MX-3.com

I am searching for decent, yet inexpensive rear struts and rear stabilizing links for my 93. After calling a few local areas, I was flabbergasted at the price per each unit and hoping to find something cheaper online. I'm not in the market for any performance enhancement items, only for normal driving but prefer a smoother ride. Therefore, I am hoping many of you can chime in with recommendations of brand as well as retailer.

Also, when replacing the struts, is it wise to change the springs with them? How about any other misc. parts? Any tips, tricks and experience to make this a faster task is greatly appreciated and of course, all help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you

How many miles on the suspension system? High miles, like 150K or more means probably a good idea to replace the springs and the struts together, although not mandatory. You'll need a spring compressor tool. Info on that is in this post.
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=56416&hilit=replace+struts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
You'll also need to replace the rear upper strut mounts and if the bump-stop/dust boot is crapped out, replace those too. A good replacement for stock struts is the KYB GR2's. Can find em sometimes on ebay or tirerack.com carries em (or used to anyway) for ~$50 each. Recommend using ebay for the replacement stabilizer end-links. Seller there w/a ebay store prices a rear set at ~$75/pr.

The Escort ZX-2 Tokico struts are basically a direct swap and you can get all four for $175 from oemfordparts.com. I put them on my car, and I highly recommend them.

umcamara wrote:The Escort ZX-2 Tokico struts are basically a direct swap and you can get all four for $175 from oemfordparts.com. I put them on my car, and I highly recommend them.

"Basically" a direct fit, or a direct fit? Any minor modifications required or can I simply install them with no problem?

Thanks

There's a whole lot of information on here about the swap. The only difference is the upper spring perch for the MX-3 struts will not receive the new strut shaft unless you enlarge the hole a bit. It's very easy to do. Or, you just buy the upper spring perches for the ZX-2. You'll also need ZX-2 thrust bearings, but you should replace those anyways since your car has the mileage it does.

As I said, all the information you need has been covered on here. I believe Wytbishop did a VERY nice writup on the swap.

If ya wanna freshen your springs, here's a complete set from a 90K MX-3 for good price fwiw. You never mentioned how many miles were on your current stock suspension.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=63452" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

neutral wrote:If ya wanna freshen your springs, here's a complete set from a 90K MX-3 for good price fwiw. You never mentioned how many miles were on your current stock suspension.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=63452" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Oops, you're right. I'm reaching 170,000 miles on my car now with original suspension.