[jgoeden]

It's been a long time since I've messed with suspension stuff. I did put on my own leveling kit on my 2006 V6 but that's the extent of my knowledge.

My wife was forced off road into a corn field by someone who crossed double yellow and said she heard some grinding in the front driving to work and home that day. I came home to these pics.

Can you guys help me identify what I'm going to have to replace? There is also fluid leaking, and I'm not sure what it is? It's only the front right, the front left seems ok.

We're on a budget, I only have about $400 to spend but if it's something that I need or should replace both sides, then I don't mind buying to do that (like a strut or spring). If it is fine to be fixed unilaterally, then I'd rather save the money.

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[Matt_]

The strut fork slid up and the axle is grinding into the shock. It's possible you didn't tighten the fork bolt enough and that enabled it to slide like that (there's a tab on the strut that's probably broke as well)

I'd replace both front shocks and that CV axle, then get it on an alignment rack... if it aligns you're probably good to go.

 

[jgoeden]

Thanks Matt for the help. If I'm going to be replacing shocks/struts and CV joints, should I just come up with a grand and do a whole suspension lift?

I'm kinda confused about the Old Man Emu kit. It looks like just new shocks/springs, I thought there was lots more hardware for a true lift? I only want a 2-2.5" lift. Can I piece together everything I need (minus the CV axle) for under $1000 and since I'm in there, just put on a whole new system?

 

[Matt_]

Unfortunately, the only true full suspension "system" for our vehicles is the Superlift and it doesn't replace any of the components you damaged.

BUT, if you're going to replace the front struts, that's a prime opportunity to put in OME struts/springs... being you're a 2006 I'd also get new strut mounts and spring isolators and swap the whole assembly while everythings apart.

To save money, you can leave the rear alone and upgrade rear springs/shocks at a later time.

 

[jgoeden]

So do I buy 2.5" springs and remove my spacers? Or just buy new struts/springs and leave my spacers be? Sorry I get so confused lol.

Also, is OME the best, or are there good brands that I can buy local from NAPA/OReilly/Pep Boys? I ask because if a local store has good stuff, I would like to buy tomorrow and start working...

 

[Matt_]

you can buy KYB , Bilstein or Monroe struts at your local store and install them tomorrow. If you install the OME springs you'll need to remove the spacers.

I've installed and wheeled every setup... honestly, for a DD type vehicle that doesn't see much trail use, the benefits of the OME are minimal. If you were ordering new shocks/springs and can wait, it makes sense. If you need to get the vehicle back on the road, I wouldn't wait to order OME stuff.

 

[jgoeden]

That answers close to everything I think. Thanks so much Matt, I really appreciate your time. I'm not off-roading much, so it sounds like I don't need to be waiting for days to get OME stuff. I'll upgrade to Bilstein or Monroe or KYB as you mentioned instead of OEM stuff and get a little better quality.