Strut assembly

[Abbby]

Need to replace front struts on 2003 SLE. Want to go with ready strut so do not need to deal with spring, etc. Is there a brand besides AC Delco that retains OEM ride height and similar ride? Best deal I can find right now on AC Delco ready strut is Rock Auto for $160 each. Little more than I wanted to pay but I also do not want poor quality or changed ride height.

[myfirstbonnie]

I suggest looking at your RPO codes. If you have the FE1 suspension, you will want to use your springs. The quick struts may not have the same springs you have now and could alter the ride. Just borrow a set of spring compressors from you local parts store and swap them. Saves money for a little more time.

Also remember to get new mounts to prevent further issues down the road and having to pull the strut again.

[Abbby]

What is RPO code and where do I locate it?

[myfirstbonnie]

On the spare tire cover in the trunk, there is a sticker with a bunch of letters and numbers. You want to look for FE1 or FE2.

[Abbby]

I looked in the trunk and found an FE2 code. Would really like to make sure I have the correct/same strut for my vehicle. I have read a few posts about peole having issues with the wrong strut. Rock auto has two AC Delcos listed. One is part number 503589 (AC Delco 19172172) $63 and the other is 506254 ( ac delco 22064781). $120. Really do not want to pay $120 for a strut. I am ok with another more economical brand if I knew it was the right one meaning fits without issue and does not create a change in ride height and/or a big change in ride.

[dz09x]

Everyone says the monroe's do create a ride hide issue.

If you want to retain ride height. Best, easiest, and cheapest way of doing this is buying the strut separately and just assembling it using your own spring.
I personally did this a month or so ago. Bought the KYB stuts and all related hardware, rented compressors, and just did it.


Or you can try the ACDelco ones, although I dunno how those will work for you. Never really read much about them because of the price.

[nubuilder]

The Monroe Quick-Struts do create a ride height issue (I have them), but I don't know if the strut-only would or not (I don't think it would since you would be using your current spring).