Our 2005 GC has reached 110K miles and seems to be in need of a suspension refresh as it feels like the springs are not being damped by the shock absorbers any more. Can we get away with just replacing the struts, or is it better to just pay up and buy the complete assemblies (including top mounts etc...)? Thanks!

 

It's somewhat of a crap shoot. The cost of the mounts and bearings isn't that much more than the struts so I'd do the entire thing but that's me. Either way, you'll have to get an alignment so factor that into the cost. While you're at it, if you haven't done so in the really near past, do the sway bar links since they will be disconnected at the top.

 

I replaced the complete strut assembly at 140k miles. I did not want to work compressing the spings and the possible injury involved. The new springs raised the front end at least 2 inches. Much nicer ride now.

 

Thanks. I found Monroe complete assemblies on Amazon for $137 each - is that the going rate?

It seemed like some reviewers were just replacing the fronts. Is it not better practice to change all four?

 

Many people have complained of incorrect springs on pre-assembled replacement struts. Just something to watch out for.

 

Yes, I saw someone on Amazon referring to springs of different diameter on a pair of struts!

 

[QUOTE=Ferrino;3025634]Thanks. I found Monroe complete assemblies on Amazon for $137 each - is that the going rate? QUOTE]


Monroe is what I put on the van. I got a little better price as I have a friend at NAPA.

 

Thankyou. I've decided to get the Monroe Quick-Strut assemblies for the front, but am not sure which shocks I need for the rear. Assuming I don't have the Nivomat suspension (I understand they are a lot larger than non-Nivomat shocks) there are 2 options:

1. Sensa-Trac Light Truck Shock (#37123)
2. Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting Shocks (# 58620)

I think option #1 is what I want, but wanted to check. #2 seems to come with an additional spring around the shock and is listed as "For Towing & Hauling".

 

The 37123 appears to be the "OEM equivalent" or "OEM grade", while the 58620 appears to be an upgrade. I was actually considering the "for towing or hauling" grade for mine...I'd definitely recommend it if you have a trailer hitch or routinely carry heavy loads. Might just be a nice upgrade otherwise. I should note that if I'm reading it correctly the 37123 is a package of 1 shock and the 58620 is a package of 2 shock/spring assemblies. I looked them up on Amazon and when you factor in the quantity required the difference is only about $25.

 

Thanks. I ended up going with the Monroe quick-struts and the 37123 rear shocks. I also picked up the Moog front and rear end-links: might as well do the job properly while I'm in there. I already have the Moog front swaybar mount bushings. I did not see a similar part for the rear swaybar mount bushings though...