There’s a new set of complete coilovers on eBay, anyone tried?

[98_Q45]

I’m going to pretty soon need all 4 shocks replaced, one just blew the other day on the rear. I’ve usually just gone with the bare set for $40 thru Gabriel, but I know it’s going to be time for Springs because mine are way worn out.

There looks to be a new company selling red full kitted shocks, much less than the $1,200 Megan’s that have been the default for as long as I know. But they say the ride height could be lowered, by how much I don’t know they say 1-3 inches but, I don’t want to go much further.

Could this be a good alternative than what’s out there already? Can lookup 97-01 shock absorbers on eBay and it’ll pull up several offers. Thinking of buying some asap.

[Ludeaem]

Just order KYB Specials from Japan. Look up Jesse Streeter. I used him and had a great experience. Fronts are going to be inserts so you reuse the factory housing. Rears are direct bolt ins

[98_Q45]

Is that a complete set with coils? I think I read something about that from awhile back. I just can’t do any heavy mods because I would be taking it to a shop, and any extra work will be added labor.

I actually found a different site that sells coil springs separately, but I’m waiting to hear back on if the ones they have will fit…

[Ludeaem]

Search on here for 'KYB Specials' and you'll see the process. Its not involved where a basic shop wouldn't be able to do it

[98_Q45]

I checked but, it still seems like more work (aka modification) than I think my local shops would be willing to do…I even went to one place I been going to for suspension work and they straight up said they won’t do bare struts that involve removing springs.

New OEM front struts are nowhere to be found except off shore.

[BadQ45t]

I can chime in here, I had the SR Specials setup on my 97 they were bolt in. My springs were tired so I did the Tein springs. Thsi setup lasted about 5 years and then the SR Special front left blew out. I didn't have to do any mods to get them to work, you do if you have the adjustable suspension. I never saw any Gabriels that were a direct fit. At that time, I couldn't; find a replacement and did the coilovers. The car rode much rougher but man it handled really nice. In retrospect I would have looked for a new SR Special as the coil overs were just too stiff for me. I swapped my Q for a S-Class MB 5 years ago, air suspension!!

[98_Q45]

I can chime in here, I had the SR Specials setup on my 97 they were bolt in. My springs were tired so I did the Tein springs. Thsi setup lasted about 5 years and then the SR Special front left blew out. I didn't have to do any mods to get them to work, you do if you have the adjustable suspension. I never saw any Gabriels that were a direct fit. At that time, I couldn't; find a replacement and did the coilovers. The car rode much rougher but man it handled really nice. In retrospect I would have looked for a new SR Special as the coil overs were just too stiff for me. I swapped my Q for a S-Class MB 5 years ago, air suspension!!

Nice, the direct fit Gabriel’s are for the rear only. There a couple other companies that also make, but their all rear bare shocks.

There’s also a Japan company that is selling just Springs as well, but when adding up all 4 shocks: seems better to go with the full kit with everything. Even with KYB specials, wouldn’t I have to also buy Springs separately?

[BadQ45t]

yes the SR Specials are only struts and shocks not springs.

[98_Q45]

Update: I tried it, but couldn’t get it to work and tbh they looked like toys coming out the box. The length was too short to reach the spindle on the rear and the one’s for the front looked dubious as hell.

Needless to say they’re going back to eBay, but it leaves me with having to do another partial rebuild of the rear shocks and nothing for the fronts. Still reaching out to a couple places to see what I can find. They’re not awfully bad up front yet.

I did however replace my rear sway bar bushings and wow…that made a huge difference. Wish I’d done that sooner. Now even with the failed shock I still have better handling. I think both of those together were giving me no traction. Glad I didn’t have to drive thru snow much on the highway over the winter. The times I did were scary.