We just completed replacement of the upper shock mounts at 120K with a complete Poly kit from Welsh Ent. and new Bilstein shocks. Rears done earlier. Others have advised the OEM mounts are easiest and probably best value, but after seeing the condition of the OEM, we wanted the Poly. The Poly kit came with the 2 small (per side)donuts and the large coil donut (1 per side) plus we purchased the Poly front spring assister cone (1 per side). Costs of these items were same as the new OEM mounts plus our labor, but they should not need replacement due to "shrinking" failure. The front end is back at factory ride height from a low of 14" on left and 14.5" on right side. Ride and steering is more stable(solid). The extra labors to rebuild the 2 mounts were less than a hour to drill 6 rivets (3 per mount) , cleaned, lubed and reassembled with 6 new pop rivets. Parts were ordered on Monday AM from Welsh and arrived on Thursday, QUICK! We know Poly kits are not for everyone, but our past experience made us choose them. Just like a tight suspension and solid feel. Rest of front suspension cked OK. SAFETY FASTER!

 

kstevusa,

Good news and thanks for letting us know. I'm not sure how long its been since you replaced the rear shocks, if not too long ago would you mind describing the improvements you felt with that change?

BTW have you had a chance to replace the anti sway links yet? Cheap easy task, I noticed a huge improvement with that too.

Thanks for sharing,

 

Rear shocks were source of "clunk" when crossing a small bump. the rear suspension is firmer now and the front is SO Much better as in tight. Both front and rear appeared to be OEM (Green). Rear spring had white markings and front had Red markings. The front links were good and saw no reason to replace them. I thought 1 was bad on rear ,but after replacement, nothing changed. I saw nothing wrong with the original after removing it.It was just temporarily deformed when we dropped the rear control arm to remove shock. The Poly mounts appear to be reason the front is tight. The quality of the kit from Welsh Ent. was excellent. I do not know the durometer of the ply but it was perfect for my tastes

 

kstevusa,

Can I ask you for some clarification as to what all you did?
I am measuring up 13 1/2 ish on the front and seems like alot of loss.
Do I read you did a rebuild on the coil over and got about 1 1/2 of increase?
I read you did shock top rebuild, a part under spring, and the cone that slides down the shock rod that acts as a bump stop, am I missing something.
I am trying to decide if I should be prepared to do spring replacement or can doing all bushings and what you did get me 2 inches of gain.
Thanks

 

Tex, that 13 1/2 inches might be more than shock and assorted parts can retrieve back to 15 inches or so. Check out the top "A" arm bushings also.
The bottom shock mount can drop it as much as 1/2 inch also.


Wayne

 

Tex, i replaced the front shocks with new shocks, reinstalled the same coil springs, plus replaced the upper shock mounts Poly Kt from Welsh Ent.), 2 spring assisters. replacing these parts returned my car to 15.5" center of cap to center on fender arch. Wayne & Jon used this kit from Welsh also. Your front end will feel "tight" again. I am extremely pleased with the "feel" of the car!