I have noticed a notible difference between the T-Top F-bodies and the non T-Top F-bodies. The suspension and ride is so much different. In the non T-top version the suspension is nice a smooth and really relaxing and then I drive my T-top Firebird and you can feel every bump in the road and is not quite as a smooth ride. My car seems to ride a hell of a lot rougher than an F-body w/ out T-tops. Also is it just me or does the T-top F-bodies have more body flex?
Is there anything that I can do to change the ride on my Firebird? Install better shocks & struts and maybe subframe connectors? I don't know what to do to get a really smooth ride out of my '86. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

- Mike Harvey -

 

Yep, t-tops car have lots more flex. SFCs would help the flex part, but i think you just have a stiff suspension in there. The soft suspension has 30mm front sway bars. If you want to soften the ride, get some new shocks and the base suspension springs.

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-Justin-
T-Top '86 5.0L LG4 700R4 WS6 Now Bilstein equipped!
T-Top '92 5.0L TBI 700R4
My '86 Firebird Homepage
The F-body Model Kit Pictoral Archive (updated 9/18/00)

There can be only one!!

 

So would you suggest any particular brand of shocks & struts & springs? Bilsteins, KYB, Monroes, etc???? I don't know of the differences between them all. Help would be appreciated on this plus I heard that the springs from Hotchkins were very good ones for our cars, is that true? Thanx

- Mike Harvey -

 

Bilsteins are expensive. And when paired up with Hotchkis springs, you will have a really firm ride. I know Jarring at times, but then again, i dont have to slow down making turns. KYBs are good and cheap.

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-Justin-
T-Top '86 5.0L LG4 700R4 WS6 Now Bilstein equipped!
T-Top '92 5.0L TBI 700R4
My '86 Firebird Homepage
The F-body Model Kit Pictoral Archive (updated 9/18/00)

There can be only one!!