a different feel to the suspension
abebesheir
07-19-2006, 09:28 PM
I own three 9c1s... a 1991, a 1992 and a 1993.
I almost feel like I am sitting on a truck chassis when I am driving the '92 or '93... would lowering the coil springs in the front end reduce this feeling.
I am wondering about this because the front end of my '91 has been lowered and it feels a lot better.
Thanks.
I almost feel like I am sitting on a truck chassis when I am driving the '92 or '93... would lowering the coil springs in the front end reduce this feeling.
I am wondering about this because the front end of my '91 has been lowered and it feels a lot better.
Thanks.
capriceowns
07-19-2006, 11:06 PM
Wouldnt lowering it make it stiffer?:2cents:
abebesheir
07-19-2006, 11:47 PM
Caprice's traditional soft ride is distressingly bouncy and floaty with the base suspension. Qualifying as virtually aquatic, the car leans way over in turns and wallows over wavy roads. Loose, vague steering impairs quick maneuvers.
I got that from autoconsumerguide.com... Is it possible that my later 9c1s have only the base suspension?
I got that from autoconsumerguide.com... Is it possible that my later 9c1s have only the base suspension?
Blue Bowtie
07-20-2006, 07:51 AM
The spring height is not as critical as the RATE. Most lowering springs will have a necessarily higher spring rate to prevent bottoming from the lowered starting height. You could accomplish the same thing with correct height at load springs with a higher rate (stiffer).
Some of the body roll can be reduced with better damping shock absorbers and stiffer sway bars, and some of the "floaty" and "supertanker" feel can be eliminated with a full compliment of new body mount bushings installed in all locations, instead of skipping some as the factory did, so that the unibody is solidly mounted to the frame from end to end.
Some of the body roll can be reduced with better damping shock absorbers and stiffer sway bars, and some of the "floaty" and "supertanker" feel can be eliminated with a full compliment of new body mount bushings installed in all locations, instead of skipping some as the factory did, so that the unibody is solidly mounted to the frame from end to end.
Mira_cz
07-20-2006, 08:26 AM
I have ten caprices due the lifetime and I can tell, that every caprice is bit different. Some goes softly and quiet, some are like abebesheir told, like the trucks. It could be different shocks or "tired" stabilisers I think.
HLandin
07-20-2006, 09:32 PM
Probably the best solution to your "floating" problem is going with older (pre-1991) 9c1 shocks which provided a much stiffer ride. Also, like Blue Bowtie said, new bushings can help stiffen up a worn suspension.
PeteA216
07-23-2006, 10:22 PM
I personally like the floaty feel to an older caprice... i have a pretty much brand new suspension in my '84 aside from body mounts, and it still had the "boat" or floating feel to it, whic i personally enjoy. It sort of adds to the luxury of owning a luxury car. but thats just my 2 cents
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