Both the front struts on my IX (42k miles) are damp down about 4-5 inches of the strut body with what appears to be shock oil. Not a gusher, just a film. I presume this means they are bascially worn out/blown?

So I've been to my first HPDE and would like to hit 4-6 more HPDE's and/or track days this summer.

I'd just do the Bilstein HD-Swift strut spring combo as a cost effecient upgrade for a track noob like me, IF YOU COULD GET THEM.

So beyond that, if I get new OEM struts, is it even worth going to the Swift springs? Or should I just save some more scratch and get a decent set of coilovers, something in the $2k-$2.5k range?

 

For what you self described as a track noob. The Swift SpecRs and a working set of struts will be good for you. Once you get to the point of competition or seriously pushing the car right to the limits, then its time to go to K3s or the like.

(Check out the FS are - some MR Bilsteins come and go. If all else fails, get a newer set of KYBs).

 

I'd rather see struts not leaking at all. That said, the amount of oil you describe, if you are not experiencing other problems, does not indicate strut failure - well, it is borderline because the leaking is probably going to get worse.

My KYB's on the front are bone dry. However, one is rock hard. That is strut failure.

 

Where can one find front replacement stock KYB struts? Tire rack only shows rears

 

Dude, go straight to the for sale section and find somebody selling some low mileage MR Bilstien's. Add Swift SpecR springs and you will be floored by how much better the car rides (comfort) and handles at the same time. That's what I did, and I've come to the conclusion that the stock KYB's are junk.

It turned my IX into a completely different car. All for the better.

 

I just wanted to see if I could find replacement struts online and see how much they're going for new, rather than buying them used. I saw reviews that showed the Bilsteins run harsher than KYB, i'm open to them as well though.

 

Word.

Try mitsubishiparts.net for new KYBs (they are a lot though )