Arnott? Strutmaster? for '98 STS

mcsteve · #1 (**permalink**) 12-08-07, 02:17 PM

OK... I'm replacing the front struts on my '98 STS and don't want the nag display. I've read the review thread about Strutmaster but when I visited their web site, the kit doesn't look as complete as the kit shown by Arnott.

Has anyone used the Arnott front strut replacement on their STS, did you like the new ride and would you recomend them?

DevilleMN · #2 (**permalink**) 12-08-07, 03:14 PM

Put Arnott's air shocks on the rear obviously, didn't need struts. Good value and customer service. A very acceptable ride, took away the body role, doesn't feel like the Cad is falling off the road at every turn. With the plug -in adapters provided, no codes.

Good Luck!

mcsteve · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-07, 08:49 PM

Back end is still in good shape but I imagine I'll be looking at doing those this summer as I now have 104K miles on her.

My biggest concern is making sure that I get a set that are going to be complete and that I won't have to go to the local dealer for the parts that are "missing" from the kit.

I sent an email to both companies, Strutmaster and Arnotts but neither have replied. This makes me worry about the customer service. If they won't respond before a sale, how will they act after they have my dollars.

***Lord Cadillac*** · #4 (**permalink**) 12-15-07, 01:58 PM

Try calling Arnott.. They've been a vendor here since nearly the beginning. I haven't heard any complaints from our members...

Gibbi · #5 (**permalink**) 01-07-08, 02:59 PM

I also will be ordering replacements this week - So who's the best one to go with, Strutmaster or Arnott?

Gibbi · #6 (**permalink**) 01-08-08, 02:09 PM

No opinions for sharing??

submariner409 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-08-08, 03:33 PM

Opinion ? OEM

CadillacSTS2003 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-09-08, 12:44 PM

salvage yard for a good oem is my opinion

mcsteve · #9 (**permalink**) 02-12-08, 12:09 PM

My 2 cents report for those who are interested.

OK. I installed the kit from Arnott in the front. Plug and play just as they claimed but lacking in the documentation. I had them installed by my local mechanic (toooo cold to do it myself here in Ontario) and he was confused for about 5 minutes till i told him to just tie wrap the sensor bypass to the frame. Other than that, the are a good fit.

The ride is not quite what I've been used to. It is a stiffer ride than what was on the car before and, if the OEM price was closer to the price of these ones, I would prefer to have the OEM. However, with the dealer wanting $1K per side, and this package from Arnotts costing about $350 with shipping, add in my mechanics fee of about $250, and I saved close to $1400 by going with Arnotts. I would describe the ride as "stiff" as opposed to the "float" that I was acustomed to and liked. Now that they've been on for about 3 weeks I'd say I was acustomed to the feel and it was not that bad.

If you are looking for the OEM feel, and are willing to shell out the extra bucks, then definately go with the OEM. If you want "close" to the original, but can live with a stiffer/firmer ride and want to save large on the replacement, then I would definately recomend Arnotts.

mcsteve

ejguillot · #10 (**permalink**) 02-20-08, 07:08 PM

So the Arnotts were stiffer than the OEM struts? Hmm... I called Arnott a couple of weeks ago and they told me that the struts would have the ride characteristics of a base SLS, and not be as stiff as the STS ones.

How's the handling?

darkness · #11 (**permalink**) 02-26-08, 01:41 AM

I also ordered a pair of front strut from Arnotts for my dad's 98 STS. I'm not really impress coz All I got is a pair of KYB GR2 and two senor bypass for $300.

mcsteve · #12 (**permalink**) 03-01-08, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejguillot

So the Arnotts were stiffer than the OEM struts? Hmm... I called Arnott a couple of weeks ago and they told me that the struts would have the ride characteristics of a base SLS, and not be as stiff as the STS ones.

How's the handling?

The ride and handling is quite good now that I'm acustomed to them. As far as the characteristics of the SLS, I would have to disagree. IMHO the SLS has a softer ride than the STS and I don't find that to be the case with this conversion. More like adding a sport suspension package to a normal ride.

Tommy Deville · #13 (**permalink**) 03-11-08, 10:32 PM

give it a few weeks/1000 miles they need to break in.

I have stutmasters in the rear & just ordered the complete kit for the front, i decided to go with the strutmasters because it comes with the bolts mounts & the springs $438 shipped.

STSPaul · #14 (**permalink**) 04-07-08, 11:51 AM

Would reccommend Arnott for rears, keeps air suspension working, $301.00, for the front just go to Advance and pick up the struts for $79, monroe part #71684, each, then bypass the sensor yourself. On the other hand, if strutmasters includes the coil springs and mounts, then the fronts are a great deal. If your car has more than 100K miles on the OEM's, they are worn out with most not lasting that long.

95ETC · #15 (**permalink**) 04-07-08, 07:30 PM

ok guys, i got a ?? on this one. If the fronts have a sensor on them (for arguement's sake) and the arnotts don't, what is done with the sensor??? what about the "Ride control error" message in the DIC? and if that is the case, my 95 ETC has 117,xxx on the clock with the stock suspension, and i know for a fact that they need replacing, so im in the market myself, why isn't this message coming up in my car??? i know they are bad because the rear is saggy and the fronts are klunky over rough roads??? can anyone give me an answer here???