Struts and other suspension parts

[porma]

Hey guys I'm just looking for a good place to get cheap but decent suspension parts for my 2001 coupe. I'm not planning on keeping it for more than another year or two so I just want to fix up a few things to get it driving comfortable and somewhat reliably again. I don't have a lot of experience working on cars so I'm having a tough time finding out which products would be right for me at the moment.

I was quoted around $900 for front and rear struts at Pedders so can anyone recommend anything that would bring that figure down a bit? From what I've seen I could work it down to around $700 but I'm hoping you guys could let me know about any good options to get it cheap as possible while meeting OEM standards. Also do struts normally come with the strut mounts included or will I have buy them separately?

I'm also after outer tie rod ends, front sway bar links, and rear trailing arm bushes - it looks like Supercheap and Repco sell most of those but only have the sway bar link bushings available and not the link itself. I'm having a hard time finding the link anywhere other than on ebay for 2002-2007 models so would they fit my 2001? They look pretty similar to the ones on the car.

I'd appreciate any suggestions and I should mention that I'm hoping to get this done pretty soon so I might be happy to spend a little extra if it means I can pick up at a store (Melbourne) or get faster delivery

 

[Haidz]

Hey mate.

I’d recommend against Pedders as their struts suck. Or any big stores such as Repco, Supercheap, etc. They’ll drain your wallet whilst profiting ridiculous amount from you.

If you’d like to leave the car at stock height, but just replace the struts so the car is firm again, buy a strut set and reuse the factory springs.

I will leave links to the parts you’re after. KYB is to OEM spec and will be the best bang for buck.

New top hat for the front;

2x KYB Front Strut Top Mounts for Mitsubishi Lancer Mirage CE FWD 96-04 | eBay

Mitsubishi Lancer Mirage CE 1.5 1.8 I4. 2 x KYB front LH & RH Strut Mounts. Mitsubishi Lancer CE 4G15 1.5 I4 FWD Sedan & Hatchback 05/1996 01/2003 315. Mitsubishi Lancer CE 4G93 1.8 I4 FWD Sedan & Hatchback 03/1997 09/2003 315.

www.ebay.com.au

New shock absorbers;

Front + Rear KYB EXCEL-G Shock Absorbers for MITSUBISHI Lancer CE Front Keyway | eBay

Note : Front Strut with Keyway. 2 x Front KYB EXCEL-G Gas Strut Shock Absorbers. 2 x Rear KYB EXCEL-G Spring Seat Shock Absorbers. MITSUBISHI Lancer CE 4G15 1.5 I4 FWD Sedan & H/Back 07/1996-09/1999. EXCEL-G SHOCK ABSORBERS.

www.ebay.com.au

New bushes for rear top hat;

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2Pcs-KY...-/143339026621?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

Sway bar link, it says CG but they’re all the same so it should fit;

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-Pcs-P...-/152829286552?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

Trailing arm bushes;

https://www.hensperformance.com/product/rear-trailing-arm-bush-upgrade/

Steering refresh kit;

https://www.hensperformance.com/product/steering-refresh-kit-cc-ce-cg-ch-fto-mirage-lancer-evo/

 

[porma]

Thanks a lot mate, that makes my life a lot easier

Is it recommended to change inner and outer tie rods at the same time or can I get away with just doing the outers? I know the big stores can be a ripoff most of the time but Repco has got some for $28 each:

https://www.repco.com.au/en/parts-service/steering-suspension/steering-components/global-tie-rod-end-gtre3459/p/A5373164?search=tie%20rod

 

[Haidz]

Best to just change both at once. HensPerformance gets good quality ones that will last a long time.

If you don’t have the tool to change rack ends, I’d recommend taking them to somewhere such as Pedders, give them the parts and ask them to change it for you. They’ll also do a wheel alignment to save you getting it done elsewhere.

 

[SDate42]

No need to replace inner tie rods unless there is play (very rare). I have a DIY for the outer tie rods on here, and you will need a wheel alignment afterwards. You need to confirm with the shop, that they will be happy to use your supplied parts if this is the path you chose. There are many reasons why a shop will not fit customer supplied parts, not just their loss of profit margin.

Shop around places like supercheap, repco, auto one, Bursons and sparesbox (which is run by repco), so you get a fair idea of what each part will cost.

as I recall, Pedders manufacture Monroe shocks under license, so use the reputation on monroe to decide if you like their product or not. KYB are fine alternatives for OEM shocks, SACHS or bilstiens would be my personal choice if money no object.