This car spent most of its life just sitting in the sun, undriven. I'm recovering it...
One rear shock is leaky, and while I'm under the rear end I plan to install all urethane bushings. That's not because of performance needs but the original rubber bushings are pretty rotten. Would a simple pair of Monroe shocks be ok, or are more exotic shocks worth the extra money?
There's a strut for every taste so there is no right or wrong one, just one that suits your personal preference. Monroe and Gabriel make struts that seem best suited for stock spring rates according to other threads on this subject. If you want a little stiffer damping, then KYB is probably your next best choice. Lastly, for even more money you can buy Koni struts that will give you the harshest damping. There are people from all camps on this subject with some having bought Koni's and returned them because they were too rough, and others that bought Gabriels and felt they provided too much of a floaty feel.
Alot of people on here have complained about the longevity of Monroe shocks recently. I think KYB's offer the best bang for your buck as far as sportier shocks go.
The best rear strut is stock G.M. Delco !!superior to Monroe & Gabriel,, the small extra cost is worth it Plus the Delco struts are very long life ,,watch for a sale the 2nd level Monroe & Gabriel are great for the front,,buy them on sale Im running the cheapest monroe,s(I was curious) on the front they just do the job,, one side was better than the other the first 500 miles,, seem to be equaling out now you do not need the expensive shocks unless you race rock auto occassionally has the Delco at a good price,got mine on a close out the delco struts are excellent the stock fiero strut springs are to stiff,but give good handeling in the rear,you need a tight rear,ha,ha
I put Monroe Sensatracs on mine, with approximately 25% stiffer springs. I'm quite pleased with how it rides and handles. One of my rear struts was DOA. Had a bind in one direction. Otherwise, no complaints.
My koni's are adjustable; the front shocks have 3 settings and the rear struts have 10. I have them all set on max. soft and i love it; rides like a sedan . As a daily driver, it was worth the extra bucks. Mine are koni orange but i think these aren't made anymore. Make sure you're sitting down when you price the konis - they are very expensive (last i saw about $1000 for the complete set).
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Originally posted by notaguru:
... I plan to install all urethane bushings. That's not because of performance needs but the original rubber bushings are pretty rotten.
You should be aware that the urethane will ride rougher than the stock rubber bushings (regardless of the shocks / struts you use) and start to squeek over time. You can probably still get rubber at any parts supplier (or fiero store) if you want it.
Here in "hell-A", the hard part was getting a good alignment after the stuff is installed.
[This message has been edited by PaulJK (edited 04-14-2014).]
