Front suspension upgrade

[sidneyhop]

The bushings on the front struts are squeaking like crazy so figured its time to upgrade.
The PO had the Strutmasters put on (TR1FB) and Im wondering if I can just replace the shock portion with the bilstein 5100's. or do the springs need replacement also?

 

[Jstawgn]

5100 are designed for stock spring. Although depend on wear it's a good idea to replace. Japanese spring steel are not that good and known to sag over time. Not sure if strutmaster come as a complete kit or just the shock. The rear strutmaster comes with universal coil spring with their proprietary bottom mount that need to be bolted to the axle.

 

[jiggletits]

Modern coil springs really don't wear out unless they are very abused. I would keep the stock springs unless you want to put a bumper on or get more lift. Used my 273k front stockers on 5100s, just fine no sag. Old coil springs like from the 80s and earlier are the ones that wear out. Easy enough to measure center of hub to fender and compare what others have posted on here.