Rear Suspension Conversion Question
 

I'm getting ready to gut the old air ride suspension components out of my 95 Bonneville SSE. It has adjustable rear only with hydraulic and spring front. Everything is completely worn out. The front is pretty straight forward and I found a set of Monroe's w/springs and hardware for $131 for the pair. Monroe part# 181822.

The rear is where I have questions. Strutmasters has a "Complete" conversion kit with hardware, Monroe hydraulic shocks and Eibach springs. I'm sure it's a great product but with a $299 tag +shipping it better be. This has been the only kit I've been able to find that says "direct bolt on with all needed hardware included".

I am able to get a rear hardware kit with spring mounts, Monroe shocks and a set of springs through Rock Auto at a substantial savings but I'm not sure if the hardware will just bolt on or if I'll have to do some fabrication work to install the mounts.

Has anyone done a rear conversion or know if there's a difference in the rear ends between the air and standard suspension cars? I know not all cars with this rear end had air ride and I find it hard to believe GM would use a different bolt pattern or mounting pattern that would require a difference in the rear end itself, just due to cost. I can get a pair of Monroe# 171799 for $118 and it comes as a assembled unit with Hardware, upper spring seat & mount, coil spring, boot, isolator and the strut. That's a HUGE difference in price. The only concern is if it'll work without having to do any extra fabrication. My hunch is yes but i figured I'd see if anyone else has any thoughts, ideas or suggestions.

This car is a daily driver and spends over 90% of it's time on the interstate. I'm not looking for high performance, I'm looking for a comfortable ride & durability at a reasonable price. I just feel like the Strutmasters kit is too expensive considering the parts I'm replacing an Overkill for what I need performance wise.

Product Links:
https://www.strutmasters.com/products/1987-1999-pontiac-bonneville-rear-air-suspension-conversion-kit-cadr2/

http://www.monroe.com/en-US/e-catalog/171799/
Thanks,
James

I'm with you, I can't imagine that they'd change the bolt pattern etc.

A thought: if you keep the original springs and delete the air ride you might end up riding low in the rear all the time.

The Monroe's come with the correct replacement springs already mounted on the rear strut. I think this should ride exactly like the vehicle models that didn't come with the air suspension.

Ah okay cool. Sounds like you're good to go then.