U.S. RubberShox DuraTPE Series Front-Rear Car Coil Spring Buffer Cushion/Automotive Suspension Shock Absorber Retainer Performance Booster Kit Universal Type A-F Vehicle Auto Parts (CSB, F)

Our 2002 Acura MDX front struts were replaced at 116K with decent Monroe aftermarket parts. The OEM springs were reused. Around 135K, the struts started to feel softer with more lean in turns and excessive diving during braking. It was easy to bottom out the front end over easy bumps. The strut gas shocks are still fine it's just that the springs have aged so there's a lot more front end motion that doesn't inspire confidence in normal handling. At 153K, I replaced the rear shocks since they were original but this did not make a major improvement in overall handling.I considered replacing the front struts and springs with new parts but there's no guarantee that the new springs would provide a stiffer ride. I'm not excited about spending $600 or more to replace struts only to get minor improvement. After a bit of research, I discovered that RubberShox appeared to be a simple solution worth trying to restore a higher spring rate. The MDX coil gap (vehicle lifted) measures 1.90-2.00 inches so I chose the DuraTPE-A size that has an H2 of 1.85. According to RubberShox and other reviews, H2 should match your coil spacing for optimum performance but the spacers can be very difficult to install when these dimensions are close to each other (do NOT choose H2 greater than your coil spacing since it will be virtually impossible to install). As it turns out, I had no trouble installing the A-size and they were a perfect fit. Yes, it took some effort and WD-40 but if you follow the instructions and work by slowly feeding the spacer into the coil, keeping the upper groove fully engaged and leaving the lower groove to be slowly "popped" over the coil as you go, then it works great. I did not trim the spacer in any way but I did use a wooden handle to provide additional leverage to get the lower spacer groove to "pop" over the coil at various points. Once done, this RubberShox spacer is perfect fit as you can see in the photos. I slowly worked the spacers up towards the top of the strut so that they would be somewhat hidden in the strut tower cavity. The overall lift in the front end is about half an inch and looks like the original OEM height now.The improvement in ride and handling is like having a whole new vehicle! You would think that the ride would be stiff but it's not --bumps are smoother and the chassis feels controlled once again. No more excessive leaning in corners and nose dive during braking is minimal. I would say the car handles as good as or better than when new. Such a simple and economical fix! Try this solution if your springs feel soft or worn out, it's a great product.

I was considering these for a while for my '09 Smart 451, and after reading another review about how much they helped I decided to get them. I bought the Red size D for the front springs, and they fit well. Only took about fifteen minutes to install following the instructions. I didn't even need to remove the front wheels. The ride height in the front appears less than an inch higher after install, but feels like a lot more when you sit in the car for the first time. The steering is definitely stiffer, but when after a fifteen minute test drive it was already less noticable. Anyone who has driven a Smart knows how rough the ride is. Even minor bumps in the road feel like you're bottoming out the suspension, and good luck surviving a larger bump or pothole with your spine and all your teeth intact. The ride is immediately smoother after installing this product. I was laughing about how stupid better the car felt over even moderate bumps. I can relax a little while I drive through town not having to constantly scan the pavement for any deviation in elevation to avoid. These are not going to save you from breaking teeth on a massive pothole, but the everyday bumps and divots are significantly smoother.

Once I got the correct size it worked great! I ordered size A+ from Amazon and received quickly. Love Amazon Prime!I immediately went to install and when I opened the box noticed the actual Robbershox had B+B molded in the rubber. I checked the box and label showed part number for A+. I then noticed a second label on the side of the box with # for the B+ size. The A+ label was a different style label and apparently not a manufacturer label.I notified Amazon and requested a replacement however when recieved, the second set had the exact same false size label. I then called Amazon customer service and explained the problem and was given two options: Return for refund or exchange. Not confident I would recieve the correct size the third time I opted for a refund. I then contacted EliteBuffer directly and spoke with a representative whom took my contact info and emailed me a claim form. I completed and emailed back and within a week they mailed me the correct size which worked perfectly! Fixed my Impala's saggy rear springs and gave the a slightly firmer, sportier feel. Great product and even better customer service EliteBuffer!