Expert: Mike Evans - 9/15/2009

Question
Hi. I'm in need of rear air-shocks w/sensors for my 1998 Cadillac STS. New shocks are way out of my budget right now and I'm considering getting the conversion kit for it. My question is will I have to convert both the front and rear shocks or doing the rear shocks is enough? Also, what complications should I expect afterward?

Answer
    There are two different suspension systems on these cars.  One is the electronic suspension, for which there are no non-electronic replacements that I know of.  The other is the self-leveling suspension.  With the air-operated self-leveling suspension, only the rear shocks are involved in the leveling process.  So, if you have the air suspension you can replace them with Monroe's replacement air shocks for about $100 including the adapter kit.  If you have the electronic suspension you might want to consider finding replacements at a salvage yard.  There are a lot of these cars out there in yards since the Northstar would hand grenade just past 100K miles(something else to consider before you put a lot of money into the car).