I have 2 third gen cars (89 GTA, 92 Firebird), and a problem that I have with both of them is when I go over a dip in the road, the *** end on the car slams down into it hard. Almost like there's about 5 50 pound sand bags in the back. These are road dips and irregularities that don't even looked that trecherous but play hell on the asses of both my birds. It seems to me that this is a common problem arcross the board w/these cars. Is it because these are rear-drive cars, and their low-profile, low-sweeping design? Just curious if anyone else has experienced this, and how common it is.

Thanks

 

Hey- I always used to have that problem with my '83 Camaro. After I got air shocks the problem immediately stopped, I think it might just be the strength of the OE shocks we all get on our cars. Try it out, you can lower the car as much as you'd like anytime you'd like and still have enough stiffness to not bottom out on the potholes etc....... Save the Chrome Tips!!!!

 

Rear shocks and/or springs are probably shot. Thats definitely not normal behavior.

 

A local friend of mine and a moderator on the v-6 board had this problem. He replaced the rear springs and voula the problem vanished.

 

Replace the springs. DO NOT use air shocks, unless you don't mind the prospect of unexpectedly having the shock sproing itself up through the carpet behind the back seat when the weenie sheet metal it hooks up to tears out. There's no way that part of the car has enough strength to hold the car up; it fails anyway just from normal shock absorber stress. Just look at the place teh shock mounts, you'll see exactly what I mean.

Get a set of Moog replacement springs, they're cheap, keep the stock ride height, and are altogether better than any of the factory springs for these cars ever were including the 1LE ones.

 

Make sure the rubber bump stops are still attached too. My old 86 had one or both missing and it felt like I was taking a sledge hammer to the *** over hard bumps. With the bump stops, even when you do bottom, it's not terribly uncomfortable.

 

I cant say I have had this problem. Like the others, Id say to replace your shocks/springs in the back. Like RB83L69 said, dont use air shocks. I'd bet stock replacement parts would solve your problem.

 

Isn't true though that most of the 3rd gen models ride rough over anything but smooth pavement? Both of my cars' ride quality is that of a dump truck. I've been in several others that rode the same. I'll probably go the route of changing out the shocks, struts and springs. What stumps me is that my '89 GTA only has 38,000 miles on it. Is it possible for these componants to wear this fast on a car with such low mileage?

thanks for all the input guys.

 

I put the Moog cargo springs on my car and I was surprised how much better it rides and handles than before. No more of that bottom out on the bump stops all the time and the ride is not harsher than it was since the springs are a progressive design. So I highly recommend the Moog cargo springs.

 

It is not only possible for them to wear out that fast, it's inevitable. You won't believe how much better it will be after you put something decent in there.

It is possible to make one of these cars ride much smoother than they do with worn-out OE stuff; it will still be stiff if you want it that way, but it won't pound on every little bump and feel like there's no isolation at all between you and all the pebbles in the pavement. The front is even more that way than the rear.

 

i have this problem too. i thought it was normal on a 3rd gen as well. my iroc hits pretty hard on the bumb stops when i go over irregular road conditions like construction or dips near overpasses.

whats a good stiff spring for an iroc? i dont want to loose that tight feel the iroc has but not hitting the bumpstops would be good. the car isnt so stiff that it bothers me actually i thought it would ride stiffer. i have driven 91-92 rs's that ride harder then my 89 iroc does and they seemed lower to the ground them mine does as well.

 

If you are looking for a better ride quality, Bilstein has about the best shocks to achieve that. Little expensive, but IMO worth it. The factory shocks really do suck compared to anything else. If that doesnt make the car ride well enough for you, maybe you should have bought a Cadillac instead. It IS a sports car you know.

 

my car has 101k on stock springs and shocks and it doesnt bottom out like yours...it is a rough ride but not that bad i need to replace those as soon as i get the $$

 

Wow, i didnt know so many people used the moog springs. I got them in my 86 and 91 camaro, I used some spacers to in the 91, i like the old muscle look. But yeah i had the same prob on my 86, i thought it was the shocks but it wasnt, i replaces those and is didnt doo much except smooth out the ride. The springs make a biiiggg diff, and for the cost, it was well worth it, like 60 bux worth it.

 

bilstiens came factory equipped on my iroc(and i believe) all other iroc camaros since the beginning. rears that is.

 

I love air shocks and havent seen any evidence of them poping through the floor as of yet but yea that area is weak and it is a possibility but I doubt its likely unless you run around with a 100psi in them.
Also what might cause you problem is a misadjusted rear sway bar. If the sway bar is too tight it jerks on the rear end hard also degrading the ride quality. A loose sway bar can also cause poor ride quality.
SSC

 

just wondering-what in the world would air shocks be doing on a 3rd gen f-body?

 

Jacking it up like a Motha!

Air shocks are very usefull for many things.

1. Keep rear of car equalized better than regular shocks durring take off (launch).
2. Help with clearance when using 3in exh or dual 2.5.
3. Give it a more agressive look by lifting the rear end up.
4. Reduce the stress on the rear springs.
5. This is IMO but they help with high speed cornering.
6. Add's another line to an all ready too large signature.

SSC