2000 Boxter S Struts
 

So I was just told that I have to replace my front struts. My mechanic said it was a big job and didn't give me a price. Does anyone have a feel for how "big" it is? Also should I replace the rear struts at the same time??

I bit the bullet and went all in. I got the Bilstein. I went ahead and ordered front and rear. Fronts are a easier job than the rear, but still big regardless. After i bought all my parts on Rock Auto, I spent about $1,200 on parts. I install myself. I used my QuickJack for the first time, and it helped.

Did that cost include all the arms with new bushings and such, or was it just for the struts?

OP, assuming it wasn't crash related, if the fronts are worn through age I'd be wanting to replace the rears at the same time- I'd hate to have worse traction at one end or the other and spin the car as a result. Or even to have a smooth and controlled ride quality at one end and not the other. Can't help on the price though, I do all the work at home too.

Quickjacks are great, if you have space for them the savings in labor over shop rates pay the purchase cost pretty fast.

I did mine on quickjack in my driveway. Here’s my order list. At first, I didn’t order the top hat bearing, but then after I pulled it off, they were gummed up, luckily it didn’t take long to get at my local dealership.

(1) Rock Auto $925.70 Bilstein B6 Struts all around + Bump Stops "BILSTEIN B6 Performance Strut; For Stock Ride Height $843.16
[Front: 22-046215 $221.79 x2 =$44.58] [Rear 22-046222 $199.79 x2 = $399.58], [Bump Stops $22.32: URO Parts F:99634330102 $5.64x2, R:98633330101 $6.42x2] + Shipping $53.96+ 50.86 tax, 5%0ff -$44.60].
(2) FCP Euro $114.75 Strut Mounts [F: Lemforder LEM-3545001 $23.59 x2] [R: Febi Bilstein 98733305900 $32.99 x2]
(2) Front Strut Bearing - local dealership $107.97 Bearing Housing Part # 996-343-515-05 $50.93 each

Did it all myself in the garage, it was easy. 986 struts are easy to push down under the fender and there’s not a lot of preload on the springs so you can get them off safely.
Bonus points for adding camber and setting toe.
Here’s a good deal:

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-cayman-parts-sale-wanted/83437-2004-boxster-s-springs-shocks-40k-miles-%24150.html#post653427

On a 1-10 scale, I’d give it about a 5 on the difficulty scale. That assumes no significant corrosion, and I state that noting where you live. Mine were more like a 9, because Rust Never Sleeps.

You should have added camber plates. These cars are very camber challenged. The camber plates would give you around another 1 deg of camber

some may say use OEM only.... but well, aftermarket works well, it holds the car, and does the job.
So does aftermarket IMS, right?

Anyway, 2 years ago, using 20% rebate on KONI RED, I got all 4 corners rebuilt.
The only parts that were reused were the springs.
Everything else (struts, bumps, mounts, arms, swaybar links...) was replaced.
Total was about $2'000. give or take 100.

Time? 3 days.

If only front shocks - well, I would do it in half day easily.

How do you like the Koni reds? I assume they are the special actives? Are the springs standard or M030?