<Project> 2000 Trans Am

[9T8W66]

Thanks!

Front struts were replaced just before I bought the car - they look the be monroe's (they're just black), so I'll probably just leave those alone. I'm also going to stick with the stock decarbons in the rear for now. They're still in good shape and are pretty easy to change out at anytime. If the fronts weren't new, I would swap them because they're more of a PITA, but for now they're staying. I hope this doesn't make you lose respect for me

Your safe Fred I just want you to understand the facts.

Don't take this the wrong way but the Decrapon's were Junk when the car rolled off the assembly line. They are incapable of properly dampening the stock springs let alone a stiffer spring in a shorter travel situation. Their lifespan isn't much when combined with that 150# rear spring rate. And the Monroes (or what ever might be up front) may be worse then the DeCarbon's when combined with that 550# front rate. Don't get me wrong they will probably feel good at first but will eventually fail miserably.
When I did mine I had to decide whether I wanted to do the job (fronts) once or twice, I'm glad I spent the money and did it right the first time. Although I was sold on the Koni's and on the fence about the springs.

Just don't underestimate the value of a what a quality set of shocks can do for these cars.

[Lucky SOB]

Your safe Fred I just want you to understand the facts.

Don't take this the wrong way but the Decrapon's were Junk when the car rolled off the assembly line. They are incapable of properly dampening the stock springs let alone a stiffer spring in a shorter travel situation. Their lifespan isn't much when combined with that 150# rear spring rate. And the Monroes (or what ever might be up front) may be worse then the DeCarbon's when combined with that 550# front rate. Don't get me wrong they will probably feel good at first but will eventually fail miserably.
When I did mine I had to decide whether I wanted to do the job (fronts) once or twice, I'm glad I spent the money and did it right the first time. Although I was sold on the Koni's and on the fence about the springs.

Just don't underestimate the value of a what a quality set of shocks can do for these cars.

Really appreciate it Craig! Thanks!

I went to O'reiley's tonight to get a new battery for my truck and had them quote me on Monroe Sensa-tracs for all 4 corners... They didn't have anything specific for lowering applications, but for the fronts, they wanted $110 A PIECE! And $30 a piece for the rears... The fronts are now definitely staying as they are basically brand new. The rears being the stock Decarbons... I will entertain replacing them if I can stick around $50-75 total. Any suggestions? And do I need a special shock for my lowered application (~1.2")?

[bigjon88]

i got kyb's

[9T8W66]

Really appreciate it Craig! Thanks!

I went to O'reiley's tonight to get a new battery for my truck and had them quote me on Monroe Sensa-tracs for all 4 corners... They didn't have anything specific for lowering applications, but for the fronts, they wanted $110 A PIECE! And $30 a piece for the rears... The fronts are now definitely staying as they are basically brand new. The rears being the stock Decarbons... I will entertain replacing them if I can stick around $50-75 total. Any suggestions? And do I need a special shock for my lowered application (~1.2")?

The old saying "you get what you pay for" applies to shocks more then anything.
I paid close to $900 for my Koni's and in my opinion they are worth every penny. The next best option would be some Bilsteins for around $400. They have decent valving and their quality is very good. As I said in the previous post don't underestimate what a quality set of shocks can do. Quality shocks are the one part that will make the most significant difference in how the car drives. As someone else once told me "Add a set of Koni's to a stock F-body and you'll wonder why they weren't put on the car as original equipment".

[JoeliusZ28]

craig speaks the truth. my car DESTROYED a set of rear decarbons in 20k, and i was only cammed for about a quarter of that. they cannot handle performance driving. Holeshots, hard shifting, and wheel hop especially will kill em quick.

[Lucky SOB]

The old saying "you get what you pay for" applies to shocks more then anything.
I paid close to $900 for my Koni's and in my opinion they are worth every penny. The next best option would be some Bilsteins for around $400. They have decent valving and their quality is very good. As I said in the previous post don't underestimate what a quality set of shocks can do. Quality shocks are the one part that will make the most significant difference in how the car drives. As someone else once told me "Add a set of Koni's to a stock F-body and you'll wonder why they weren't put on the car as original equipment".

craig speaks the truth. my car DESTROYED a set of rear decarbons in 20k, and i was only cammed for about a quarter of that. they cannot handle performance driving. Holeshots, hard shifting, and wheel hop especially will kill em quick.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. Unfortunately for now, I'm going to have to stick to the mystery ones up front and maybe swap out the rears. The budget just simply isn't there for new shocks right now. Top priority is wheels and tires I think I'll be alright for a little while. The car won't see a terrible amount of miles, and most will be straight line on Woodward with the occasional wash-out from a Michigan-U It will definitely see the drag strip once or twice tho

Here's my progress from tonight - 10 stainless bolts for the diff cover and installed the parking brake brackets.

[Boost Addict]

Looks like you're making very good progress, I look forward to seeing it in person.

[s.reef]

Looks good Fred, I went with Bilsteins and they were decent for the price.

[bigjon88]

Were you get new bolts for the rear cover

[Gottork]

I got 4 monroes for my thirdgen for 120 shipped on ebay , not sure what they are now but I am sure your looking for more of a performance ap, looking good fred

[Lucky SOB]

Were you get new bolts for the rear cover

ACE hardware - they have an entire isle of hardware. I know it well... used to work there in HS lol. But yeah - I always head for the stainless steel or grade 10.9 metric bolts. I just learned today that grade 10.9 is the same as grade 8 for standard sizes. These should always be used for any bolt that will see a decent amount of load. For example, I used regular stainless bolts for the diff cover because they're only torqued to 20 ft lbs. I used grade 10.9 bolts for the sway bar mounts because I don't want those things to shear on me.

[OVRKILL]

Fred, should I assume you will not be looking for another stock rear? Seriously making great progress....someday I'll stop building a "box fort" in my basement and get after mine!

[Lucky SOB]

Fred, should I assume you will not be looking for another stock rear? Seriously making great progress....someday I'll stop building a "box fort" in my basement and get after mine!

Yes, thanks for the consideration tho. I'm almost done with the entire rear end project - just filled it with RP gear oil (it's actually purple... who knew? lol). Give me a shout if you need assistance with pulling your's - it's kinda a two person project towards the end

[MP81]

Lookin good! The stainless bolts definitely "spice" it up back there. And the POR-15 does a great job, eh?

[sman]

Looks real good fred, I want to put some work into my car like this, but driving it every day, its just hard to justify, parts like this just dont seem to stay looking that nice after a 20k miles season.

Keep up the hard work!