Need suspension info and advice
04-06-2010, 11:53 AM
#1
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Need suspension info and advice
My 95 Bonnie SE is running well and really scoots. Soon the A/C will be charged and it will be a great ride. I just got a power seat set up and BOY; does it feel better!!! Now, I need it to turn corners better than it does now.
I am looking at other items that need replacing or upgrading and the struts are near the top of the list. My car has the FE1 (soft ride suspension) according to the option sticker in the trunk. No load leveling or air suspension and doesn't handle very well.
I have questions on how to upgrade or enhance the handling while I am having the struts replaced. The auto parts store shows only one strut without air and I definitely want something better than what my car had stock. What struts will firm up the ride and handling?
Also, I'm wondering what parts I can snag off of an SSE or an SSEi that would upgrade my car while i'm doing the struts. I don't want to add the air suspension or anything like that but, will SSE or SSEi springs or sway bars work in place of mine. Did the Firm Ride suspension (FE2 or 3) use the air system exclusively or did they come with stiffer, non-air struts and firmer springs and bigger sway bars? What should I be on the lookout for in the junk yard?
Basically I would like the best and firmest suspension I can without adding the air system. Any info or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Jay
I am looking at other items that need replacing or upgrading and the struts are near the top of the list. My car has the FE1 (soft ride suspension) according to the option sticker in the trunk. No load leveling or air suspension and doesn't handle very well.
I have questions on how to upgrade or enhance the handling while I am having the struts replaced. The auto parts store shows only one strut without air and I definitely want something better than what my car had stock. What struts will firm up the ride and handling?
Also, I'm wondering what parts I can snag off of an SSE or an SSEi that would upgrade my car while i'm doing the struts. I don't want to add the air suspension or anything like that but, will SSE or SSEi springs or sway bars work in place of mine. Did the Firm Ride suspension (FE2 or 3) use the air system exclusively or did they come with stiffer, non-air struts and firmer springs and bigger sway bars? What should I be on the lookout for in the junk yard?
Basically I would like the best and firmest suspension I can without adding the air system. Any info or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Jay
Last edited by WGesnerJr; 04-06-2010 at 12:14 PM.
04-06-2010, 12:41 PM
#2
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
Being a 95 has it'* advantages for you.
Any SSEi/SSE suspension will help. The sway bars and strut springs are automatically stiffer than what you have and will make a large difference.
Then add onto what you pick up by putting on Energy Suspension endlinks and from Advance Auto parts website the urethane sway center bushings. That will really give you some good stuff.
Looking for more? Ok, pick up the rear air struts and the Monroe air kit. It'll have a part number like AK29 or AK16. That little $10 puppy will give you rear air struts and you'll be able to control loads and stiffen things up at the same time. Struts are about the same cost as regular struts as I recall.
Want even more? Look into AirLift, get a set of drag bags for the rear or your ride. These go inside the springs and firm things up amazingly, they were originally desiged for load leveling and keeping the suspension on rear wheel drive cars from flexing and twisting on the track.
Anything more and you'll be past even my setup. Plus I don't know of anything more.
Any SSEi/SSE suspension will help. The sway bars and strut springs are automatically stiffer than what you have and will make a large difference.
Then add onto what you pick up by putting on Energy Suspension endlinks and from Advance Auto parts website the urethane sway center bushings. That will really give you some good stuff.
Looking for more? Ok, pick up the rear air struts and the Monroe air kit. It'll have a part number like AK29 or AK16. That little $10 puppy will give you rear air struts and you'll be able to control loads and stiffen things up at the same time. Struts are about the same cost as regular struts as I recall.
Want even more? Look into AirLift, get a set of drag bags for the rear or your ride. These go inside the springs and firm things up amazingly, they were originally desiged for load leveling and keeping the suspension on rear wheel drive cars from flexing and twisting on the track.
Anything more and you'll be past even my setup. Plus I don't know of anything more.
04-07-2010, 11:31 AM
#3
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Thanks BillBoost,
That'* what I was looking for. I will start combing the yard for SSE/SSEi springs and sway bars. The end links and bushings will be easy to come by. I guess all the front struts are the same so I will order those too. I will have to consider the air rear struts. If they are the same price, it would be good insurance if I haul something or ride five folks.
Thanks again.
Jay
That'* what I was looking for. I will start combing the yard for SSE/SSEi springs and sway bars. The end links and bushings will be easy to come by. I guess all the front struts are the same so I will order those too. I will have to consider the air rear struts. If they are the same price, it would be good insurance if I haul something or ride five folks.
Thanks again.
Jay
04-07-2010, 01:11 PM
#4
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
I've yet to hear anyone say that the air struts were a mistake or have any negative feelings about them.
Overall... you should be rocking when done.
Overall... you should be rocking when done.
04-07-2010, 04:01 PM
#5
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Being a 95 has it'* advantages for you.
Any SSEi/SSE suspension will help. The sway bars and strut springs are automatically stiffer than what you have and will make a large difference.
Then add onto what you pick up by putting on Energy Suspension endlinks and from Advance Auto parts website the urethane sway center bushings. That will really give you some good stuff.
Looking for more? Ok, pick up the rear air struts and the Monroe air kit. It'll have a part number like AK29 or AK16. That little $10 puppy will give you rear air struts and you'll be able to control loads and stiffen things up at the same time. Struts are about the same cost as regular struts as I recall.
Want even more? Look into AirLift, get a set of drag bags for the rear or your ride. These go inside the springs and firm things up amazingly, they were originally desiged for load leveling and keeping the suspension on rear wheel drive cars from flexing and twisting on the track.
Anything more and you'll be past even my setup. Plus I don't know of anything more.
Any SSEi/SSE suspension will help. The sway bars and strut springs are automatically stiffer than what you have and will make a large difference.
Then add onto what you pick up by putting on Energy Suspension endlinks and from Advance Auto parts website the urethane sway center bushings. That will really give you some good stuff.
Looking for more? Ok, pick up the rear air struts and the Monroe air kit. It'll have a part number like AK29 or AK16. That little $10 puppy will give you rear air struts and you'll be able to control loads and stiffen things up at the same time. Struts are about the same cost as regular struts as I recall.
Want even more? Look into AirLift, get a set of drag bags for the rear or your ride. These go inside the springs and firm things up amazingly, they were originally desiged for load leveling and keeping the suspension on rear wheel drive cars from flexing and twisting on the track.
Anything more and you'll be past even my setup. Plus I don't know of anything more.
04-08-2010, 10:47 PM
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why does it have to be we 
. but I haven't come up to your place to work on my car in a bit. idk I'm thinking after the next pay check. This one is new calipers, new rear bearing, and alignment.
. but I haven't come up to your place to work on my car in a bit. idk I'm thinking after the next pay check. This one is new calipers, new rear bearing, and alignment.