Go Back   Third Generation F-Body Message Boards > Tech Boards > Suspension / Chassis
Sign in using an external account
Register Forgot Password?

Suspension / Chassis Questions about your suspension? Need chassis advice?

Welcome to ThirdGen.org!
Welcome to ThirdGen.org.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join the ThirdGen.org community today!


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 11-17-2009, 03:35 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
ThreeOhFive's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Evansville, Wisconsin
Posts: 363
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: WC-T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi

Classifieds Rating: (0)
what to replace and improve ride?

the 92 camaro rs we have has the original suspension, everything on it is from the factory and it rides rough. i know they are supposed to ride like bricks but there is quite a bit of play in the steering and over bumps and railroad tracks it doesnt feel very solid. it has 130k miles on it and we are pretty sure its had at least one teenage owner before we got it. it was pretty poorly mantained so were wondering what you would all recommend should be done to make this car ride like new again?
ThreeOhFive is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-17-2009, 03:50 PM   #2
Moderator
 
JamesC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Lawrence, KS
Posts: 16,248
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's

Classifieds Rating: (3)
Re: what to replace and improve ride?

Quote:
Originally Posted by J91Camaro View Post
the 92 camaro rs we have has the original suspension, everything on it is from the factory and it rides rough. it was pretty poorly mantained so were wondering what you would all recommend should be done to make this car ride like new again?
Tires, struts, shocks (and perhaps upper strut mounts and springs). Replace bushings with rubber.

Consider a new idler arm, center link and tie rods as well as ball joints. Adjusting the steering box will also probably be helpful.

JamesC
__________________
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Hamlet

"Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies." Nietzsche
JamesC is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-17-2009, 04:06 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
ThreeOhFive's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Evansville, Wisconsin
Posts: 363
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: WC-T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: what to replace and improve ride?

Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesC View Post
Tires, struts, shocks (and perhaps upper strut mounts and springs). Replace bushings with rubber.

Consider a new idler arm, center link and tie rods as well as ball joints. Adjusting the steering box will also probably be helpful.

JamesC
thanks wow thats a good $3,000 worth...
ThreeOhFive is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2009, 08:54 AM   #4
Sponsor
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 353

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: what to replace and improve ride?

Hello
Just another suggestion for you other than springs and shocks! I would suggest looking to see what type of shape your bushings are in the lower control arms and pan hard rod. And to allow the car to feel more solid I would suggest just replace both with our aftermarket replacement rear end kits they feature poly bushings that are grease able. Below is a link to show you what all we have to offer!

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalo...jorln1qh1u8qj5

If you have any other questions feel free to ask and I will be more than glad to help.
Thanks
Brad
UMI Sales is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2009, 09:06 AM   #5
Moderator
 
JamesC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Lawrence, KS
Posts: 16,248
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's

Classifieds Rating: (3)
Re: what to replace and improve ride?

Quote:
Originally Posted by J91Camaro View Post
thanks wow thats a good $3,000 worth...
You'll learn a bunch and save some dough if you do the work yourself--and it's not rocket science. Suspension pieces are typically unbolt, bolt up. That said, tools and a garage are helpful .

JamesC
__________________
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Hamlet

"Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies." Nietzsche
JamesC is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2009, 10:01 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
91_5.7_TPI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: East Tennesse
Posts: 2,820
Car: 1991 RS Camaro
Engine: L03 (want LS1)
Transmission: 700R-4 (and T56)
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen 3.23 posi

Classifieds Rating: (2)
Send a message via AIM to 91_5.7_TPI
Re: what to replace and improve ride?

I don't think you would spend $3000 on shocks, struts, bushings, and the steering components if you shop around and not buy the most expensive stuff. Although, labor costs would be kinda high, but that's just motivation for me to do it myself lol. I have about $3500 in my suspension, and I have alot more than just shocks, springs, steering, and bushings.
__________________

KONIs I Eibach Pro-Kit I 36mm/24mm sway bars I Spohn: Adjustable PHB I Wonder Bar I SFCs
Custom LCAs I LCARBs I J&M Products Camber/Caster plates
I Hawk's Ceramic Pads I 4th Gen 3.23 Posi I LS1/LT1 Brakes

Last edited by 91_5.7_TPI; 11-18-2009 at 10:04 AM.
91_5.7_TPI is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2009, 01:52 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
STRIKER911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Independence Mo
Posts: 561
Car: 89 RS
Engine: 305 TBI (lo3)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Whatever is stock.

Classifieds Rating: (1)
Re: what to replace and improve ride?

I have a lot of play from my idler arm and my center link. I don't have a heck of a lot of money and already got screwed by Firestone as they did a alignment when I changed struts and didn't check anything. I wonder if I can get away with not getting yet another alignment if I just changed the two parts? If I have to get another alignment I may as well just replace everything.

The problem I have is that the car bounces in the front over 60mph due to the play. The car is a daily driver now. The only reason I would think I would need an alignment is that the new center link might not be the exact same length as the original. Any input?
STRIKER911 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2009, 07:32 AM   #8
Moderator
 
JamesC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Lawrence, KS
Posts: 16,248
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's

Classifieds Rating: (3)
Re: what to replace and improve ride?

Quote:
Originally Posted by STRIKER911 View Post
The problem I have is that the car bounces in the front over 60mph due to the play. The car is a daily driver now. The only reason I would think I would need an alignment is that the new center link might not be the exact same length as the original. Any input?
I'm not sure why the car would bounce with slop in the idler arm and center link. The center link will be the same length as the old--it would have to be to fit both the idler and pitman. You'll need an alignment.

JamesC
__________________
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Hamlet

"Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies." Nietzsche

Last edited by JamesC; 11-23-2009 at 08:04 AM.
JamesC is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2009, 10:59 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
STRIKER911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Independence Mo
Posts: 561
Car: 89 RS
Engine: 305 TBI (lo3)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Whatever is stock.

Classifieds Rating: (1)
Re: what to replace and improve ride?

Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesC View Post
I'm not sure why the car would bounce with slop in the idler arm and center link. The center link will be the same length as the old--it would have to be to fit both the idler and pitman. You'll need an alignment.

JamesC
Ya the wheel turns back and forth under heavy braking & when it shakes down the hwy its the same movement just not as bad. If the car would need an alignment from changing the center link that has no adjusment then that tells me they are not going to be the exact same size. Otherwise I could put the car on ramps to make sure nothing moves and just change it. Adjustment is in the tie rods.

Has anyone tried that?

I can buy a front end kit on ebay but then id still need the strut bearings and springs in order to get everything at once. That means instead of under $100 id be looking at over $600 if I change it all myself & align it at the shop. This is why its a fairly important thing to get rite. If I buy the kit it comes with a idler arm and center link.

Does anyone have any feedback on mcquary noris parts?
STRIKER911 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2009, 12:17 PM   #10
Moderator
 
JamesC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Lawrence, KS
Posts: 16,248
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's

Classifieds Rating: (3)
Re: what to replace and improve ride?

I recently replaced the idler arm and center link (replacing both at once seems cost efficient). Though I didn't adjust the tie rods whatsoever, toe still required adjustment.

JamesC
__________________
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Hamlet

"Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies." Nietzsche
JamesC is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2009, 01:00 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
STRIKER911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Independence Mo
Posts: 561
Car: 89 RS
Engine: 305 TBI (lo3)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Whatever is stock.

Classifieds Rating: (1)
Re: what to replace and improve ride?

Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesC View Post
I recently replaced the idler arm and center link (replacing both at once seems cost efficient). Though I didn't adjust the tie rods whatsoever, toe still required adjustment.

JamesC
K thanks. I am waiting for Firestone's district mgr to call me back. I may be able to get another alignment for free since they aligned a car with worn parts. I thought it was just the tires till I got new ones. They should have seen the worn parts upon inspection, and I would have known to fix then align. Not align fix then align again. Stupid people.

Edit: Ha just got off the phone with the guy and he tried to screw me. He was like well we dont do inspections unless u ask for it. LMAO! Guess he didnt know the service his own company performs. Distract mgr lol. I was like now wait a min man. RIght on ur website the first thing is says in the service description for an alignment is inspection! His attitude changed then. I got a free alignment coming my way! Rock on.

Last edited by STRIKER911; 11-23-2009 at 01:17 PM.
STRIKER911 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2009, 01:00 PM
ThirdGen
1992 Camaro




Paid Advertisement


Reply

Go Back   Third Generation F-Body Message Boards > Tech Boards > Suspension / Chassis

Tags
3rd, body, camaro, car, change, chevy, classic, gen, improve, mounts, replacing, ride, springs, struts
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

 


1982 Camaro '82 || 1983 Camaro '83 || 1984 Camaro '84 || 1985 Camaro '85 || 1986 Camaro '86 || 1987 Camaro '87 || 1988 Camaro '88 || 1989 Camaro '89 || 1990 Camaro '90 || 1991 Camaro '91 || 1992 Camaro '92


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:24 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright © 1997 - 2012 ThirdGen.org. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the expressed, documented, and written consent of ThirdGen.org's Administrators.

Emails & Contact Details