Suspension completely shot, save an otherwise great '97 SE 3.8. Please help.

[KZOO3800]

Old SE needs new suspension.
Photo taken last week.



To put this in perspective, I hit a small pothole on the drivers side at 25 MPH tonight and the anti-lock brakes engaged... This happens a few times a week. I feel every nook and cranny of the road vibrate through the steering wheel/seat strait into my hands and asscheeks... Gets old real fast let me tell you... I drive daily on the highway and can feel that it is out of alignment despite a recent alignment.

The suspension components have endured way more than they were designed for: Rear right strut is collapsing, all strut mounts are noisy, front left ball joint is shot to the point of "creaking" at low speed turns... Steering is still responsive but high speed cornering feels sluggish and extremely stiff... Even an SE should shrug off these bumps...

I want to replace the struts with quick struts and replace all strut mounts. I'm doing this myself and ordering from RockAuto.com so parts will be cheap.

Once I have the struts/mounts off I have access to most of the suspension components and I'm looking to replace anything that I can to restore it to OEM or better condition.

I want this car to make 200K miles. It seems the suspension will put an end to that in the next month or so. Any advice is a huge help. Thanks guys.

[FordMan77]

I'd get the entire lower control arm from RockAuto. It comes w/ the ball joint in it. Just swap out the entire arm and away you go. Also check the outer tie rod ends. Motor and trans mount, subframe mounts.

[dsmuts]

This^^^ check the inner tierods as well.

[Odi]

you dont need new mounts if youre buying quick struts. they have everything. id also double check on tie rods (inner/outer), check both swaybars (stock likes to crack) and replace bushings if needed.

[The Guz]

You should consider KYB quick struts. They cost more but they are a better overall strut. You sould always go with the GMPP handling kit to replace the factory sway bars.

Like the other have said, Look into getting new Lower Control Arms, tie rods (inner and outer),

[nik12937]

Tip on the GMPP kit, if you pay $10-15 more you can leave out the front one and get the Dorman one that's solid.