2003 front struts

[mikeyny1]

2003 sorento ex 98,000 miles
Hello all,
I did some research on here but see that there are 4 different types of front shock/spring setups. Can someone confirm which ones i have?

I took a look underneath and I see a shock with a spring wrapped around it. Is that one assembly meaning that it comes with the spring or does just the shock get changed. The ride quality is just insane when hitting a bump and it jumps left or right while hitting a bad bump on the highway. I also think that maybe the sway bar bushings are bad (they are not tight around bar when suspension is moved) as well and while im at it i guess change the end links too.. Front alignment when done as well.. Gawd the ride quality is BAD....

Are these correct from rock?
AUTO 7 Part # 8650093 Coil-Over; Front Right
AUTO 7 Part # 8650099 Coil-Over; Front Left

Thanks

[cmar]

Unless the US models are significantly different to the Aus ones. You can remove the shock / spring assembly (strut) as a unit. The parts however are and can be bought seperately, although you will need a spring compressor to safely disassemble and reassemble the strut.

I don't know how widely ARB stuff is available in the US (I believe they are quite wide-spread over there now) but ARB sell a replacement spring set and matching shocks that transform the ride and also supply a bonus 2" lift if you use your car off road. I've not used this setup personally but it was VERY popular in Australia, and completely fixes the factory setup's tendancy to be too hard on small bumps, but then too soft on big ones.
I have used ARB shocks before on a Ford Bronco I used to own and the improvement in ride and handling was incredible. They are not cheap, but they are good.
Of course if you go this way you will have to replace the rear's as well to keep a balanced suspension and ride height.

Old Man Emu 4x4 Suspension | ARB 4x4 Accessories

[RandomBob]

The 2003 to 2006 were real bad to start of with. Really soft suspension setup.
I just changed my springs and shocks on my 2006, and your should be same as mine.

The front comes out of the car as 1 unit, but then you can remove the shock from the stut assembly to just change out the shock.
Due to the fronts being a strut setup, the shocks are relativley expensive.
The rear is only a eye to eye shock and they are cheap, so i would also recommend changing all 4 shocks. On mine (130000km) the rear was terrible. Bouncing all over the place, i felt like a booble head after a speed bump. Also the rear are real easy to change compared to the front.

With the fronts, some parts of it are a 2 person job.
Daystar web have a lift space to lift the car, and they have instructions on how to install it. In the process the instructions show how to remove the front strut, which is the instructions i used. I am not recomending the Daystar lift space, simply use their instructions.
http://daystarweb.com/attachments/in.../ka/P11415.pdf

Also if you choose to go Old Man Emu, they are cheaper in the US than in Aus.
Kia lift kit, suspension, accessories
these guys are the cheapest i have found for the OME.

But if your just looking for a better ride, you can simply go the local Monroe's or people seem to also like the KYB. That is if your happy with the stock ride height. They are also MUCH cheaper!

[mikeyny1]

Hey guys,
Thank you very much for the info. Much appreciated.. Yes i will definitely change out the rears as well.. Those instructions will come in handy too

[mikeyny1]

I figure its about time to actually do this because drive-ability is just awful..
Im going to order these,

(struts) MONROE Part # 71110
MONROE Part # 71110

and these

(springs) MOOG Part # 81135
MOOG Part # 81135

does this seem right? I looked and i have coils over the struts on my sorento.
Thank you

[cmar]

But if your just looking for a better ride, you can simply go the local Monroe's or people seem to also like the KYB. That is if your happy with the stock ride height. They are also MUCH cheaper!

Yes in Australia at least Monroe make OME shocks for ARB in any case. I've used a set of Monroes on my Sportage and they were fine. Another bloody strut set up that is a bugger to replace.

You look good to go with the set up in your links. If you have a pneumatic ratchet wrench it makes doing up the spring compressor much easier and faster.

[mikeyny1]

Originally Posted by cmar

Yes in Australia at least Monroe make OME shocks for ARB in any case. I've used a set of Monroes on my Sportage and they were fine. Another bloody strut set up that is a bugger to replace.

You look good to go with the set up in your links. If you have a pneumatic ratchet wrench it makes doing up the spring compressor much easier and faster.

I do have pneumatic tools and will def be using them. Hey lemme ask you, in most cases is it advisable to change the springs on a 95,000 mile sorento?

[cmar]

Well the standard springs are only so , so even when new. I and most Australian users found the standard springs too soft for our third world roads. I know that US people generall prefer a softer ride.

[mikeyny1]

would a standard spring compressor do the trick or is there a specific one?
Thank you

[nstoolman1]

I used one from Harbor Freight and it worked fine.

If you don't feel comfortable dealing with the spring compressor check with the part stores and see if they sell assembled units for the Sorie. They sold them for other models a few years ago and maybe added the Sorento to the mix.