'97 With 50K

[Karlfly]

My rear struts seem like they are shot. Does anyone know the life expectancy of these Mac. struts? Also, if I'm going to change springs and struts, is it best to change both at the same time? If I do what is the least amount I can lower it? Any opinion as to brand? Most of my driving is street, I will spend some time on a road course.

[bolt-on]

I use Ford Racing M5300C springs and Tokiko 5-way adjustable struts and shocks on my 97 Cobra. They seem to be good compromise for nice day driver/open-track car. I did add caster/camber plates for additional negative camber and positive caster for open track duty.

Larry

[GUMBALL]

[QUOTE=Karlfly]My rear struts seem like they are shot. Does anyone know the life expectancy of these Mac. struts? Also, if I'm going to change springs and struts, is it best to change both at the same time? If I do what is the least amount I can lower it? Any opinion as to brand? Most of my driving is street, I will spend some time on a road course.

If you are planning on changing both, I would have it all done at once - that way you pay for only one alignment.....If you are doing mainly street, I would suggest looking at Bilstein shocks and struts - they are self adjusting, and have a lifetime warranty. As for springs, there have been issues with a few brand names, as far as spring rate and sagging. Be careful not to lower the car more than 1.5 inches, any more and you risk tire-fender clearance and shock-bottoming issues. Also, do you have a front strut tower brace and camber-caster plates ?? I would do those at the same time, KB makes CC plates where the caster is pre-set.