Thanks Frank! Not sure if I'm going to paint the rotors during this project, but I can say the idea ran through my mind yesterday. As for the lower control arms, I actually sandblasted and repainted the arms on my 03 when I replaced the ball joints so I'm very familiar with doing those, as well as how much of a pain the bushings are to get out.

 

Looking great! Can't wait to see finished pics!

 

Great progress - can't wait for the pics

 

Good headstart on the work!

 

I wonna see it when its done

 

First, I have to say thanks everyone for the feedback and interest!

I spent some time a bit earlier tonight taking apart the factory front strut assemblies so I'm able to swap the insulators over to the new strut assemblies when I go to assemble those. Got the insulators cleaned up and ready for the swap. I was able to do a comparison of the new struts to the factory ones for the first time. I'll possibly tackle taking apart the factory rears tomorrow, we'll see how I feel.

Factory fronts compared to the new Bilstein HD's.









Passenger side front.



Driver side struts.

 

looking good so far! those are some nice looking struts!

I'm working on lowering my monte too, going to swap out the struts and springs on Friday if all goes well

 

yep i remember your yellow monte on cardomain

 

let me know how the blisteins work! thinking of going with them.

 

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing how that work goes on yours. Who did you go with for struts and springs?

Will do! I don't think you can go wrong with Bilstein.