Aloha!

I will be installing my aspec springs soon, and since I will have it all taken apart, is there anything I should be replacing while I'm in there?

Car got 94k miles. Haven't changed much she has been a dream since a bought her. Would it be safe to assume the struts would be 'bad' with this many miles?

 

I would replace your struts and strut mounts, especially considering you have to take them apart for the front. I'd jack the car up now and evaluate the integrity of upper and lower control arms, in addition to any other suspension components.

 

Ok got it. I was leaning towards new struts too so you just confirmed my decision. What would I look for when inspecting the control arms? Ideally I'd like to get it all out of the way at once.

 

Also, does anyone have the strut part number without springs for non aspec? I can find out using those insane looking part map lol but if someone has the info handy already that would be greatly appreciated

 

With regard to control arms, you'd need to inspect the bushings and ball joints for any tears or rips. In addition, you should use a pry bar and check for play. There shouldn't be much movement if any at all.

Below is the part # you need. My invoice from last year. You should also look to flush the power steering fluid and inspect the engine mounts.

 

damn i love you guys almost as much as i love my RL lol Thanks so much for that screenshot! I think ill try and have a mechanic friend come by while i do this to supervise haha

 

I would check all rubber components (e.g hoses, brake hoses, engine mounts etc) at that age though I know your specifically asking relative to your suspension refresh

 

If your planning to keep the car for the long haul & have the money, definitely get it all done in one shot.

- Upper/lower control arms
- Engine mounts
- Struts
- Timing belt

 

The control arms themselves should be good unless they have cracks and shit right? Otherwise the bushings I can see being changed.

 

The control arms are solid. Problem is that the ball joints/control arms (upper & lower) are one piece, so the whole arm gets replaced.

Rockauto is your best bet for budget friendly parts.

 

Ahhh ok that makes sense. I live in Hawaii so shipping is brutal! So far the cheapest oem parts for shipping is curry auto. I'll definitely check out rock tho. I plan on keeping her for a long time so this would be good to do.

 

Also, out of all the brands on rock auto for these arms (Beck arnley, mevotech, acdelco, Moog etc) which is best? I've been trying to keep it oem for the most part because of no particular reason.

 

I've heard good things about Beck/Arnley

 

I have Beck/Arnley - very good performing parts.

Additionally, I would recommend checking Engine mounts: there is a chance that you need to replace 2 out of 3 at that age/mileage. I replaced all three since they were working on it anyway

 

 

I can vouch for Beck Arnley..the upper control arms ive installed seems great so far.

 

I assume it wouldnt matter if you mix and match brands? For example:on Rock Auto Beck Arnley have all but one arm - the front right upper. Mavotech and Moog makes that arm i guess lol

 

I know almost every RL that has been somewhat cared for has needed struts as well as engine mounts around the 95-100k mark. I'm assuming you know the timing belt as well as fluid checks. Another big one is the power steering pump, but as you know it makes a lot of whining when it goes out. I know the drive belt tensioner is a common replacement as well as the coolant hose pkg.