New shocks

[REX331]

I am getting a 85 SVO with the original shocks on it. Car has 68k miles on it but not sure if they are still any good. What are my options for replacing them? Does someone make a set of shocks that arent as expensive as the KONI's?

Thanks
Rex

[lonchair]

Your options:

1) Have your Koni Struts rebuilt
2) Buy new Koni Struts
3) Rebuild them with a non Koni, non adjustable cartridge
4) Modify your car for a non Koni strut
5) Convert to a SN95 spindle and run any strut you want

[REX331]

Are the Konis the only ones that will fit? I did a search at autozone and it listed regular shocks. Forgive my ignorance but this is my first SVO. I just want it to be drivable and safe for now.

Rex

[lonchair]

The product from Autozone is the Non Koni, Non Adjustable replacement cartidge. I just got thru rebuilding my struts with the Autozone replacement this past weekend. If you can afford it, have the Konis rebuilt or replaced. The autozone replacement is noticably cheaper, but is not as performance oriented as the Koni units.

As far as a complete strut, Koni is the only choice there is. Other struts requier a modification of some kind.

The shocks at the rear are different. I belive just about every company makes ones that will fit.

[REX331]

what do you mean by replacement catridges? I am kinda confused what do you have to reuse from the KONI's?

Thanks

Rex

[lonchair]

The koni strut is an outer housing (the orange tube you see when it is on the car) and a replaceable cartrige that is inside the orange tube. The machined, metal shaft that comes out of the top of the strut and attatches to the upper strut mount is also part of the replaceable cartridge. The strut adjustment screw/knob is part of this shaft.

The orange, outer housing is reused and the Autozone replacement cartidge fits inside. When you are done and it is installed, your car will look stock except for the lack of the adjustment knob comming out of the top of the strut.