First, let me apologize for this rather basic question. I checked and there is nothing in the "tech advice" section that helps, and I couldn't find anything archived that is on point for what I want. I did post this in the "suspension" board, but I thought it might be a convertible-specific question so I am posting it here too.

My '92 F'bird convertible has the 305 TBI with the stock "LO3" soft-ride suspension set up. It has about 75,000 miles on it. The suspension, front and rear, is entirely stock.

The first problem, the rattly front end, I solved by re-securing the front brake pads and calipers. Worked like a charm.

The second problem is more challenging. The front end dives and wallows, to the point that it bottoms out on relatively small road dips. It is not the shocks - they stop the bounce instantly. Rather, it is either the soft springs, or the soft struts, or a combination of them.

I assume that the springs are still fine - the car doesn't have lots of miles on it. The struts, on the other hand, could go in that short of time. They do not appear to be leaking though.

So my question: what if I swap out the soft struts for the firmer factory struts? I have the parts manual, I can figure out the part numbers. Is that a waste of time/money? If I swap the struts for firmer ones, am I just going to place more pressure on something else that I'll need to replace or upgrade later?

The car's use is as my summer daily driver. I jump on it very little, and the end result should favor comfort over high-end handling. I want it stiffer but not buckboard-stiff,and I'm sick of that horrible grinding noise when it bottoms out!

I know these cars are front-end heavy anyway, and I assume the convertible exacerbates this. Anyone else had this problem, and what do you recommend I do about it?

Any help or suggestions are much appreciated.

Dan
bird@javanet.com
1992 Firebird convertible
1967 Firebird convertible

 

The soft ride springs are horrible. I had the exact same problem.

I just did a complete PSC kit with a bunch of other stuff, including the Jamex lowering springs.

The car sits lower, but I have no problems bottoming out while driving anymore (same struts). The drop springs are a lot siffer. I only have to watch the car on driveways and take them at an angle, which is expected, but the car never bottoms out on the road anymore.

I would swap the springs first for something firmer to see if that helps. My car still has the original struts (73XXX miles, couldn't afford new ones just yet). I'm just letting you in on my personal experience.

 

I had many of the same problems when I got my conv about 4 years ago. Your struts are shot. I replaced mine with monroe sence a trac I think they ride about as good as a f body will ride. The reason the car won't handle is because it flexs too much and your suspension can't do it's part right. the way to correct this is subframe connectors and a strut tower brace. If you make these changes you won't belive the diffrence.

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1989 rs ragtop LO3 KB subframes & towerbrace to hold it together but bone stock

 

Mine was bottoming out also, so I bought the GM 1LE struts form a dealer ( they were only $50 a piece). Now it is a nice stiff setup and no longer bottoms out.

Jeremy

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WE WILL MISS YOU #3
92 Z conv
5-spd B&M shifter
home-made ram air, air foil, headers, no cat, TB bypass, kevlar pads, slotted rotors, BMR panhard, alston SFC, 3.42's, Edelbrock STB, 350 in the works

 

I've replaced both springs & struts. Before that I had an incidence of crossing an intersection at night and bottoming hard enough to crack my radiator end piece about 1" below the fill neck. I later have heard of two other F-body drivers having the same problem. IMO, replace both springs & struts. While you are at it replace any worn front suspension components.

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90 RS Convertible
Owner: Top-Down Solutions
http://www.sc3gfb.org/members/lonsal.html
http://www.taskerinc.com/gs3/profiles/Lon_profile.htm

 

Thanks for the input!

 

Jeremy, did you start with the soft springs like I have? And when you put in the 1LE struts, did you get a buckboard ride or is it still decent?

Thanks in advance,

Dan

 

 

I don't remember my 89 RS having the problems when it was stock. However I now have KYB gas struts and shocks, chopped stock RS springs up front and Z28 springs in the rear and full poly bushings all around with IROC swaybars. You can't push the car down from a fender. It is rock solid in the corners but not harsh. I have Jamex in the rear and finally got the correct fronts but have not placed them in yet.


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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI Edelbrock Intake
SLP Dual Cold Air Intake 1 5/8" Headers Semi-Siamesed Runners, IROC
suspension, alum shaft. Numerous mods.
92Z28convt5spd (stock)
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

the ride is still fine. With the STB and sub frames, it is a tight ride but not real harsh. I have the softer F41 suspension. I am realy interested on the ride after I get new springs (hopefully).
Jeremy

------------------
WE WILL MISS YOU #3
92 Z conv
5-spd B&M shifter
home-made ram air, air foil, headers, no cat, TB bypass, kevlar pads, slotted rotors, BMR panhard, alston SFC, 3.42's, Edelbrock STB, 350 in the works

 

An update: I have decided to put in KYB G-2 struts all the way around and an Edelbrock strut tower brace. I am going to hold off on the springs for now, and am also holding off on installing SFCs. I'm hoping the new struts will help the wallowing and the strut tower bracing will stiffen the cowl.

Thanks for your input.

 

I think you will find the KYBs and stock springs are a good compromise between a good ride and a harsh ride. I've had my KYB's in for many miles and they're great.


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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI Edelbrock Intake
SLP Dual Cold Air Intake 1 5/8" Headers Semi-Siamesed Runners, IROC
suspension, alum shaft. Numerous mods.
92Z28convt5spd (stock)
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!