Maybe this is an obvious question, going to check to the previous owners very complete maintenance records, but at 140k I am assuming struts and shocks are getting long in the tooth, right?

I'd like a better ride and I've heard this is the best way to smooth out the bumps and increase handling.

In fact when I look at the top of the strut mount in the engine compartment the rubber ring seems to have a gap in it, doesn't seem to have any play when I drive the car but I feel like I am living on borrowed time.

I've seen complete KYB kits for around $500 which I may try and do myself, I am sure the dealer will rake me for at least a twice that anyway.

Thoughts?
Thanks.

 

Yes, do it. Rear shocks are simple to do, but you do need some ground clearance to get the shock in and out from the bottom. The fronts need a few more tools and thought, but you can still do it yourself. Air tools help speed things up compressing the spring or in case you have hard to turn nuts.

I ended up buying Monroe OESpectrum due to price and availability, since I couldn't find Bilstein B4 and Koni Sport in stock at the usual places (Tirerack, FCP, couple motorsport online retailers).

One thing I want to add is I'm getting a lot of vibration after swapping out the shocks and may be related to cupping or irregular tire wear due to driving around long time with bad shocks. So just keep that in mind.

 

140k is overdue on this car, because the original shocks are of low quality and don't last the life of the vehicle. They don't leak and still rebound well, but they get really stiff, especially during winter days.

Some aftermarket shocks are know to be stiffer. The suspension on this car is already quite stiff. Monroe seems to give a smother ride. Make sure you check the upper strut mounts know to fail. Vibration could be caused by improper handling of transmission axles while replacing the struts (always suspend by a wire the axle, never let it hang freely) or bu worn out lower arm bushings.