jscricca

I need help figuring out whether my rear springs or shocks are blown. I'm 99% sure the KYB shock failed but I've heard the rear springs on the R50 sag with time. When we bought the car with 80k miles the KYBs were newish and we now have 130k with. The only mod is a the SF Creations 1 inch spacer on the rear shocks. Right now the left rear is about 1.5 inches lower than the right side. The left shock is also about 1.5 inches shorter. How can I confirm the shock is blown? I'd like to get something better since we do some mild off roading and camping a few times a year. Can I get the Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorber - 33-185552 to work? I know these are for lifted SUVs but not sure the 1 inch spacer is significant enough. Is there a 4600 that will work? Thoughts? What modifications will I have to make for the sleeves? We are also running low on the front pads... I usually get Centric rotors and a high quality sport pad on previous vehicles, but this will be my first SUV brake job. I'm trying to evaluate the following options and would love feedback from anyone who's bought these kits. I'm leaning towards EBC because of their reputation, but not sure I should drop $210 on the Greenstuff kit. + Powerstop Z36 - $160- https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3804288&cc=1431952&jsn=430 + EBC Stage 1 - $160 - https://www.shopebcbrakes.com/EBC-Stage-1-Street-Kit/p21?sku= + EBC Greenstuf- $208- https://www.shopebcbrakes.com/EBC-Stage-14-Light-Truck-SUV-Kit/p99694?sku= With 130k miles on it and I'm wondering if I should replace all the front hub/wheel bearings and components or just re-grease the existing. I've never owned or replaced a hub/wheel bearings so this is new territory for me. I think I can get replacements for $40 so it might be worth it while I'm in there. Is it overkill or a good idea?

I was shocked at the consumption when we first bought ours too. We were likely around 1 quart every 1k miles give or take. I read dozens of posts and realized it had to be bad rings. The following two updates helped reduce my consumption to ~1qt every 2500 miles. Replaced valve covers with new PCV Switched from Mobil 1 to Mobil 1 High Mileage I still add about 2 qts every 6k miles. There is not one drop on the ground and no visible signs now that the valve covers are cleaned up. We buy two 5qt Mobil 1 jugs at a time. This engine is pretty good but loves to drink oil.

Sorry to resurrect and old thread, but I wanted some clarification on fitment. I have a 03 LE with the 17 inch wheels. Can anyone confirm the Mile Marker 435 hubs fit this wheel with out any modifications? I'm assuming if there are issues, I could remedy with a 1/4 inch wheel spacer or grinding out the lip. I'm assuming the wheel spacers would put the tires slightly out of alignment; am I correct?