Hi, I was wondering how can I tell if my 97 PA has soft ride suspension?

Hi, I was wondering how can I tell if my 97 PA has soft ride suspension?

If you check your option codes (on my 2001 PA, it is on/under the spare tire cover in the trunk), you should find a code starting with "FE". "FE1" is the Soft Ride Suspension..."FE2" is the Gran Touring Suspension.

Also, if I remember correctly, the FE2 option came with specific wheels for the Park Avenue. If you have the basic/standard wheels, then chances are you have the Soft Ride Suspension. If you have the upgraded (usually chrome) wheels, you'll have to check the codes to know which suspension setup you have.

You can also take your car to a GM dealer and they can run the VIN number and print out the option code list for your car. It will give a brief description of all of your car's options. You may find your car has options you weren't aware of. I've had one of the local Buick dealers do this on a couple of my cars. I had a 95 Roadmaster that had the FE2 Gran Touring Suspension and when the dealer ran the VIN, I found out that, in my particular car, the FE2 was ordered as part of the "heavy duty towing package" that was ordered for the car. That car was set up to tow 5,000 lbs, but never towed a thing...a hitch was never even installed on the car.

Hope this helps...

Cheers

For 1997, just look for the plate by the headlight switch; "Dynaride" for the soft suspension, "Gran Touring" for the firm. I think for 1998 and up you have to check the RPO codes as suggested. For 1999, FE1=soft, F41=firm.