Cadillac Repair: Front struts on 96 Eldr, electronic valves, electric valves

Question
My Question is , is there replacement struts That doesnt cost 400.00 a piece.and what is so special about the ones that it has. The reason for changing them is because i cannot fine the raddle and the Garage says it the struts. but there cost is 600.00 a piece, I can change them,thats not a problem, but the car has 130000 miles on it . Its still a nice car in great shape so if i could get a crossover strut thats less expensive It would be worth it. The car is not a touring model.  Any Ideas Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Mike, The struts are special because they have electronic valves inside that change the ride from soft to firm depending upon how you are driving. I remember that some Caddys had a replacement strut that was without the electric valves and you replaced them in pairs and then disabled the computor so the light wouldn't turn on. Give the Caddy dealer parts dept. a call and see if they make a standard replacement strut kit for your car. If they are unsure have them call their parts hotline, partech, and see if they can advise anything. A call to the Cadillac zone office, look in your owners manual, might be able to give replacement strut part numbers. Hope that helps. Bill