h-body suspensions
#1
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h-body suspensions
I'm looking to add to my h-body collection in the future. Of course, I would prefer another bonneville of the '87-'91 variety. But if I run across a nice Olds 88, or Buick PA of the same era, I might consider it. I know that the basic car, engine, etc., are the same, but what about suspension?
I'm gussing that the Buick has softer suspension, and Pontiac has the firmer. What would olds have, something in between? Do we have the full breakdown of what models have what suspensions, and how they relate to eachother?
Any other differences that I should know about before I think about getting a Buick or Olds?
I'm gussing that the Buick has softer suspension, and Pontiac has the firmer. What would olds have, something in between? Do we have the full breakdown of what models have what suspensions, and how they relate to eachother?
Any other differences that I should know about before I think about getting a Buick or Olds?
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Count on the olds being the same as the buick. I'm not sure about all this, but I've owned Olds and Buick cars, and they're always soft cruisers. Deathrat may be able to help here. He'* owned more H'* than anyone.
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If your looking for the 87-91 era, then go for an Olds 88 or Olds 98 with the FE3 package. As for buick during those era i belive only the t-type lesabres came with a sportier suspsion but i could be wrong. I know if u look for a later model, 92-95 If your looking at an olds 88, look for the LSS models, they would have the stiffer/sporty suspension, i think they still came with the FE3 packages in the early 90'*, also they were offered witht the 3800SC. If you go for a buick, both the lesabres and Park Aves. came with a Gran Touring package which is the stiffer, sportier suspension. Lesabres only had the 3800 and the park aves ultras came with the 3800sc.
Michael
Michael
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That is kinda what I half expected, that each model could have more than one suspension offered.
I wonder if the FE3 olds package would be the same or firmer than what is on my '89 LE?
I'm assuming that the SE and SSE models were firmer than the lowly LE. I'll bet that someone with access to GM part numbers for all of the models could compare numbers for springs, shocks, roll bars, etc., and at least see what is the same or different.
Mainly I'm interested in the '87-91 body style. Nothing against the newer, i just like my old, simple, boxy car. I wouldn't feel right putting a christmas tree on top of the newer ones, ya know?
I wonder if the FE3 olds package would be the same or firmer than what is on my '89 LE?
I'm assuming that the SE and SSE models were firmer than the lowly LE. I'll bet that someone with access to GM part numbers for all of the models could compare numbers for springs, shocks, roll bars, etc., and at least see what is the same or different.
Mainly I'm interested in the '87-91 body style. Nothing against the newer, i just like my old, simple, boxy car. I wouldn't feel right putting a christmas tree on top of the newer ones, ya know?
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I've owned a 86 Olds H & 87 Buick H! Both were great cars to drive! That'* why I now have a 92 Bonneville! The Buicks though have the softest suspensions of all three H body manufacturers (Pontiac-Buick-Olds)! Olds have the second softest & Pontiac have the stiffest suspensions! Most parts ARE interchangeable though between all three though. The real differences are Engines depending on what year!
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Well actually you would have to change all 4 Struts & Coils to benefit from a stiffer suspension! Plus Stablizer Bar would have to be changed to a stiffer (Larger Dia) one complete with bushings.
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Originally Posted by willwren
Jr's3800 or Shortstuf would be the best here. They both know the RPO codes and what was offered in the Bonnevilles for those years.
FE2 (1982-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, RIDE AND HANDLING
FE3 (1984-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, SPORT
FE4 (1994-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, SPECIAL RIDE & HANDLING
FE7 (1989-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, FRONT AND REAR, HEAVY DUTY
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Originally Posted by jr's3800
Thats what I was thinking of... At 103,000 miles I still have the original struts all the way around... And I will be replacing them in the near future... I was thinking of the better springs and new struts... And I have already been under the car looking at the sway bar... I want a larger one for it... It needs it... I see one on hectors site... Will the ones for the 92-99 hbody work on the 87-91 Hbody? I wnat the car to ride and handle better than the LE that it is... But it already drives good now, I'm just picky...
#10
FE1(1982-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, SOFT RIDE
FE2 (1982-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, RIDE AND HANDLING
FE3 (1984-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, SPORT
FE4 (1994-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, SPECIAL RIDE & HANDLING
FE7 (1989-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, FRONT AND REAR, HEAVY DUTY
FE2 (1982-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, RIDE AND HANDLING
FE3 (1984-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, SPORT
FE4 (1994-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, SPECIAL RIDE & HANDLING
FE7 (1989-2002) SUSPENSION SYSTEM, FRONT AND REAR, HEAVY DUTY
FE2 and FE9
What does that mean :?: