[jiffy6969]

My shocks are really shot. I've got the auto suspension option (I think all GTs do), and I really don't want to put just regular shocks in--unless enough people tell me the auto suspension thing is a joke.

I checked with the dealer, If I remember right, they were about $250/shock, going for a crazy a$$ $1000 for new shocks-which I am not rich or dumb enough to pay.

I used to manufacture Hydraulic Cylinders for a living, and know hydraulics pretty well--there ain't much to know, a piston, a ring, a cylinder, then valves. They can be rebuilt very easily.

So that is my question, what about these shocks, can they be rebuilt? A shock is just a hydraulic, right? I imagine the Auto suspension thing just switches to different valves to achieve stiffer, and softer, and auto settings.

I really want to improve the handling of this car. It alread sets low, so that will not improve anything, I know I need shocks, so I don't want to buy springs yet. Anyone else just put regular shocks on? What were the results, or advice, or whatever?

 

[Manifest]

Well; I can tell you that a lot of people say that the AAS is just a gimmik. I on the other hand think it is a great feature with the car and am going to keep it. I have heard that you can purchase the "ford" version of these shocks much cheeper than the mazda version. Some say they are the same; some a tad different. I think that once it is lowered it will not make a difference.

 

[jiffy6969]

I may need to clarify--I don't think the car has been lowered (a girl owned it-everything is stock--or so I think). It just sits lower or sure seems to sit lower than my 1990 GT.

I've heard the same thing about the Ford shocks swap, but I wonder if they are of the same quality. I assume the 1st gen Probes have this option also?

On probes, did the 1st gens come with a turbo? Just curious

 

[Manifest]

Yes, the probes came with turbo and AAS. The ford shocks are the same mfg and everything. The only thing I heard is that the ford ones are not as stiff. (NOT SURE IF THIS IS TRUE OR NOT) This is to compensate for the stiffer springs on the probe (from what I hear). Now since I was going to lower mine anyways and put stiffer springs; the ford replacements should be just fine.

 

[TexasMX6GT]

I don't know about you guys, but, I never take my suspension off of sport. If you want performance handling, I'd say chunk the AAS and get some good quality non adjustable struts. I'm one of those people who see the AAS as a very expensive gimmick.

 

[Manifest]

One thing on the AAS; when on trips it can be nice not to feel every expansion line in the road..

 

[Cupavi]

I've changed the rear ones on my and it is crappy handeling ever since. I would stick to AAS. The other thing about AAS is that it helps out in cornering a great deal and when the turbo kicks in no matter what position the setting is in the system stiffens the shock to extra firm. Ever since i changed the the 2 rear struts my car handles like crap. Just something to keep in mind. One idea that was thrown at me at the time was putting in 2nd gen struts and springs all around which will lower yer front end 2" and rear 1". Hope this helped u out.

 

[jiffy6969]

Thanks yall, I'm going to check to see if they can be rebuilt. I'll let yall know what if any thing that I find out.

 

[danomite]

//

You can't just put in any strut brand. Gabriel & Monroe do perform like crap. Even KYBs can't help much without better springs. I've tried too many times in the past and been disappointed.

I just got my 88mx6gt a couple of months ago, and it has the worn out aas. No more screwing around here. Three friends of mine are going to completely replace my suspension: Herr Eibach, Tokico-San, and Mr Addco.

No huge exhaust rice-tip/thumping stereo/Peterbuilt turboed car can be enjoyed if you're nursing your sloppy suspension around a curve.

 

[hurddawg]

I thought the AAS struts were gas not hydraulic. If you want to rebuild yours, you can purchase KYB's rebuilt kit for the struts for I think $90 at carparts.com. Since KYB made'em makes sense they have the kit.