2002 Sebring Suspension Upgrade

[urrlord]

I had picked up this car (02 Sebring sedan 155k) last year for cheap ($1400)because it needed front end work.
I finally decided to get the work done a few weeks ago .So I hit RockAuto. I wanted components that were greasable so that disqualified the low end products. I ended up ordering the Mevotech premium complete front end kit and 4 Monroe shock/struts .About $750. The items were quickly delivered however one of the struts was in a box labeled "original box damaged beyond use" . ok.
Loaded it all into the car along with some oil and dropped it off at a shop that I had good recomendations about. Later I realized that I neglected to put the oil filter in the car so I drove over to drop off the filter. When I got there The mechanic told me there was a problem and walked over to the car and moved the front driver side strut that gave off a squishing sound-blown. It was the strut from the damaged box. ****. I ordered a replacement strut, I'll have to contact RockAuto about returning the strut and getting a credit. The mechanic also pointed out a leaking cv axle and I okayed that replacement. A few days later the strut was delivered and installed and they had the front end aligned and called me to pick it up.
So for a complete front end replacement , shock/struts,cv axle , front end alignment and an oil change for $1045. The car has an extra 2 inches of clearance in the wheel wells , handles well,hugs curves and soaks up bumps.
I'm real happy.

 

[IndyIan]

I've always liked that era of Chrysler products, and its nice to keep one going. Also sounds like you've found a hard working mechanic. I guess it the south things go a bit faster without as much rust, but that's a good amount of work for what he charged you.

 

[Capt W]

I wanted components that were greaseable so that disqualified the low end products.

Perhaps, but you also disqualified some quality products, including OEM. For run-of-the-mill passenger cars, there is simply no need to regularly shoot grease into the ball joints and outer tie rod ends (or sway bar end links or anything else these companies thread zerk fittings into). The OE parts lasted 23 years and 155K miles, right?

 

[urrlord]

I like the car, it's rust free. Mpg was 23 combined and has crept to north of 24 it's fast and responsive for a small v6. I've yet to do a purely highway run so I don't know what I could get there. I always liked to be able to grease things ,been bit by failures of things that were sealed that I felt would have lasted longer if they had fittings.(Dodge 4wd factory u joints of the late 70's). The Mevotech premium kit also had upgraded bushing materiel in addition to the zerks for about 100 $ more so I sprung for it. I plan on keeping this thing as long as possible. Right now replacing the dead factory speakers . After that a fluid refresh on the auto transmission.