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Old Sep 14, 2004 | 11:51 PM
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I have 92 that I bought with a busted FX3 system. I was surprised to find out that I had 4 bad shocks, AND 4 bad actuators. I just bought a set of KYB's from a forum member, which I'll be insalling tomorrow.

Here's the problem. It's killing me to yank the FX3, But there is no way I can afford to have all 4 shocks rebuilt, and buy 4 new actuators. Is it really worth it? I've read many posts where people usually leave it in sport, and don't mess with it much. But she's my baby and I want it to be perfect. It doesn't seem right to not have it 100%. I just don't know what side of the line to get on. Common sense tells me it aint worth it. I've considered going used, but how far away are those parts from breaking and putting me back to square one.

Any recomendations? Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
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Old Sep 14, 2004 | 11:59 PM
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My 93 has the FX3 system. I've had the same thoughts about converting it to a conventional shock, a hole lot cheapier. But on the flip side, it is nice to adjust the ride when the road gets a little choppy. How long have you had it?
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 01:16 AM
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I've had it a little over a year now. Been hoping a fair deal would pop up for a few of the parts anyway, maybe over time put it all back together. It just blows me away that they can charge $650 for an actuator. I wish they were rebuildable.
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 03:26 AM
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GMparts direct charges approx. $387 for a new actuator; a price that to me is almost prohibitive if you have to rerplace all four. Is FX3 worth the cost? In a word, NO.
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 08:03 AM
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Its a matter of preference. I installed it in mine just to have it. I'll never own another car that doesn't have active handling. Look around the salvage yards, chances are if the gear is good and it spins, then you can get them for like $100-125 each

Chris
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by shribe
I've had it a little over a year now. Been hoping a fair deal would pop up for a few of the parts anyway, maybe over time put it all back together. It just blows me away that they can charge $650 for an actuator. I wish they were rebuildable.
I look around ebay a lot for things. Try a seller named Fparts. They sell a lot of late model f-body and Vette parts. They might have something from a scrapped Vette. If you don't see it, email them.
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 02:33 PM
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The actuators go up for sale here occasionally on the For Sale board, and the shocks can be sent to Bilstein to be revalved for $55/ea or rebuilt (new innards) for $110/ea, or thereabouts.

For me, it's a system worth having.

Mike

Edit: Check with some of the Corvette junkyards. I bought an actuator from Contemporary Corvettes once for $125.
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 02:56 PM
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I did not know that you could have the shocks rebuilt.. Beats paying $200 for them!!! Anyone know how long the turn around is???
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 07:46 PM
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This thing just might come together. Another forum member offered me a set of rear shocks at an excellent price. Another might have fronts, but not sure.

Anyone have any extra actuators or shocks. This is for a 92. I think actuators are good for all years, shocks changed at 92 up.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks!
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 09:14 PM
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I have the actuators laying around after I installed my Monroe shocks.

So if you do decide to stay that route.
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 09:49 PM
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Thanks! I sent you an IM.
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by shribe
I was surprised to find out that I had 4 bad shocks, AND 4 bad actuators.
How did you determine that ? My system reported every error in the book and it was the controller that went bad, the shocks and the actuators were fine. Just something to consider
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 11:13 PM
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I pulled one after the other and became more and more disgusted with each one. The shocks seem fine, if I could only replace the gear at the top. I still cant beleive every single shock and actuator was busted.
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 11:50 PM
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Originally Posted by shribe
I still cant beleive every single shock and actuator was busted.
Well thats why I mentioned what happened with mine. Are you getting codes for everything? Its much more plausible to have a single controller failure than to have eight independant failures.
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Old Sep 16, 2004 | 03:12 AM
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I just called Bilstein this week to check on the cost to repair the broken gears on 2 of my shocks. They told me that they have to replace the whole rod and costs $150.00 each. They recommended that I buy new shocks which can be found for about $200.00 each. The reason for the recommendation was that the repair comes with a 90 day warranty and the new shocks come with a lifetime warranty as long as you don't buy them from the dealer. Also, if you have them repair, you pay shipping 2 ways.
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