I have a 96 GT Convertible with 135,000 miles. I want the car to ride a lot nicer. Now it seems too loose and sloppy. What can I do to fix this problem? I only have like 300 dollars now to do this. Should I replace the shocks first? Or just replace the springs and lower the car?


Your suggesstions would be appreciated.

 

Could be your shocks and struts are broken. Not entirely sure without a more detailed description of your car feeling 'loose'.

 

Bounce the car by pushing down on the fender(s).. after you stop, does the car keep bouncing a few more times? if it does your shocks are shot

 

To have a 135,000 miles .... it would be a good idea to get your front end aligned and inspect the steering components. Inspecting the steering components is a good idea every 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

 

I pushed on the bumper and the car didn't seem to keep bouncing. I think I might take it in and have it inspected and see what up. It seems like when I drive over bumps in the road it bounces you around in the car more than it should. Very hard to describe.

I guess I can't go wrong getting the shocks and struts first. If it continues, I can install the subframe connector.

Thanks

 

I decided on getting some shocks and struts. what do you guys think about Tokico TOKPAK9404 ?

 

To bring back the "new car" feeling to your car you will need to get shocks,struts,and new bushings.Bushings are just like shocks and struts,they wear out over time.This contributes to that "loose" feeling and even to the absorbing abilities of the shocks.
Back in the old days we would drive nails into the bushings from the side to stiffen the ride.This was a viable option and even the old speed magazine's would include this mod in the top fifty cheap performance mods.It worked but looking back,WE MUST HAVE BEEN NUTS!!!
Oh well,we're all making history 'cause all this stuff we're doing is new.

 

Wow, that sounds kind of crazy when you think about what you did years ago. I think I'll just go with the Tokiko shocks and struts and when I get more money, I'll do the bushings.

Thanks for all your help.

 

I put on new tokico struts (HB) and shocks (HE) along with eibach pro springs, car rides very nice and handles great. This is the way it should come from the factory.

 

I did Tokico shocks & struts along with new tires & quad shocks all at once. The ride was better but the handling was night and day. Damned thing used to hop all over the place whenever I'd hit one of those recessed manhole covers. It doesn't do that anymore.