Differences between 3rd and 4th Gens

[Dyno247365]

What's the difference between the front suspension on a 4th gen from a 3rd gen. It has something to do with the struts right? Also, is there any way, shape or form to make a 4th gen shock fit on a 3rd gen Camaro?

There's some companies that will make front suspension parts for 69 through 81, then 93-2002. What makes the third gen so different from the 4th gen's suspension?

[skibum1111]

I do believe the 4th gen suspension will fit on a 3rd gen. If you look closely at the floors of both generations you will notice they are awfully similar. The hump in the floor on the passenger side front that is there on both cars is from 3rd gen cat converter being located there. When we stripped my buddy's 99ss (sadly demolished by a bus) we noticed alot of the unibody structure appeared similar to his brother's 87 ta. Unfortunately we didn't measure anything, so I don't have a definite yes or no, but it looked right, they were manufactured on the same assembly line, and there was no delay between 3rd gen and 4th gen production years.

[ct91rs]

From what I know, third gen's are unique from other Camaro's in that they had a MacPherson front suspension. This means they have no upper control arm (2nd and 4th gens do), and thus the struts are completely different.

[88camaroproject]

yep, 3rd gen has no upper control arm and only one ball joint, when people hear that thy never beleive me...

[Dyno247365]

Originally Posted by 88camaroproject

yep, 3rd gen has no upper control arm and only one ball joint, when people hear that thy never beleive me...

I want to see your manager!

kidding aside, I read up on the Macpherson strut, I didn't think I had one. But they make nice coilover shocks for 4th gens but not for 3rd gens and this little vein in my forehead grows and grows.

So far I see three choices: buy cheap suspension, buy Koni, which is yellow >< and buy one good set for the front and another company on the rear. I'd rather just buy nice suspension in one name. That's why I thought of 'mating' 4th gen shocks to the front end.

...What if I took just the 4th front end and made it work on a 3rd gen? Is a 4th gen suspension better on the newer cars because of the upper control arm?

edited* POST 69!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SSSS

[supervisor1886]

The rear from the 4th gen will bolt on with some mods on. The front is comletely dofferent.

[tuske427]

There is no point in trying to fit any 4th gen suspension parts on a third gen car.

As mentioned previously by a few folks, the 4th gen has an upper control arm, different spindle, etc. That upper control arm needs a structural mount to be located on. there is no such provision on the third gen car. you would have to do some considerable fabrication to make one. and if you knew how to set up front suspension- making sure the travel does not induce bind or bumpsteer (all while making sure proper caster, camber and toe in can be set up), you wouldn't bother with a stock 4th gen set up anyway. maybe an aftermarket or corvette setup, but not a 4th gen F-body.

The rear axle on a 3rd gen is a 7.5". They only marginally increased it for the 4th gen- it's a 7.625". plus, the 4th gen axle is wider- meaning it'll throw off the back spacing on the wheel you currently have. If you're going to swap axles, go with an aftermarket 12 bolt or ford 9", or modify one of those to fit your car. They're much stronger, plenty of parts and gear ratios are available.

bottom line is anything can be done, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's worth doing. The immense work involved to get you marginally better parts is questionable, IMO.

There is ample support forthe third gen cars with aftermarket suspension pieces to make these cars handle just fine. Plus, these parts are engineered to fit. why not take advantage of their R&D and use those??

[tcfco2005]

theres tons of ppl who make shock's and struts for thirdgens....thirdgens dont have coil over they have struts instead.go to summit or jegs and just look at shocks and struts and youll find some for your car guaranteed.

[Dyno247365]

I did a sh**load of research for some shocks. I have decided before I even got on here to stick with the third gen macpherson strut setup. I totally agree with all of you on that.

I was thinking about getting cheap shocks like gabriels for now but I'm not sure if that would be wasting money if I'll get adjustable Tokico or even better Konis. I apologize, I do not have coilovers and it doesn't look like I need them anyway. Lots of applications for trucks right? The springs on there are jet black some i'm guessing they're eibach pros which did lower the whole car by an inch.
For now, I'm holding off on shocks and doing bodywork till it's clear what I need the shocks for. Thanks for everyone's help again.

[Rally Sport]

What makes 3rd gens different from other gens?

Let me tell you.. 3rd gens are a PLAYA'S car, thats whats different






























J/k but dont flame me other gen owning guys.

[drvngstorm05]

Originally Posted by Rally Sport 92

Let me tell you.. 3rd gens are a PLAYA'S car, thats whats different

AMEN to that haha

[Dyno247365]

I'm noticing you two(RS and Storm) both have the 25th anniversary RS model. I have an Iroc but I like the ground effects and z28 spoiler more than what I have right now. So I'm looking for opinions. Would it be stupid to change the original look of it, since the models are distinct? I like how the z28 and RS look more aerodynamic.

[Rally Sport]

It depends, I mean if they fit your car then go for it. Remember dude the little scoops on the ground effects can mean the difference between losing and winng.

[Dyno247365]

Originally Posted by Rally Sport 92

It depends, I mean if they fit your car then go for it. Remember dude the little scoops on the ground effects can mean the difference between losing and winng.

ROFL! Here's the reason. The car was in an accident on the front passenger side, the fenders messed up and part of the gfx cracked off. Meanwhile I was thinking, I shouldn't have to conform to the IROC style, it's my car. So now I'm thinking I can still sell most of the gfx while I replace them with the newer model gfx. And the spoiler, it looked nice on the 2nd gen but it's just preference, I want the ferrari looking wing!

I don't have a lot of money to throw around...I just throw around a lot of money

[Matt365]

Originally Posted by Rally Sport 92

What makes 3rd gens different from other gens?

Let me tell you.. 3rd gens are a PLAYA'S car, thats whats different

:

then why u have one rally?