[Georgehere]

My '88 CDV is my first FWD car and I have these questions. . . .If a car is FWD will it have struts and not shocks as in a RWD car? My car has 102K on it and while it gives a great ride, the front feels really soft and doesn't recover from peaking a bridge grade from ascending to descending, i.e. it rises and falls more than I think it should. So...assuming it has struts, can I just go to a parts house and buy new ones and replace them myself, or is this absolutely a shop job, due to special tools, a lift,etc? Found the car last Nov, and have already done the rear brakes, replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs and leads and cleaned the EGR valve. Point I make is, I do as much work as I know how to do. Appreciate some help here. Thanks.
George

'88 Coupe DeVille
'82 Honda Civic
'72 El Camino
'71 Pontiac Catalina

 

[Katshot]

My '88 CDV is my first FWD car and I have these questions. . . .If a car is FWD will it have struts and not shocks as in a RWD car? My car has 102K on it and while it gives a great ride, the front feels really soft and doesn't recover from peaking a bridge grade from ascending to descending, i.e. it rises and falls more than I think it should. So...assuming it has struts, can I just go to a parts house and buy new ones and replace them myself, or is this absolutely a shop job, due to special tools, a lift,etc? Found the car last Nov, and have already done the rear brakes, replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs and leads and cleaned the EGR valve. Point I make is, I do as much work as I know how to do. Appreciate some help here. Thanks.
George

'88 Coupe DeVille
'82 Honda Civic
'72 El Camino
'71 Pontiac Catalina

Hey George,
A strut really IS a shock it just also happens to make up more of a "structural" component. Struts tend to be fairly easy to replace but also tend to effect the alignment of the wheel they control. So generally speaking, most struts once replaced will force you to re-align the vehicle.
I will tell you though that you will be amazed at how much better your car will feel after you replace all 4.

 

[elwesso]

Yes, do all 4..... And they shouldnt be too bad to replace either.......

MAN, I cant wait to get my 4 shocks in next month.... They are on national backorder .... But then, no more bouncing for me!!!

 

[wildoaf]

Yes, do all 4..... And they shouldnt be too bad to replace either.......

MAN, I cant wait to get my 4 shocks in next month.... They are on national backorder .... But then, no more bouncing for me!!!

I ordered 4 too. Intersting thing though!!!

I had a couple of tires put on the front. The mechanic told me my STRUTS were fine (they're the self leveling type with the airbag) but the SPRINGS were shot.

Looks like I need to place another order.

An alignment after is a must.

 

[elwesso]

Yes...... Alignment is a must..... And the springs could be worn out also......

Couldnt hurt replacing both, and I think you will be pleased by the new ride!!!