08 mazda 3 suspension

[playkool]

hi, i have a 08 mazda3 with 97,000 miles on it. I would like to replace the suspension. My question is that when do you change your struts/shocks and what do you think about the Monroe OESpectrum $118-. Right now advance auto has promotion of buy 3 get one free and if $40 off $110 using code a124.

thanks

[Justin]

What's the intended use and what's prompting the swap? Are you looking for stock replacement struts, or are you shooting for an upgrade? Do you plan to lower it? Any autocross or track time? Are you planning to do this yourself?

For $118, I'd go higher end than Monroe. KYB GR-2s are about $90 for that car, and they're a great shock for a DD. Tokico and Bilstein also make very high quality shocks. That said, almost anything will be an upgrade over stock units with 97k on them.

[geo2maz]

I 'upgraded' my suspension to Koni FSD's but the car is still terribly uncomfortable. Any suggestions Justin?

[Mortose]

When you say uncomfortable, Geo, is it too stiff, or bouncy?

[playkool]

What's the intended use and what's prompting the swap? Are you looking for stock replacement struts, or are you shooting for an upgrade? Do you plan to lower it? Any autocross or track time? Are you planning to do this yourself?

I have a friend who did not change his struts and it the ball barring to go bad. my car is not for track, it just for commute only but will be something that will be driving for a long long time.

[geo2maz]

When you say uncomfortable, Geo, is it too stiff, or bouncy?

stiff as hell, over bumps/potholes/shitty denver roads

[Justin]

I have a friend who did not change his struts and it the ball barring to go bad. my car is not for track, it just for commute only but will be something that will be driving for a long long time.

Not sure which bearings you're talking about. I'd go with the KYB GR-2 for the money. Perfectly good for your intended use. I ran a set in a Subaru awhile back and was quite happy.

[Justin]

stiff as hell, over bumps/potholes/shitty denver roads

I don't have great advice for you. The MS3 has a fairly stiff suspension for a stock car and the FSDs are likely a little more heavily damped (which the front end needs). You could try to find softer springs, but you'll likely compromise some body control in corners. An adjustable set of dampers may be your best bet. Some Tokico D-Specs would be the ticket, but I'm not sure that they're made for the MS3. The funny thing is that softer dampers may worsen the ride, as they can reduce rebound control and allow the body to lurch up as the spring decompresses after a bump.

[playkool]

For $118, I'd go higher end than Monroe. KYB GR-2s are about $90 for that car, and they're a great shock for a DD. Tokico and Bilstein also make very high quality shocks. That said, almost anything will be an upgrade over stock units with 97k on them.

Thank you, after a lot of research kyb is much better suited for me

[playkool]

question when i change my struts and shock to KBY, should i also change the struts/shock mount? What do you think about these Dorman? AdvanceAuto do not carry KBY mount.

Dorman - OE Solutions Upper Shock Mounting Bracket (for the back)
Dorman - OE Solutions Strut Bearing and Plate (for the front)

thanks

[RX-7 Chris]

There is no need to change them unless they are damaged. Check the existing front ones for bearing noise. and check all of them for tears in the rubber.

I'm still using the original ones on my '84 rx and they are just fine.

[Justin]

Thank you, after a lot of research kyb is much better suited for me

You're quite welcome.