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FE2/F41 Questions

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Old 09-11-2007, 10:22 AM
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Default FE2/F41 Questions

How much of a difference would it make to only swap sway bars to FE2/F41 spec but not go as far as swapping in springs?
I do know that its much easier to just do the bars, but noticed that there might be some issue doing the front bar involving dropping the rear of the subframe (found per bandit'* FE2 swap thread) is there a simpler way to do it? Such as drop the exhaust, slip out one side, and then the other through the bottom?

Also, in what cars/years is it most common to find the 34mm front sway? And what are the part numbers (found on the sway bar tag) for the 34 and 32mm bars? And for future reference, what is the thickest rear bar available for an H body? I do believe there are only 2-3 sizes, but not sure. And if there is a thicker one than one that would normally be found, on say an SSEi, what car would it be on? I was thinking DeVille DTS or Park Ave Ultra would have the biggest sways if anything.
Old 09-11-2007, 10:37 AM
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The front Bar is Not easy.

I would do everything. The sway bars will help it stay more level.. but wont help in hard turns with bumps.

The springs and struts are what helps that.
Old 09-11-2007, 10:42 AM
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The sway assists in holding the car in turns. However if the spring isn't there to back it up.. you will have more lean than with the upgraded springs.

As for the front bar. You could pull a ball joint, the bar will come right out the side. Or lower 4 bolts.
Old 09-11-2007, 03:05 PM
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I did just the sways on the LeSabre. I wanted to have less lean in the corners, while still riding like a Buick. It more or less did what I hoped for. It corners reasonably flat, but not as good as it would if it were riding on FE2 springs too. Also, it'* still riding on 70-series, 15" rubber, which doesn't help much. Still, it'* more stable than it was stock.

From what I know of your driving habits though, I'd hold out for a complete FE2 or F41 setup.

I can't say how hard it is to put in the front sway, since my transmission failed before I could try, and I just had the shop swap my bars when they did the transmission. I can tell you though that it was a real joy to get out of the donor car at the yard. Thanks to a couple of local Mexicans who saw my distress, we got it muscled out. It was good though. I learned a few spanish words for "Hit it harder!"
Old 09-11-2007, 03:35 PM
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Hahaha, what driving habits Jon? Plus I don't drive the 93 like I told you I do the 89

Yeah, makes sense. Very obviously about the way a sway bar works...it fully relies on the stiffness on the springs. If you take a hard corner, its pushing up on the control arms on that side, the bar then tries to assist the leaning side with stiffness from the springs on the opposite side. If those are soft too..what the hell good is it gonna do?

Thanks guys. I might just wait until I can get an SSE/Ei in florida. That'll make it much easier on me. When you have an SE, soft suspension comes with the territory.
Old 09-11-2007, 06:05 PM
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Yup, john. On the highway and just going down the Road.
My SE with FE2 is nice and comfy.
But as soon as you get on it and start hitting the bumps faster and the turns harder that when it gets stiff.

Now also remember that Springs and Sway bars are not the only thing that makes a car ride Harder or stuffer.. its the Struts. It all in how much that are going to stiffen up on the bumps.

When i drove Dons car at NEBF i felt stiffer then mine and he has the same Sways and springs as me but diffrent struts.
Old 09-14-2007, 12:02 AM
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Well I'm going to agree on the whole strut thing...my 89 has only 20k mile struts all the way around...and it seems to handle...believe it or not..better than my 93...my 93'* struts are..original tis' a BOUNCAY ride!

I'll have to check out your 95 don...but umm...be advised...if you let me drive it...umm..you might not see it for a while...like...umm...a year? or..two? i'll keep it safe in sarasota for yah
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