Those with suspension problems

LS4me

LS4me

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We have over 167K miles on our (actually, my daughter's) 2000 LS with no suspension problems.

Are you guys that are going through ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. running larger than stock wheels? Lowered? I would posit that the extra weight of the 18"+ wheel size is destroying the suspension components. The heaviest stock wheel/tire weight is ~49#. I know even some 18" wheels weigh ~40# sans tires. With a tire weight of almost 30# that's a lot of extra unsprung weight.
 
I'm lowered (obviously) on the springs you sold me, with a 19" wheel/tire combo that weighs in at 67#.
 
I bought my 06 (sport)with 49000 miles and the rear shocks were nearly gone, especially the passenger side. But my 02 I had from 65000 until 94000 lowered with no problems...
I really think it's just the luck of the draw. Also something interesting I was reading recently said you should replace your shocks every 50000 miles. I never have, but some people do I guess.
 
At the time I had my problem I was on the stock 17's. Ironically since I had it fixed I had my 19's with no issues.
 
Lincoln Luebbe said:
I bought my 06 (sport)with 49000 miles and the rear shocks were nearly gone, especially the passenger side. But my 02 I had from 65000 until 94000 lowered with no problems...
I really think it's just the luck of the draw. Also something interesting I was reading recently said you should replace your shocks every 50000 miles. I never have, but some people do I guess.
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Hi Lincoln Leubbbe
My rear shocks failed after 45K. I would drive over a speed bump with an empty trunk and the LS would bottom. I think you will be quite shocked when you price out this repair. I was quoted at a chain over 1200 to do the job. Theres not much in the aftermarket. I think Ford really dropped the ball with this car as far shocks go Buy the parts online and bring it to local mech. Good Luck
 
Most places recommend that shocks be replaced at 50000 miles as posted earlier. The number one thing to remember though is that when we put bigger rims and tires on cars, the suspension will work harder because of the unsprung weight. That means more stress on the bushings, ball joints, tie rods, shocks etc. Also depending on the conditions of the roads where many of us live plays a big factor too right along with driving habits. So if someone bought an LS that is a few years old lets say 01, throw on some 20's, it's just a matter of time before something in the suspension needs replacing. The car already has age to it plus everything else on the car. And sometimes you don't know how well the car was taken care of before you acquired it. So those things can lead up to replacing things on the car soon after you get it. Just my five cents.
 
imo suspension problems on the LS are promised. ether way it go you gone have to replace that stuff.
 
REDBED said:
Hi Lincoln Leubbbe
My rear shocks failed after 45K. I would drive over a speed bump with an empty trunk and the LS would bottom. I think you will be quite shocked when you price out this repair. I was quoted at a chain over 1200 to do the job. Theres not much in the aftermarket. I think Ford really dropped the ball with this car as far shocks go Buy the parts online and bring it to local mech. Good Luck
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Dude, shocks are like $65 apiece. Installation isn't too hard, though you will need a spring compressor. I don't know how Ford dropped the ball. The factory shocks are still the best available (so far....).
 
LS4me said:
Dude, shocks are like $65 apiece. Installation isn't too hard, though you will need a spring compressor. I don't know how Ford dropped the ball. The factory shocks are still the best available (so far....).
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The shocks are great and they aren't the common problem.

In most cases after the parts that were put on the car during assembly have been replaced the new ones rarely fail unless its the owners error.

As far as larger tires and wheels go, thats another to blame the owner. If you are not staying within factory overall diameter with the new wheel/tire combo you need to consider some upgrades to the suspension like those retarded Donks do.
 
Ive been mostly lucky. Front lower ball joint got loose at about 60K. I replaced both knuckles, and have not had any other suspension issues. I now have 92K on the car. Running the stock 17s.
 
NickT88LSC said:
Drive any car in NYC and see if you don't have suspension components failing. Mine failed with the factory 17's also.
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Word up!

My rear end links are shot. Rattle around like sumbitches.

Thankfully now that the car is back up to stock ride height and on stock wheels/tires, I don't have to dodge pebbles on the street any more. :D
 
One ball joint died on a completely stock car. Standard wear and tear IMO
 
rainjacks said:
One ball joint died on a completely stock car. Standard wear and tear IMO
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Where it can happen with a stock wheel and tire combo I wouldn't call it standard wear and tear. IMO, failing at under 50K is a bit premature if you ask me.
 
JWerner2 said:
Where it can happen with a stock wheel and tire combo I wouldn't call it standard wear and tear. IMO, failing at under 50K is a bit premature if you ask me.
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Agreed. Should last at least 100K miles; probably closer to 150K.
 
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