FE2 swaybars upgrade: springs upgrade optional or no?
 

Several questions here:
I'm looking around at maybe upgrading my FE1 swaybars to FE2 along with the Energy suspension end link kits for front and back. I've found the front 32mm FE2 bar from a 1993 Bonneville. Will it fit my 97? Also, is it the same part on the 1993 Buick Park Avenue? (Because I found one of those too.) And I've found the rear 21mm FE2 bar from a 1994 Buick Lesabre. Again, will it fit on my 97 Bonnie?

Next question: Can I just do swaybars and endlinks for a suspension improvement without also upgrading to beefier springs? While obviously desireable to have stiffer springs, if I don't do springs will I be looking at a condition that is either unsafe or uncomfortable? It seems like upgrading springs too would be a much larger job, something I'd probably only get done if/when I needed new struts.

I think they mount up the sme way, but I could be mistaken.

make sure that you get the centerlinks for the bars......

the front should be 32mm and the backs sould be 21mm

you will have no problem with the bigger sways and the smaller springs

I currently run the stiffer sways, and FE1 springs(softer) springs no problem. The ride is good and handles a good bit better in the corners. I have the Stiffer springs but those will only go on if/when I get new struts.

Also, like stated above, you MUST get the center links for both sway bars. New endlinks are a must too.

The rear is easy, the front...well its more work.

Thanks for all the info. I plan on paying an alignment shop to do the install, I just don't have the time or space these days for suspension work. I used to do it back when I was in my 20's, now I'm 38 and I have a 9-month old boy. Good to know I can do the sway bars separate from springs. I'll make sure to get the center links. Do we have a post where anyone took photos of doing this swap?

I dont think I took any during my swap. I can take some of how they rest now, but that wont help much.

Make sure you get the energy suspension end links. The shop will likely do what I did, drop the rear of the subframe and slide the sway bar out. Air tools would have made it so much easier when I did mine. I got it done w/o though.

Okay, I'm looking over the Haynes manual. By "Center Links" do you guys mean the stabilizer bar bushing clamps as pictured in figure 2.3 on page 10-4? That would make sense, larger bar would need the correspondingly larger clamp. Since I'm getting the bar from a salvage yard, should I order new clamps from my dealer, or would salvaged clamps and bushings be useable?

And for the rear bar, will I need new rear sway bar hangars, or should they already be attached to the FE2 rear bar from the salvage yard?

Thanks!

yes, we mean the center bushings clamps. you will need them and the rubber inside of them. Front and back.

You should be able to get all 4 from the yard.