OK guys before you get to carried away bashing the Brothern of your Pontiacs I want to clear something up. These were "cookie cutter cars" same pieces different sheet metal and upolstry patterns. Buicks came with FE1, FE3 & F41 in the LeSabre T-types and Electra T-types. Olds came with the FE1 & FE3 & F41 .Main difference between the FE3 and F41 is the F41 is rear springs & struts where the FE3 had the air leveling rear struts and a lighter spring with the air leveling taking up the difference.

I parted a 87 Royale that had no indication badge wise as to anything special but when I looked on the trunk options tag I found FE3 so I striped the rear suspension as well. Everything was one size heavier than my FE1 equiped 86 LeSabre. If you got parts from a LeSabre T-type you would have the best suspension available for a H-body F41 which was available as an option on all H bodys. I have no FE2 spring listing for H Buick or Olds. It may have been more common for new Buick or Olds buyers to want smooth ride or load leveling option so most Buicks and Olds are FE1 or FE3 for the load leveling "GRAND TOURING SUSP" Im sure few were ordered with the F41 except the cars that came with it being the T-types.

I just dont want anyone thinkin its Buick soft, Olds medium and Pontiac firm because it simply is not true. There all built from the same available parts. A FE3 Delta 88 is a very fine performance H body as well as the LeSabre T-type and have the gauge package and leather options as well as lower final drive ratio and less assist on the steering rack. Its also a different valve strut for the performance suspensions as well as larger sway bars.

Im glad you guys love and prefer your Bonnevilles but dont cut the other triplets short. All had the same available options. Its all how they were ordered or came to the showroom floor. GM sold lots & made some good money on these H bodys but the first gen is fading fast the last few years.

It was not my intention to "bash" another model. My second H-Body was a 87 LeSabre Limited full loaded actually. I just didn''t like the softer suspension it came with so, I bought this Bonneville instead.

Sorry it probably wasnt the right word to use but I couldnt think of another way to say it. Just saying WOA to the Buick soft Olds medium and Pontiac firm folklore.
BTW whats a Ist gen FWD Bonneville weigh ?

Actually the "Folklore" as you call it, is mostly true! Most upper end Buicks did come with the softest suspension around to provide a better smoother ride. The Regals were the exception though. Same goes for the Olds too.

So your saying a FE1 Buick is softer than a FE1 Pontiac ? Same for FE3 ?

No, I'm saying that most Buicks came with FE1 in the upper ends models like Ultras & LeSabre Limiteds. While the FE3 was in most Regals. It varies according to car model & manufacturer'* proposed custumer! The Bonneville mostly had F41 for a suspension on the SE'*, while the SSE'* & SSEi'* had FE3 like the Grand Prixs.

I think he ( Da rat) is saying the average Buick or olds uses the softer ride option and it is more rare that you will find the stiffer option on a Buick or olds.

I have researched the spring options and really for custom springs we looked at the need to take into account the drop from sag and you will find with new springs you may sit higher. Do NOT buy moog or other cheap-based springs. They are are not consistent and of poorer quality than the original product. If you want a good quality replacement I would go to the dealer as long as they don’t sell you a moog unit. Moog is not horrible but they are not as good as stock.

Ty

Guess thats sorta what I was trying to say " It may have been more common for new Buick or Olds buyers to want smooth ride or load leveling option so most Buicks and Olds are FE1 or FE3 for the load leveling "GRAND TOURING SUSP" Im sure few were ordered with the F41 except the cars that came with it being the T-types. "

I actually passed up on a 95 Regal GS in favor of the LSS for a family car. The four doors and rear seat size had most to do with it. But I definantly did not like the way the GS tossed with everychange in road contour. I dont like the extra bounce from the LSS either but I guess there is compromise to any suspension choise.

Im still not following the Bonneville models very well. I thought the SSE was the performance model. What was the SE that it came with F41 ? How much does a 1st gen. FWD Bonneville weigh ?

Ty I thought you were using the Moog'* for your lowering springs ? I'm still dreaming of a set one day. It would still be so nice to get some solid PSI rates as in stock and your aftermarket ones. If I go lower on the 86 I want it to be stiff, then I'll probably hate it Unless I'm going like hell then it will smooth out.

For the First Gen bonnes I think they generally way a little under 3500 lbs. My 89 LE weighs around 3300 lbs I think. I am going to try and have it weighed at the dump this month sometime.