So much for relying on my dealer's parts department.

I typically purchase Ford parts on-line from Silver State Ford Parts.com or Team Ford Parts.com. They offer a substantial discount but you do have to pay shipping, which usually amounts to about $12 or so; not a bad deal if you order several parts from them. It helps to have the part number handy, but you can also look it up with their illustrated parts catalog, although it can be a challenge to find what you're looking for; or you can call or email them - they are generally very knowledgeable.

The 5R3Z5L302A sleeve is only $8.23 from Silver State.

My 2007 GT500 uses part number W520215S440 for the top strut nut; it lists for $1.93.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...&siteid=214290

http://www.teamfordparts.com/partloc...?siteid=214270

 

I bought mine from Sears. They worked pretty good, except the safety catch pins did not fit over the coils of the Ford Racing springs so they were pretty useless.

 

If this rubber sleeve is necessary why doesn't it come with the Steeda springs?

I guess the first question is is it necessary?

 

Perhaps not as far as suspension function is concerned. But when you have metal to metal contact between things that move you introduce the possibility of generating noise and causing greater wear.


Norm

 

OK, I figured that was what it's for but I'm pretty much ignorant about the workings of automobile suspensions. Great sources of info here!

Would a reputable shop know to take the old ones off and put them on the new springs or do I need to tell them to?

 

If that's your expectation then I suggest you make it clear to the shop manager.

 

Because you can always re-use the one from the OEM springs.

 

Amen to that!!!

 

I was under the impression they would be difficult to remove, sort of like stripping insulation from a wire. I have since read some "installs" that show they slip on similar to foam pipe insulators.

But I'll be sure to mention it, just in case.

 

The isolator sleeves are pretty easy to remove since they are attached to the lower pigtail with a pliable adhesive. You just carefully peel them off the spring.

When I replace my struts. I'll get new isolators now that I know their part number.