Suspension Tuning Questions

[96LSS]

Hi,

I've got a '96 Olds LSS with 98,000 miles on the stock suspension (purchased the car with 82K miles). There is a F41 code on the spare tire cover and the car has the electronic level control, which still functions properly. I drive about 20,000 miles/year, 80% of which is on 2-lane twisty blacktop. I'd like the car to sit lower and have a firmer ride. I'm considering rebuilding the struts to freshen up the ride and I'm looking for some recommendations on cartridges and springs.

Thanks,
Jim

[Jrs3800]

Your springs are pretty good for stock.. But the F41 suspension does come in about 3 flavors... Ranging to Stiff/Soft, Stiff/Touring and Stiff/ OMG the car rides like a brick... Some will be slightly lower than others.. The load level will be a calculated part of the system as well..

F41 would be the firm ride and handling suspension... But I'd have to drive it to be able to compare..

I used TRW Springs for an SSEi Bonneville all the way around and used Monroe Matic Plus Struts...

Here is a Vid of me running through North Carolina.... The car was a bit stiffer than the camera picked up.. My Back thanked me for that ride...LOL


I guess it depends on what you are really looking for... A few minor changes including the struts can make a big difference in these cars..

[wjcollier07]

You've already got some pretty stiff springs...if you want it to hug a little tighter, you need to look into new struts (SensaTracs recommended) and energy suspension polyurethane swaybar endlinks and bushings.

Most times, especially around 100k, the endlinks are hard and dried up, and normally have some slack in them.

Such as these endlinks, which are OE, and had 94k on them when pictured



You can plainly see a huge gap in the bottom...they were just sorta "hangin out" there..on both sides. That can really make a huge difference in your handling.

So, endlinks, bushings and struts and you should be holding some pretty good ground.

[96LSS]

I was just checking out the Monroe website. Sensa Tracs are compatible with the air ride suspension - I'm leaning towards those. The back of the car is always about an inch higher than the front. Is the ride level sensor easily adjustable?

Thanks,
Jim

[wjcollier07]

I think the back is higher than the front so you're cutting air, not scooping and to decrease understeer.