I'm thinking yes, but I thought I'd pass it by the experts first.

My rear shocks are pretty much shot. The car's handling is quite insecure in the rear, especially when going over bumps during a curve. Other healthy bumps result in the front end recovering from the bounce before the rear, making the car shake its booty longer than it should.

While I'm having them replaced, does it make sense to replace the front struts? Everything is 20-years-old.

Thanks!
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Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 237,000 miles - Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15

In addition to what most other people have said(replace ALL FOUR), I would think that if your bushings have not been replaced, they are pretty much all bad as well. They would greatly contribute to getting rid of that floaty, unsecure, unsafe feeling you are getting going over any bumps whether in a turn or not. Your car will feel much better after you replace the bushings and the shocks. Like a new car all over again, and from what it sounds like, it is feeling far from a new car... Just my two cents, good luck!
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Kyle - attending Ore. State, while my lil '68 142 (256k, 74 b20, m40, iPd bars, other misc... =D) waits for its next outing... (My Cardomain site)

Thanks. A new car feel would be nice in a 20-year-old Swede.
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Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 237,000 miles - Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15

Absolutely! I think with all that everyone has said, you'll have a sweet riding brick again! Good luck! And let us know how it all turns out... Peace,
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Kyle - attending Ore. State, while my lil '68 142 (256k, 74 b20, m40, iPd bars, other misc... =D) waits for its next outing... (My Cardomain site)

Rear shocks are a very, very easy remove and replace job - I did mine on my rusty old 85 245 in probably under an hour. The front struts are considerably more difficult and complex to remove, so they'll cost you more in labor/time.
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85 240 DL wagon - 91 Mazda MX6 Turbo

Thanks.
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Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 237,000 miles - Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15

Yes..R+R all 4..www.fcpgroton.com I use Sachs Advantage made in Germany..Try to find the Turbo model sway bar from a Pick a Part or eBay..
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john,, 1985, 245:Ti, 251k mi..so.california,,,1974, 145, 230k mi. ..

Thanks.
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Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 237,000 miles - Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15

Also: the Upper Strut mounts, bearing in rubber.
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john,, 1985, 245:Ti, 251k mi..so.california,,,1974, 145, 230k mi. ..

If they're that old, replace them.
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'80 DL 2 dr

No expert here, but I'd think as long as you're replacing them in pairs(ie:2 rear shocks or 2 Fr. struts) you'd be OK. Last year, I replaced my rear shocks in April. I knew the front struts were also bad, but I waited until September to have them replaced.

I don't know how to judge whether or not the struts are going bad. I thought that they should be changed along with the shocks to give the car a newer feel, especially since all four items are original. But if the struts are okay, then leave them on. I just want some independent info before I ask my dealer about what to do.

Thanks.
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Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 237,000 miles - Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15

With that many miles and years, I would replace all four. Even if they are not leaking or 'broken' the ride is compromised and raises safety concerns when they are that old, and you've been riding on borrowed time. The front struts are important to keep the tires in proper contact during braking and typically they would be replaced at 1/2 that mileage.
Consider yourself lucky to having gotten this far, and spring for 4 new ones. :)
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'89 245 Sportwagon, '04 V70 2.5T Sportwagon