Just had the 100k mile RMW inspected....

....It passed, but my mechanic noted a few issues:

-Both rear shocks leaking
-Wheel bearings need repacking
-Muffler is rotted
-Right front idler arm is loose
-Hood release cable is broken (I have horrible luck with these things. Broke 3)

Muffler will be an easy fix because I am thinking of doing a muffler delete. If I don't like it I can always replace with my other stockers. I also think I can handle the idler arm and wheel bearings.

Because this is my DD I would like to keep the cost to a minimum (More money to spend on the hot rod )

What should I do about the shocks? Replace with another air shock? Which brand? Or replace with a standard shock? Which brand?

Thanks in advance!

A lot of folks who are just trying to keep costs down (and don't need it) put regular shocks in there instead of the air shocks. They are usually a bit cheaper, then just unplug the air compressor so it doesn't run constantly.

As to brands, dunno. Really up to how much you want (or don't want) to spend and what kind of ride you're looking for.

If the air shocks are originals, they are side specific. There is a left and a right so be sure to get the correct one if you don't replace both.

I have had good luck with the Gabriel brand (Autozone)....I know they are a budget shock BUT they really did work well on my 92 RMW and lasted a loooong time with normal driving. My compressor went out so I just got regular shocks.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/parts/partsProduct.jsp?displayName=Shock%2FStrut+-+Rear&itemId=prod60067&navValue=14600661&parentId=cat30059&productId=276949&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=276949_0_7413_4610&filterByKeyWord=shocks&categoryNValue=14699999&isSearchByPartNumber=false&categoryDisplayName=Suspension&store=163&skuDescription=GabrielGuardian/Shock/Strut-Rear&fromWhere=&searchText=shocks&_requestid=1960273




Other than that, I used the Monroe Severe Service shocks on all my other wagons....but I know some members have had them fail early.

Chris

I have the Monroes on my two drivers. One set has about 18-20k on 'em and they are holding up well (although have heard stories of them failing early too). the other set have less than 1K on them and are the fronts only (still have aftermarket airs in the rear as I haven't had the time to switch them yet).

I really like the firmness of the SS shocks but they aren't too harsh either.

I bought the OE spec Gabriels when I got my car. Ran them for less than a month, returned them as they were worse than the wore out stockers. As for the rears, I replaced the pogo-sticking wore out rear air with the Monroe MA717's. Ran those for about a year, then finally wised up and got the Monroe standard shock with the airlift 1000 helper bags. Best decision yet.

I put the sensa tracs that I read everyone complain about on both my wagon and sedan. No problems out of either and the sedan ones are close to two years and about 20k miles. After years of owning Trans Ams I grew tired of firm rides it seems. Some point I will install the SSs on the wagon since people say they are not too harsh.

You can do the Idler arm easily, two bolts and a locknut. Wheel bearings are even easier just have to be sure and torque the spindle nut correctly or you will have a problem quickly.

Muffler delete isn't too bad if you have a CAT still, though it does tend to be quite crackly at higher RPMs.

Thanks for the opinions guys! I will be looking at my shock options in the very near future.

As sad as it sounds, I need to get the car ready so there are no hiccups when the white stuff starts to fly...

Do you guys have Cole Muffler in Rochester? I have a local place who'll do just about anything very affordably. I love Summit Turbo mufflers and would purchase another pair in a heartbeat, and just take them to Cole to have them installed.

I'll tell you what, When you get to the Fest, find me and I'll let you drive my boat. It has the Summit turbo's mentioned earlier and the monroe SS shocks all the way around with airlift 1000's for auto level. That way YOU can determine what is harsh/loud and what is not.

stockfornow wrote:

Muffler will be an easy fix because I am thinking of doing a muffler delete. If I don't like it I can always replace with my other stockers.

I have only heard one wagon muffler delete (Nick's LDM Woody) and it did not sound so hot IMO. Very loud. I do have muffler delete on my '92 Lincoln TC and I love it...but I still have H pipe,pre cats/cats and honkn resonators on it still.

I recommend the Summit Turbos!! FTW!! Cheap and they sound GREAT for the price! My new wagon will be getting a set of these just like all my other wagons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOdbdyx_Bs4


Chris


.

krzdimond - I appreciate the offer and will take you up on it.

I have the Summit Turbo's on my white RMW with the Pype's X. I am just worried about rusting as the DGGM RMW will be my winter beater....

stockfornow wrote:

krzdimond - I appreciate the offer and will take you up on it.

I have the Summit Turbo's on my white RMW with the Pype's X. I am just worried about rusting as the DGGM RMW will be my winter beater....

Could you not paint them with some high temp rattle can paint once installed?

Otherwise, go for the muffler delete...but post up some clips when done...(unless Nick brings that wagon to 'Fest this year) I want to make sure I was not wrong about how it really sounds...

Someone say "Summit turbo's?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDYomeayErk

or....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B710A0t6bEQ

and....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YCq9513Ayc

Hey Krzdimond...your sig says "Custom 2.5" exhaust". I know you have Summit turbos....but what else? Hook up pipes? Wagon sounds good , like the drive-by vid!

Chris

"custom" means that I paid a guy WAY too much to bend over the axle pipes


Stock manifolds, cats. 2.5" Walker exhaust pipe and then the summit mufflers to 2.5" custom bent OTA pipe out behind the rear wheels. Nothing exotic.

No crossover. The rattle was a loose pipe, and that was fixed