04 MZ3 suspension upgrade

[escort1991]

So, it's time to change the suspension. The last couple of days, I have noticed spots under the left rear of the car. Took a look under the car, the strut wet and leaking. Now, I don't have a lot of money and need to figure what I can afford. What is a mild upgrade in suspension? I am picking up some springs from Andy and am looking into struts/shocks.

 

[mndsm]

Upgrade? Koni FSD. Not quite as expensive as Koni yellows- not adjustable, but good stuff, and a damn sight better than the factory junk.

 

[escort1991]

Do MS3 struts fit on MZ3?

I'll look into the FSD.

 

[mndsm]

MS3 struts will fit, the suspension design is the same. IIRC anything Koni sells for the ms3, is technically speaking for the mz3, same part number and everything.

 

[escort1991]

Alright, so, after stopping and really looking into what I can afford, I am going to go with some basic KYB GR2s for now in the rear. Andy(minitrucker@heart) hooked me up with prokit springs and front struts.

Now, who wants to help me put them in and what do you need for payment....lol

 

[escort1991]

Update on this:

KYB Excel shocks are in. The springs and struts need to wait for another day. What seemed like an easy fix turned into a nightmare when the bolt snapped off on the top shock mount. So, the endeavor started of tearing apart the trunk, drilling out the remaining part and putting a bolt in. Live and learn.

 

[mndsm]

Ooof. I had one snap on the front. Fortunately we were able to tap it out and go buy a new grade 8 down at Menards for like 27 cents.

 

[escort1991]

Yep. I ran over to Menards and picked one up. The bolt that snapped had a small patch of rust in the break. So, I am thinking it might have been cracked before. All I know is that there is no bottoming out on the left side and there is no clunk on the right side any longer. So, who knows.

Now, I just need to find time to put in the front and the springs.

 

[mndsm]

Since they're all in one piece- if nothing sticks it should be a cake job.

 

[DrWebster]

Wonder if the rear shock mounts are different for the 04-05's...on my 06, the upper rear shock mounts are studs, and you hold the shock in with nuts.

 

[escort1991]

Yeah, they are studs welded/tacked to the frame and painted. Needed to be drilled out.

 

[cody23]

I also have this dilemma wherein I have to replace my suspension kit. I need some shocks and springs to improve the handling and ride quality of my car. I was just wondering what's the best brand for this? Anybody tried Tokico HP shocks? Bilstein shocks? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!