newbie suspension question
 

I just bought a 91 c2 Targa with 90k miles. I have suspension problems as in the wheels get bouncy on the interstate. I was wondering if I need shock, struts, springs on any help. I know it may be hard to diagnose over the internet but any thoughts would be great. Thanks in advance!

If the front end is "bouncing," yes, you most likely need shock absorbers at least. Whether or not the springs are worn might be best left to someone more knowledgeable than me (but I would doubt that the springs are toast). Most owners replace the springs to lower the car, not because the springs are shot. My 63k C2 doesn't bounce at all; in fact, rides more like an ox cart over Interstate bumps.

Oddly enough, I have heard that the stock struts in our cars sometimes fail rigid, meaning that they stop moving and make the ride really rough. What nomad describes, however, sounds like a more traditional strut failure where the strut is basically doing nothing and the front end is just bouncing around on the springs with no dampening. I agree with Richard's analysis. Do a search for suspension in this thread and you will find a lot of discussion on the different options.

For stock replacement the most common option which gives good street performance and a moderate price is H&R springs (lower and progressive) with Bilstein dampeners (shocks and struts). The parts will run you $1000-$1250 (in the US, not including shipping last I checked) plus labor. The only "gotcha" is that you have a 91 which may, or may not, have a different rear mounting bracket than the later years. You will need to identify which type (pre 91 or post 91) you have in order to get the correct model of rear shocks. This only impacts the rear, however.

Sounds to me like your shocks are shot.

My car seemed floaty when I bought it. After I took the shock off, I could move the piston up and down real easy. I could not budge the Bilsteins that I replaced them with.

If you want to go the stock route in replacements, I have a Fr and Rr set of Boge OE replacements that I can sell you pretty cheap. I have a 1990 so you would have to identify how your rear shocks look, but I can at least sell you the fronts. PM me if you are interested.

Ceby