaper. Which ones should i get? Im gonna replace the mounts and everything cause mine creek and groan when i turn the steering wheel.

[sleepyalero]

i got the alero ones just to be safe

[02AleroGLS]

Ok i just didnt wanna make the wrong decision ya know lol

[sleepyalero]

yeah i know what you mean, get moog/monroe strut mounts. not KYB

[02AleroGLS]

Ok which brand will last longer? Monroeor MOOG? Dont wanna have to change them in a year or so again lol the front struts are kind of a pita to take the spring off.

[sleepyalero]

monroe/moog are made by the same company, same exact mount just different name.

[02AleroGLS]

Is KYB Mounts that bad?? Just curious

[sleepyalero]

ive heard they dont last. get the kyb boot kits though. they are 11$ each .

[02AleroGLS]

Ok i will be sure to stay away from the kyb strut mounts then cause i really dont want to have redo that job very soon lol! Yeah i will make sure i get the boot kits. My current factory struts on the front the boots are all mangled looking so their shot. $11 is cheap

[sleepyalero]

yup. 11*4 is your total. i suggest same setup as i am running. unless you want agx.

[02AleroGLS]

What website did you go through to get the top mounts? Or did you go through a parts store??

[sleepyalero]

Ebay for the top mounts, and rear.