1999 STS has the “road sensing” suspension with 91000 miles. Replacement Struts are $700 each - is there a lower cost replacement or can the SLS non adjustable struts be installed & if so, do any electronic components need to be removed or deactivated? The car is pristine and I have owned it since new and really want to go to 200,000 miles. The cost to rebuild the suspension with original equipment replacement parts is prohibitive. What are my best alternatives?
Gabriel and Monroe make replacement shock/struts that are electronically controlled both front and back. The fronts cost about $400 and the rears are about $500. They can be found at the major auto parts stores. Shop around and you may find a better price.
The Allantes used this system and owners of these cars just use standard struts. There is a way to tell the computer to “turn off” the system, then it ignores the struts that do not have the electrical connections. Also, there is a way to “spoof” the computer by connecting a couple of resistors across the strut connectors so you don’t get the nag light/message. There might even be aftermarket replacement parts with the spoof electronics built in…
You might check the Allante Forum (google for it) and ask how owners of those cars have dealt with the electronically controlled struts…Just use the search feature and you won’t have to ask, many posts will be listed…