Re: Replacement Shocks/Struts for '84 5000S FI

["John Gong" <jgong@us.oracle.com>]

I had Bilstein Sports installed on an '88 80 a while back and they were way
too stiff.  I replaced them with Boge Turbos and am very pleased.  They're
matched with Eibach progressive rate springs.  The ride is sportier than stock,
but is a good balance with comfort.

$800 is pricey.  Assuming each corner should cost no more than $100 (discounted,
averages, as rear shocks cost less than front strut inserts) for 
Bilsteins or roughly $70 each per Boge, that's about $280-400 for the goods.
I paid $150 labor  to have all four corners done, but the 5000 might be more
labor intensive.  So assume $250 max.  Then add a 4-wheel alignment for
$75 or 2-wheel alignment for about $45.  We're still below $800 with
Bilsteins.  But your mechanic may have a policy of charging full list
price, thus bringing up the fee accordingly.  Definitely insist on premium
shocks, like Bilstein or Koni, at his prices.  Boges are a good choice.
I'd stay away from KYB's or Monroes, Gabriel's, etc. as they will not be
engineered for your car.


At 77K, I'd replace all four corners.


        John


> It has about 77K miles on it, and we're still the original owner of the car.
> I looking for some advice on type and prices...

> First of all -- Would it be required for me to replace shocks only
> of does the "struts" needs to be replaced as well??  What would be reasons
> to replace the struts??

> Secondly, I plan to have my local trusty mechanic do this job, so
> I wanted to have a pretty good idea of how much to pay... He has already
> quoted me somewhere between $800-1000 for this task, therefore I've
> been a litle hesistant to give him the go-ahead before I check with
> the collective wisdom.