History / Originality Got a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!

Front Struts

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-08-2012, 01:12 PM
  #1  
Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
cmk-2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: North west Fl
Posts: 161
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: Corvette ZR-1
Engine: LT-5
Transmission: 6 sp
Front Struts

Hi my 1987 L-98 Iroc with 63,000 miles needs new rear shocks and I went with Bilstiens as they what came on them from the factory . My question is; who made the front struts? Were they just Delco or did GM out source those as well?
Thanks for any insight,
Robin
Old 09-08-2012, 02:12 PM
  #2  
Junior Member

 
BLKIROCZ87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: LongIsland - NY
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 Black Iroc-Z
Engine: 305-LG4/ Soon to be ?
Transmission: TH-350/ soon to be ?
Axle/Gears: 3.73 POSI - Auburn -
Re: Front Struts

I almost positive from everything I read and from my own car, that the Fronts came with Delco struts from the factory.
Old 09-08-2012, 02:22 PM
  #3  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (4)
 
chazman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,666
Received 546 Likes on 376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: Front Struts

Delco.
Old 09-08-2012, 02:58 PM
  #4  
Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
cmk-2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: North west Fl
Posts: 161
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: Corvette ZR-1
Engine: LT-5
Transmission: 6 sp
Re: Front Struts

Thanks, that's what I was thinking. I have alot of magazines from the 80's (Yes I'm almost 50 years old). My first camaro was a brand new 1984 L-69 H.O. Z-28. Then they came out with the Iroc and they (magazines) always spoke of the Delco/Bilstiens rear shocks but never stated what the front struts were, and I'm sure that if GM had gone to Bilstiens up front the magazines would have said something about it.BTW how long do struts last? I knew my rears were going as the passenger side was leaking oil pretty bad but what do I look for on the struts?
Old 09-08-2012, 07:05 PM
  #5  
Senior Member

 
Motown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 613
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Car: 1985 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: MD8
Re: Front Struts

Theres old dealership training videos on youtube that say Delco/Bilstein rear and Delco front.

Im curious what to look for too. My struts are 107,000 mile originals. I added Bilsteins to the rear again and it totally transformed the car. Highly recommended.
Old 09-09-2012, 03:51 AM
  #6  
Member
 
82RZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NC
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2000 SS Camaro LS1
Engine: 347 cu in mild mods
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3:42 or 4:10 depends on what I'am d
Re: Front Struts

Originally Posted by cmk-2
Thanks, that's what I was thinking. I have alot of magazines from the 80's (Yes I'm almost 50 years old). My first camaro was a brand new 1984 L-69 H.O. Z-28. Then they came out with the Iroc and they (magazines) always spoke of the Delco/Bilstiens rear shocks but never stated what the front struts were, and I'm sure that if GM had gone to Bilstiens up front the magazines would have said something about it.BTW how long do struts last? I knew my rears were going as the passenger side was leaking oil pretty bad but what do I look for on the struts?
Ha Ha - Got ya beat. I just turned 60 years young last Tuesday. Been messing with 'Maros since I was 19.

Yep, struts were factory Delcos - now called Delco Source a wholly owned subsidiary of GM.

Check them like any other shock, ie leaking fluid, too much bounce, etc.

Don't know if your car has removable strut bearing plates, but if it does, replace them too.
Old 09-09-2012, 04:05 AM
  #7  
Member
 
82RZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NC
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2000 SS Camaro LS1
Engine: 347 cu in mild mods
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3:42 or 4:10 depends on what I'am d
Re: Front Struts

Originally Posted by Motown
Im curious what to look for too. My struts are 107,000 mile originals.
Milage really means nothing. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
What to look for:

1. Leaking fluid.
2. Cracked/worn mounting rubber.
3. Bent plunger rod.
4. Push down hard on each front corner of the car and release it. It should bounce back up once and then settle into its normal ride hight. Any more bouncing/movement and the strut/shock for that corner is shot.
Old 09-09-2012, 07:40 AM
  #8  
Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
cmk-2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: North west Fl
Posts: 161
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: Corvette ZR-1
Engine: LT-5
Transmission: 6 sp
Re: Front Struts

Thank everyone. My fronts are okay for now. So I won't fix anything that's not broken. When it does come time I'll order the Delco struts.
Old 12-07-2012, 08:05 AM
  #9  
Junior Member
 
fastgascar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Front Struts

I was always under the impression the IROCS had bilsteins all the way around. Good to know it was only the rear. Mine are still going strong after 136000 miles.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Frozer!!!
Camaros for Sale
35
01-19-2024 04:55 PM
customblackbird
Suspension and Chassis
4
08-15-2021 10:16 PM
NORTz89
Suspension and Chassis
32
05-20-2020 03:51 PM
Polo Z03
Wheels and Tires
49
07-21-2017 12:31 AM
redmaroz
Suspension and Chassis
9
04-25-2017 07:14 AM



Quick Reply: Front Struts



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:33 PM.