All four shocks on my new-to-me 2004 MCS are leaking. I’ve read here that Koni FSD’s are great. I just want a reliable daily driver. No track driving, nothing fancy.

If I buy FSD’s:

1) Which Koni part numbers? When I look on Koni’s website, they list their red, orange and yellow shocks. None are listed as FSD’s. Orange is “STR. T”, Red is “Special Active” and Yellow is “Sport.”

I read more… the Reds have the FSD technology, so I guess only reds are FSD?
And the part numbers are apparently:
Left Front: 8745 1012L
Right Front: 8744 1012R
Rears (two needed): 8045 1232

2) Do I need to buy any other parts, or will I just reuse the springs and other bits and pieces removed from the stock (80K mile) car? I don’t mean bushings or ball joints, I just mean I pull out a strut, remove the spring, bump stop and top plate stuff… do I need to replace any of that stuff or do I just compress the spring a little and re-use the pieces?

 

Yes, Special Actives are the new name/version of the FSD’s. If the car doesn’t have an obvious ride height or sagging issue, the springs are probably fine at 80k, but I would check the top mounts and bump stops to see if replacements are needed.

 

It’s also a good time to consider under tower reinforcing plates for the front. If considering top mount reinforcing plates, I would recommend the ones from VIP. The design seems well thought out compared to other top mount plates. The plates are full thickness at the mounting holes and use machined T-nuts for increased thread engagement. The notches for the strut tower ribs are also smoothly rounded contours instead of oversized notches with square corners. They also have the mounting holes and so a strut bar can be added at a later time. I know you didn’t want to add racing parts, but the bar also helped to reduce the dash rattles in my car.

VIP top mount reinforcing plates


Close-up of ridge fitment



Hood pad after soaking with water a few times to help compress it around the strut bar.

 

Just bought these currently on Sale. More than pleased with them and I drive very aggressive and they handle that and comfort very well. No regrets. My build can be seen in a recent thread on the main page so you can understand the abuse I give them.

The Ireland engineering fixed camber plates are worth the small cost to benefit as well. I am a 20+ year Ford Tech and I had the entire job done in about a hour. The rears take about 20 minutes to change out. The struts are under ver minor tension. You can get away with not using spring tensioners just aim them away and zip off the nut and lean on to reinstall with someone to do the nut. But spring compressors are 40 bucks at any auto store.

If you are a basic level wrencher this is maybe a 2 hour job with a 15 min break for a beverage. Re use pretty much every thing springs for sure or upgrade the stops if you like. Either way crazy easy job take honestly takes longer for me to jack and secure the car then the job itself.


https://www.ecstuning.com/b-koni-par...12/87451012kt/

 

I installed Koni Special Actives a couple of months ago. The difference in ride quality is amazing. Their magic valving maintains a firm ride and great handling while softening the big bumps. Highly recommended. And 20% off (if I remember correctly) makes them a no-brainer for those who don't want to lower the car.

 

Koni Special Actives, formerly FSDs will transform your car. One of the best mods I've done to my R53, which sees spirited driving on the public roads and the track.

 

I went through this exact process and have had great results. Here is the link to my post about my shock/strut replacement for my 05 S;
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...medations.html

Hope this helps! Feel free to dm me if you need anything else answered.