hello folks, 93 850 150K, considering upgrading suspension with ipd sway bars,
                  bilstein struts and shocks, tie end rods and bolts, steering rack boot. do i need
                  anything else, would it be worth the the expense? love the car, it's been cared for
                  very well. i use image automotive in white plains md for svc. u wont find a better
                  group of folks

                  --
                  ed dobnaldson

                  i just had bilsteins and swaybars installed on my 95 855T despite all warnings of the
                  ride becoming stiff, harsh, etc. the ride is now stiffer than before, but still tolerable.
                  my old shocks and struts were pretty shot.

                  handling is greatly improved and the wagon feels even less like a wagon. i would
                  imagine that the improvement would be even more noticable on a sedan.

                  the shop where i did the work had recommended that i replace the shocks with
                  something other than the bilsteins (too stiff in their experience) and mentioned that
                  the swaybars would be responsible for the bulk of the improvement. all i can say is
                  corners, roundabouts (yes there are some in colorado), and entrance/exit ramps are
                  a lot of fun now.
                  seth

                  ps oh yeah i also installed the rear cargo area mat since i am getting a puppy, did it
                  improve my handling as well . . .

... posted by Jeff S on Thursday, 15 March 2001, at 2:41 p.m. ...in response to"susp upgrade" posted by ed donaldson.
 

                  I installed Bilstein struts and am very happy with them; firmer, definitely but not too
                  much. IMHO, with 150k miles on the car your dampers are toast. I would have
                  replaced them 80k miles ago (but that is just me). I haven't replaced the steering rack
                  boot, if it is not torn or damaged it is still good.

                  I would also replace the strut bushing since the suspension will be pulled apart
                  anyway, the bushing isn't very expensive. One of mine was destroyed about 6
                  months after I replaced the struts. Therefore I got to disassemble my front
                  suspension twice, on the plus side I did it the second time in 1/4 the time it took me
                  the first time.

                  Ed,

                  Do it. You won't regret it a bit. DO NOT forget to do the lower A-arms (ball joints)
                  too. Super easy job. 3-4 bolts and you're done (don't forget to use a torque
                  wrench). ipd has the A-arms on sale until the end of the month for $130 each. Great
                  deal. Dealer charges $185 each.

                  Also, check the CV boots. Since you're down there you may as well replace them
                  too.

                  --
                  Black Adder: '95 T-5R, Bilstein, Eibach; '96 850R Wagon, stock