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1992 Pontiac Grand Am-Suspension?
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huxley
User
Nov 3, 2008, 11:52 AM
Post #1 of 5
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1992 Pontiac Grand Am-Suspension?
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Hey again,
This time I'm just looking for some suggestions...it'll be simple for once!
I really need to replace the suspension all the way around in my car. 92 Pontiac Grand Am 2.3L 4Cyl Quad OHC engine, a little under 40K. The gas shocks probably went dead quite some time ago and they certainly show. Now, my questions are the following
1. Suggestions on good (and preferably inexpensive) shocks to get? Best place to get them? Are there any ones that I should absolutely AVOID? Keep in mind that I plan on keeping this car until it, literally, runs into the ground.
2. Can I feasibly do my front end myself? It's a different unit up front. The back end seems easy and straightforward according to my book. I've been told you can really injure yourself if you f...screw up on the front. So I'm reasonably nervous about that undertaking.
3. Do I need to replace my springs too with a car that's under 40K? Are these expensive? If they should be replaced, is it harder to do?
4. Any other tips, tricks, or suggestions?
Thanks!
Nate
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dmac0923
Enthusiast
Nov 3, 2008, 2:06 PM
Post #2 of 5
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Re: 1992 Pontiac Grand Am-Suspension?
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i think your confusing replacing your front end with just replacing your struts.
you can physically remove the struts from the vehicle, but servicing them is usually a job for a shop since it requires a spring compressor to relieve the extremely high tension of the strut spring.
the problem is new struts rarely come assembled with the springs preloaded.
__________________________________________________
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2002 Ford Ranger
2004 Toyota Corolla
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1
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Double J
Veteran
/ Moderator
Nov 3, 2008, 2:33 PM
Post #3 of 5
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Re: 1992 Pontiac Grand Am-Suspension?
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To add...
Gabriel does make a completely assembled Strut/spring/strut mount/bearing..called a ready mount.
Autozone does sell them.
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huxley
User
Nov 3, 2008, 10:07 PM
Post #4 of 5
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Re: 1992 Pontiac Grand Am-Suspension?
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Oh wow...I checked those out. Pricey! All you need is that tool they sell to compress the springs, right? I can get one of those fairly cheaply, so it might be in my best interest to assemble it myself. I'm just worried about injuring myself in the process...
-Nate
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 3, 2008, 11:36 PM
Post #5 of 5
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Re: 1992 Pontiac Grand Am-Suspension?
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Nate - I couldn't help it but jump in here too - sorry. The basic spring compressors look and work like shown in above pics. I have those and they work but stink! Not very safe IMO so I use a wall mounted more expensive job at another shop when needed and never bought the good stuff for my own shop.
I'd take them out whole and just ask a shop how much to assemble them for you. I dunno if parts outlets are doing this service - ask??
Idea: When taking out whole McPherson struts you will lose the alignment but if you spray some quick dry primer paint on the area where bolted and you can get it close and still do need it aligned.
Note: A compressed spring is a lot of force and can easily be severly dangerous if things go wrong. Pay strict attention when compressing springs and where car is supported while messing with this stuff. They guys here will know more about what you should watch out for specifically then I do for this exact one so I'll butt out,
T
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