Replacing Rear Shocks and Front Struts Question

[BoxsterRS]

It's time to replace my shocks and I have looked at several options includng the PSS9 system(Very expensive) I'm just 18 and don't think what I recieve from my scholarship would permit me to buy such an expensive equipment. But today I went to the Paragon Products site found that they have two types of shocks,struts at a reasonable price but one says HD and the other Sport. Does anyone know what differences there are between both? They cost the same but diff names. Here are the links for the shocks http://www.********************************************************************.com/product_p/bilstein_vn3-4622.htm
http://www.********************************************************************.com/product_p/bilstein_vn3-4624.htm
Struts
http://www.********************************************************************.com/product_p/bilstein_vn7-4621.htm
http://www.********************************************************************.com/product_p/bilstein_vn7-4623.htm
If anyone has tried these shocks/struts please reply and tell me your feedback on these products. Hope to get some replies out of this!!!

[BoxsterRS]

After doing a google on the matter, I came up with some handy info from the Bilstein site. This is the link http://www.bilstein.com/ProductDescriptions.pdf

[RandallNeighbour]

I installed HD bilstein struts in the back of my 97. One was bent so I had to do it.

Feels about the same as before. HD (heavy duty) are what comes standard on a box. Sports are stiffer.

[BobMarley1]

when to replace suspension parts...?

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by BobMarley1

when to replace suspension parts...?

Hi,

There's a lot of debate on this. Most feel their suspension getting 'soft' over the miles and so go for replacement. But, your suspension is such a collection of Springs, Bushings, as well as Shocks, that's it's difficult to blame it specifically, or totally, on the Shocks.

In theory, so long as the Shock isn't leaking, it's still good. But, with today's Gas Shocks, leaks are not as detectable (there's no longer just Damping Oil in there), so this may no longer hold as true as it once did.

I will usually replace the shocks on my Performance Cars no later than 50k mi. I rarely simply replace the shocks, I usually also do Bushings and Springs at the same time to get the Max benefit from the whole thing, but that's more a matter of preference than being based on any Hard Rule..

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[ralegen]

Every time I go over small bumps or rough roads, I feel the annoying "clunk clunk". I've had shock/struts go bad on me before, and after research, it looks as if it's time for my shocks to be replaced.

I'm not looking for better performance, rather maybe something close to stock. I just want a better ride for the right price.

1. Any suggestions on what shocks to buy?
2. Also, would I have to replace my springs too?