Replacing Struts/Springs 2013 PPV

Suspension, brake, and hydraulic/electric steering discussion.
NovaPPV
Posts: 71
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2018 1:44 pm

Replacing Struts/Springs 2013 PPV

Post by NovaPPV »

I've been scouring this forum trying to find the simplest solution to a smoother ride. I've got a salvaged 2013 PPV with 59k miles, looks like it may have sustained a front end accident. Frame is good, just rides rough, but maybe that's just normal for these cars.

I went in for an alignment and it was suggested I swap out the front struts.

After researching this forum, I think I want to do a full swap out and add SS springs.

Was just hoping to consolidate the info I find here and get some feedback as to whether I have all parts sourced.

Will keep this updated along the way.

///Parts///

Front Struts: $67/ea x 2 = $134
Monroe 553016 Gas-Magnum Severe Service Strut: $67
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U7 ... 0DER&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Monroe 553017 Gas-Magnum Severe Service Strut: $67
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U7 ... 0DER&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Front SS Springs: $52/each x 2 = $104
https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts ... g-92290030" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
*Even though the site says doesn't fit the PPV, I've read a few posts on here to suggest they'll fit, just will lower the ride a bit.

Rear SS Springs: $50/ea x 2 = $100
https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts ... g-92290028" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Rear Shock absorber: $68/each x 2 = $136
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U7SUW44/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Whiteline Strut Mount Bushing: $176
https://www.amazon.com/Whiteline-W41772 ... B0070I9COU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

With Monroe Struts, SS Springs and Whiteline Strut Mounts, cost comes out to around $650 (not shipped).

///Other Needed Tools///

Strut Spring Compressors: $27
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SX5RSA4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

///Helpful Videos///

Putting new coils on old strut assembly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0qA1wFThjI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Front struts on an impala:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUAMG8Cihc0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Rear Struts on VE Commodore:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuYIZOxt684

///Edits///

Edit 1 - Added rear SS springs; Whiteline strut mount bearings.
Edit 2 - Rear shocks changed to Monroe, GM part was an error.
Edit 3 - Added some helpful videos; added additional tools needed.
Edit 4 - Don't need extra bearings. Also the rear struts on Impala video wasn't helpful so I deleted it.
Edit 5 - Added video for Commodore Rear Struts.
Last edited by NovaPPV on Sat Dec 08, 2018 10:13 pm, edited 8 times in total.
lastcall190
Posts: 604
Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2017 5:17 am
Location: North Jersey

Re: Replacing Struts/Springs 2013 PPV

Post by lastcall190 »

Only thing I would add on is new front strut mounts, depending on age and condition. Bearings are cheap insurance since they are cheap and may even come apart when you tear into everything anyhow. Pursuit, xcidmigs, and I'm sure many others I'm not thinking of have done a setup similar to yours (maybe GM struts vs Monroe). I am looking to do the same setup as you at some point, want a slight lower, and 100k on struts isn't helping me not rattle my fillings loose. From the few pics I've seen, the drop looks great and verbal feedback on the setup is very positive.

Let us know how it goes. I would just replace anything else pertaining to the strut/spring setup that might look rusty. Without igniting a debate, look into new Strut -> knuckle bolts, as the factory are IIRC torque to yield. Good luck.

-J

EDIT: Wait, are you getting the rear springs as well?
2012 Caprice
2008 CVPI

Both gone but not forgotten...
xcidmigs
Posts: 783
Joined: Fri Feb 13, 2015 8:12 pm
Location: SE PA

Re: Replacing Struts/Springs 2013 PPV

Post by xcidmigs »

Yes I have the OEM SS setup installed, its a giant difference in smoothness plus lowers car about 1" which looks just right to me. YOu did leave out the rear springs and I would add that I choose to replace the front strut mount bearings with the Whiteline parts which seem to be much better made, my originals at only 20k were coming apart and the upgrade of poly over rubber here does nothing to degrade ride just makes the alignment of the parts more consistent. The roads I drive on daily are garbage and I was really bouncing all over with stock, now with the SS I even have lower profile 19" tires and no complaints.
NovaPPV
Posts: 71
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2018 1:44 pm

Re: Replacing Struts/Springs 2013 PPV

Post by NovaPPV »

Thanks to you both so far.

xcidmigs - Do you have any active links for the setup you used? If so I can add it to my main post and just keep that going.

lastcall190 - Looks like I forgot rear springs. Will need to add those, too! Thanks for the catch.
NovaPPV
Posts: 71
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2018 1:44 pm

Re: Replacing Struts/Springs 2013 PPV

Post by NovaPPV »

I got the struts and mounts in today. Waiting on the springs from GM.

I'll keep y'all posted.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
xcidmigs
Posts: 783
Joined: Fri Feb 13, 2015 8:12 pm
Location: SE PA

Re: Replacing Struts/Springs 2013 PPV

Post by xcidmigs »

I'm not trying to be a jerk when I say this but most of the newer posts on here lately are all going over info that was addresses and worked out years ago and is contained in older threads that have gone dead but are EASILY SEARCHABLE on here...some not as easy to find due to the weird titles but I am not sure why no one new doesn't want to spend an afternoon reading through the older pages of the indexed posts, its very complete. OP Read all of this before you do more work and buy more parts...

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=835" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Goobble Goobble....
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Mooseman
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Location: Ottawa, ON Canada
Contact:

Re: Replacing Struts/Springs 2013 PPV

Post by Mooseman »

And just a tip on searching. We all know that all forum software search functions just suck. You can use Google to search just the forum by using the following search term:

springs struts site:newcaprice.com

https://www.google.ca/search?newwindow= ... n9I7VXEjGg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You can do this for any site.
2011 Caprice PPV, former RCMP test vehicle, never put into service
Build Thread: http://www.newcaprice.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2419
paul54

Re: Replacing Struts/Springs 2013 PPV

Post by paul54 »

NovaPPV, thanks for putting together a list like that. While its all searchable, it is helpful when it gets summed up in that fashion by someone new working on figuring it out! I have a 2014, and am planning to do the SS suspension too. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!!

Paul
Navy Lifer
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Location: Canton GA

Re: Replacing Struts/Springs 2013 PPV

Post by Navy Lifer »

wondering whether you priced Monroe 553018 rear shocks vs the GM OE rears, or if you chose the GM rears for a reason?
NovaPPV
Posts: 71
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2018 1:44 pm

Re: Replacing Struts/Springs 2013 PPV

Post by NovaPPV »

xcidmigs - I get your criticism. As a new user I've found that this forum is difficult to search and I'm a big fan of an all in one type guide [links/prices/etc]. So my pursuit here is to create that guide, because that's just how I work. I know it's not for everyone and I suspect a lot of this information is on the site already, but my hope is that this will make it easier for the next guy like me.

Mooseman - Thanks for the tip.

paul54 - Thanks man, I'll do a write-up when it's all done and look for some feedback from you on how it comes across.

Navy Lifer - I didn't. Thanks for catching that error, must have left the GM part in from an earlier draft. I've updated the initial post.

Love you guys.
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