Suspension upgrade
12-08-2007, 08:00 AM
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Suspension upgrade
Ok, might sound stupid, but going for it.
I have an 89 LE in really good shape cosmetically and mechanically. The supension sucks. I know it needs struts all the way around. 2 of the 4 ball joints have leaks in the boots, but are tight. Tie rod ends have ruptured also.
Plans are to rebuild the suspension. All new struts, springs, tie rod ends (front and rear), all bushings and ball joints.
I was wondering if I should do anything as far as upgrading the sway bars. (I have seen links where others mention it, but none for the 87-91)?
Also, are there any good suppliers for suspension components?
I have an 89 LE in really good shape cosmetically and mechanically. The supension sucks. I know it needs struts all the way around. 2 of the 4 ball joints have leaks in the boots, but are tight. Tie rod ends have ruptured also.
Plans are to rebuild the suspension. All new struts, springs, tie rod ends (front and rear), all bushings and ball joints.
I was wondering if I should do anything as far as upgrading the sway bars. (I have seen links where others mention it, but none for the 87-91)?
Also, are there any good suppliers for suspension components?
12-08-2007, 10:38 AM
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Moog - TRW are both good....
There are a series of things that you will want to upgrade..
At the very least make sure you already have the 30mm front sway bar, you'll have to get the number off the bar ( if its still there ) or measure the bar for thickness.... Or you can upgrade to the 32mm front bar... New center link bushings and Endlinks as well..
For the Rear bar you will want to upgrade to the 18 mm bar, just about ant 92-99 SE Bonneville should have the 18mm bar.... You will need the center link bushings and the Endlinks( new ) as well..
Then we move onto the springs.... For the rear you can use springs from any 87-99 Bonneville.... But the fronts will be 87-89( Part of the 90 models as well, there was a mid year change on the front strut springs assembly ).... This will vary as the springs on the SE and SSE'* were different depending on suspension..
Now the question becomes, do you want this LE to ride like an SSEi, kind of like Wrens? Because with the changes we can get it to handle and ride stiffer.. Once you doo all of that tho, you'll end up looking at new Rubber for more road grip
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There are a series of things that you will want to upgrade..
At the very least make sure you already have the 30mm front sway bar, you'll have to get the number off the bar ( if its still there ) or measure the bar for thickness.... Or you can upgrade to the 32mm front bar... New center link bushings and Endlinks as well..
For the Rear bar you will want to upgrade to the 18 mm bar, just about ant 92-99 SE Bonneville should have the 18mm bar.... You will need the center link bushings and the Endlinks( new ) as well..
Then we move onto the springs.... For the rear you can use springs from any 87-99 Bonneville.... But the fronts will be 87-89( Part of the 90 models as well, there was a mid year change on the front strut springs assembly ).... This will vary as the springs on the SE and SSE'* were different depending on suspension..
Now the question becomes, do you want this LE to ride like an SSEi, kind of like Wrens? Because with the changes we can get it to handle and ride stiffer.. Once you doo all of that tho, you'll end up looking at new Rubber for more road grip
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12-08-2007, 11:15 AM
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Yeah, that is pretty much what I want. The handling and stiffer ride. Right now it is really loose. It has that floating on air kind of feel.
I plan on hitting the yards in a week or two. Your information will help a lot when I go looking for new bars. Also, i do have full intention on replacing all the end links and bushings. For no more than what they cost it is worth it IMO.
I plan on hitting the yards in a week or two. Your information will help a lot when I go looking for new bars. Also, i do have full intention on replacing all the end links and bushings. For no more than what they cost it is worth it IMO.
12-08-2007, 11:17 AM
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When you are ready to look for springs we can help you with some spring research... 
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12-08-2007, 11:26 AM
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Not sure if yours are still on there... But there was a Tag from the factory wrapped around the bar with the part number on it.... This will tell us what the bar is so we can get the size..
You car will most likely have a 28mm or 30mm front bar..
The SE with F41 or SSE will have a 32mm front bar... And any 92-99 32mm front bar should work for you as well..
The Rear SE with F41 and SSE would have the 18 MM bar...
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You car will most likely have a 28mm or 30mm front bar..
The SE with F41 or SSE will have a 32mm front bar... And any 92-99 32mm front bar should work for you as well..
The Rear SE with F41 and SSE would have the 18 MM bar...
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12-08-2007, 12:05 PM
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Did that a year ago:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...015&highlight=
and I did notice a difference.
What I want to do here is make it handle and ride a lot better. I know with just replacing the worn items it will be better, but I want to take it a step further. You know, "if your gonna do it, do it right the first time".
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...015&highlight=
and I did notice a difference.
What I want to do here is make it handle and ride a lot better. I know with just replacing the worn items it will be better, but I want to take it a step further. You know, "if your gonna do it, do it right the first time".
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