Using two different levels(brand) of struts?

[daves87rs]

Okay, this might be an interesting question...

I'm planning within the next few weeks to do some update work on the front end of my wife's 2003 Cavalier. Right now it looks like quick struts and some control arm brushings.(everything else looks good so far)

My question is if I mix different types of struts (levels) if it will be an issue. I recently put Monroe sensa trac quick struts on the rear. And I'm planning to use AAP and their codes. Though their sensa tracs for the front are pricey. And they do have the econo matic struts for a much better price. And I'm not sure how it will handle, even though this is a base J body with a soft ride set up.

Another idea would be to go with NAPA branded quick struts, which are about the same price (also made by Monroe-but not sure which one it is)


Keep in mind, I want to do it right, but on a budget too. This is an 8 year old car that will soon be my beater, but I would actually like to get a few years out of the parts at least. I'm open to your ideas and comments...


(yes, I know rock auto is cheaper, though I'd rather not ship if I can..)

 

[Lead Shoes]

I would see no issue in using different struts if they are all for the right car.

although I am anal so I would use all the same brand..

 

[tomcat27]

I've done it a few times. even had mechanics "recommend" it.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: tomcat27
I've done it a few times. even had mechanics "recommend" it.


Recommend? I was a bit worried about the ride more than anything...to be honest the roads are so bad here in MI (thanks potholes) that I'm not sure how long they are going to go anyways..

 

[mechtech2]

Side to side variations in struts/shocks is not smart.
But different brands on the front and rear is harmless.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Side to side variations in struts/shocks is not smart.
But different brands on the front and rear is harmless.



Ah...which means there is a good chance I won't notice..

 

[eljefino]

You should be good. They are all "service level" parts not hi-po. Are you afraid of using a spring compressor? Cavalier struts are good to learn on, not much tension in their springs.

 

[artificialist]

I can't recommend the "Economy" struts, because I see too many of them fail at 30,000 miles. This is in Florida, where road salt is not a contributing factor to failure.

NAPA Quick Struts appear to be Sensa-Trac struts, so I would use those.

Honestly, I would buy the quick struts just because I can't remember how many times I would deal with an upper strut mount that was junk, and that was 2x as likely if the car was exposed to road salt.

 

[PandaBear]

I've done that in a pinch when the rear busted, and only replaced the rear and kept the front OEM. It handles great. Then the front broke and I replace only the front with the same brand as the rear and left the rear alone after 40k miles, and it drove kind of funny until the front settle down.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
I can't recommend the "Economy" struts, because I see too many of them fail at 30,000 miles. This is in Florida, where road salt is not a contributing factor to failure.

NAPA Quick Struts appear to be Sensa-Trac struts, so I would use those.

Honestly, I would buy the quick struts just because I can't remember how many times I would deal with an upper strut mount that was junk, and that was 2x as likely if the car was exposed to road salt.




With rust, I'm guessing there is going to be a mess under there..