Strutmaster versus OEM Air Strut rates.

M

markup97

Lost in Translation
Does anyone know how closely the Strutmaster front struts mimic the rebound/load rate of the original air strut? Are they comparable in compression and rebound pressure rates? Which holds the higher rate if one is superior to the other?


Reason I am asking is there are two MKVIIIs here in a local yard, both on Strutmaster ('Glide-Rights' I believe) conversions. If they are stiffer than OEM struts, I am thinking of combining the two to give better footing from the front Air bag/Strut combination.
 
M

markup97

Lost in Translation
Never dealt with them; I prefer to stay on air if at all possible. Just wondering is all.

I see they are EVERYWHERE and about everyone has a set for sale!
 
B

beerdog

New member
Strutmaster is no where near as good as the OEM. Especially if you are concerned about how they feel. Noone, I mean NOONE, ever complains about how the front OEM air struts feel. NEVER. They only complain about the price. Many, many people have complained about the feel of strutmaster kits. There were some "Lowered" strutmaster kits that people seemed to consistently like.
 
M

markup97

Lost in Translation
The reason I ask is: a lot of people here are on the lookout for the ever-elusive Bilstein or Koni inserts for our front struts, and modify our struts to work with them while retaining air. I was considering the same possibility with the Strutmaster units; combine the air bag lower cup (seal it and get it in the correct location) over a Strutmaster strut and use the OEM bag to achieve a stiffer strut rebound/extension for tighter handling when combined with proper front and rear sway bars.

That is why I was questioning the rates of the Strutmaster struts. If anyone has any other options that aren't made of unobtainium I am all ears!
 
M

markup97

Lost in Translation
I see; THIS debate again! ;)

I have some ideas/plans that work on paper but I need to try them out in metal/rubber.
 
driller

driller

El Presidente
Not knocking Strutmaster, they offer replacement parts which are just that... replacements for OEM components. Whatever their QC program may be is surely dwarfed by the engineering behind OEM suspension components.

beerdog said:
Strutmaster is no where near as good as the OEM. Especially if you are concerned about how they feel. Noone, I mean NOONE, ever complains about how the front OEM air struts feel. NEVER. They only complain about the price.
Click to expand...
Exactly. :wink:

I might add that usually any fault in the air suspension system typically overwhelms the majority of non-enthusiast owners, and the repair cost is exponentially exaggerated when parts are simply thrown at the system without proper troubleshooting diagnostic routines.

This only seems to have gotten worse as these cars have aged and become so relatively inexpensive to buy. Replacing the front airspring assemblies with a compressor and relay at retail prices can cost more than what some people pay for the entire car! :eek:

But, what I find amusing is those who don't seem to mind putting air suspension replacement systems costing thousands of dollars on any typical spring suspension vehicle in contrast to those who own a vehicle with air suspension converting to springs because it is 'cheaper'. :)
 
B

beerdog

New member
markup97 said:
The reason I ask is: a lot of people here are on the lookout for the ever-elusive Bilstein or Koni inserts for our front struts, and modify our struts to work with them while retaining air. I was considering the same possibility with the Strutmaster units; combine the air bag lower cup (seal it and get it in the correct location) over a Strutmaster strut and use the OEM bag to achieve a stiffer strut rebound/extension for tighter handling when combined with proper front and rear sway bars.

That is why I was questioning the rates of the Strutmaster struts. If anyone has any other options that aren't made of unobtainium I am all ears!
Click to expand...
I don't think different bags would make a difference. They probably would not fit, but I have not tried it.
 
M

markup97

Lost in Translation
Beerdog, I am NOT replacing bags, I am wondering about different struts with OEM bags.


I have no issues paying what it costs for the OEM stuff, and for doing the work needed to make some of the higher-quality aftermarket work. Now, I am contemplating combining the best of the OEM and the aftermarket.
 
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