[catcher22]

I have about 62k miles and my car is no longer fun to drive. It hops all over the place and just doesn't feel settled at all. It slides a lot easier in the rain/snow. I know I need to do some maintenance, but I don't know much about suspension at all. What do I need to replace? Should I just get coil overs and that will solve my problems?

What are the parts that typically wear after time? Sub frame bushings? I'm at a loss for what maintenance needs to be performed and like to be informed before taking it to a shop. Any ideas?

[AWD Addict]

Typical OE struts/shocks have a useful life of 25k - 40k. With abuse, you'd be on the lower end of that range. Even with cushy careful driving, most pistons and valving aren't performing well after 40k miles.

It's time to look for new shocks and springs, and potentially some ancillary components. Have your mechanic look at bushings, thrust arms, and other front end components while he's under there so you don't have to pay to put the car on a lift twice.

Look on the bright side, you've got an opportunity to have some improved driving performance, and perhaps even a bit lower stance!

For the average and spirited daily driver, I wouldn't recommend coilovers. Some will disagree, but to get good quality, it's a much higher price point, and you'll likely end up with overkill for a product (assuming you're not a big track guy).

[ccraig13]

Both AWD Addict and I have posts on here about how we upgraded our suspension to Bilstein. He went with Sports and I with the HD. I suggest reading them and deciding if that's a route you'd also be interested in.

[biscut]

I'm in the same boat but my XI has 76k. Stock is still stiff as most of my cars mileage from the previous owner was highway.

Mine is DD in a spirited way no track time for me; unless you count 430am sprints down a vacant I-84 on the way to the gym!

I have the same questions as OP. I have had great experience with Tokiko and Bilstein HD but these have been on F150 so not comparable for me. What is recommended route for a OEM ride or slightly better?? Not looking for a harsher ride or ability to hammer corners at 120mph just good ride with responsive shocks that will last a good while and perform.

AWD Addict: Hope your a Pat's fan! TIme for #4!!!

[AWD Addict]

Originally Posted by biscut

I'm in the same boat but my XI has 76k. Stock is still stiff as most of my cars mileage from the previous owner was highway.

Mine is DD in a spirited way no track time for me; unless you count 430am sprints down a vacant I-84 on the way to the gym!

I have the same questions as OP. I have had great experience with Tokiko and Bilstein HD but these have been on F150 so not comparable for me. What is recommended route for a OEM ride or slightly better?? Not looking for a harsher ride or ability to hammer corners at 120mph just good ride with responsive shocks that will last a good while and perform.

AWD Addict: Hope your a Pat's fan! TIme for #4!!!

PM ccraig on his ride. That'd be much closer to stock than mine. the bilsteins are noticeably stiffer.

And as for the Pats, I'm a season ticket holder, 7 rows from the field behind the pats bench.

[biscut]

I hope we are a smilin around 11PM 2nite!!