91-93 caprice shocks

capriceowns · #1 10-29-2006, 02:28 PM

Will shocks from a newer caprice, 91-93 fit on my 87?

silicon212 · #2 10-29-2006, 02:31 PM

Yes.

capriceowns · #3 10-29-2006, 06:01 PM

Thats good news for me, lol. Some guy dropped off upper and lower ball joints and front and rear shocks for a 91 caprice. Idk how he got these or what, but the shocks are new, unopened to, there monroe gas-matic.

I might just put them on

silicon212 · #4 10-29-2006, 06:14 PM

All of that stuff should fit just fine. Ball joints are the same from '77-'96, shocks likewise- for the most part. Valving might be a little different as the '91-up cars are a little heavier, but should work fine.

GreyGoose006 · #5 10-29-2006, 06:32 PM

it would only be stiffer, which would improve the 'feel' of the car.

96capricemgr · #6 10-30-2006, 07:33 PM

Actually most of the performance minded 94-96 owners go with shocks speced for 80s 9C1s because those are the firm ones, the 90s 9C1s got floaty shocks. Not sure about civilian shock valving. At any rate the fit is all the same exept shocks for the 91-2 stuff allow more rear axle drop to clear the skirt for tire changes, they work fine though on other years.

capriceowns · #7 10-30-2006, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96capricemgr

Actually most of the performance minded 94-96 owners go with shocks speced for 80s 9C1s because those are the firm ones, the 90s 9C1s got floaty shocks. Not sure about civilian shock valving. At any rate the fit is all the same exept shocks for the 91-2 stuff allow more rear axle drop to clear the skirt for tire changes, they work fine though on other years.

Will it make a drastic height change? My car sits a bit low but thats cause the suspension is in dire need of attetion.

Im looking to restore its ride hope, I think these new shocks may do it.

96capricemgr · #8 10-31-2006, 06:47 PM

It will not change height all it will change is how far the axle drops when you lift the car by the frame. The shocks are the limiter on rear axle dangle they just made the 91-2 shocks and the 91-6 wagon shocks allow further drop so the tire would clear better when changing tires.

GreyGoose006 · #9 10-31-2006, 07:04 PM

when i put gas shocks on my 84 caprice (pre gas technology) the suspension raised up about 3".
my 'conclusion' is that the springs were designed to carry all the weight of the car. when i put gas shocks on (each of which carry ~50-60 lbs) all the suden the cars weight was being supported in part by the shocks and te springs had to do less work... higher ride height.
if your car was made in gas shock times, then putting gas shocks on will not greatly effect the ride height. (it might go up a little because of the higher pressure of aftermarket shocks. im not really an expert on shock technology tho). putting on non gas charged shocks will lower you about 1-1.5 inches tho.

silicon212 · #10 10-31-2006, 08:02 PM

The only time shocks should increase ride height is when the springs are worn and sagging. Shocks are not load-bearing under any circumstances unless 1) they are 'coil-overs' or 2) they are air shocks. With standard shocks, a significant increase in ride height is due to wear on the suspension.

capriceowns · #11 10-31-2006, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silicon212

The only time shocks should increase ride height is when the springs are worn and sagging. Shocks are not load-bearing under any circumstances unless 1) they are 'coil-overs' or 2) they are air shocks. With standard shocks, a significant increase in ride height is due to wear on the suspension.

I think it will increase my front ride height, it sits real low, and is very noticeable. The front floats(bounces) at least 6 times going over moderate bumps.

The springs and front shocks are originals (or damn close to it), the only newer suspension it has is my newer rear air shocks.

silicon212 · #12 10-31-2006, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capriceowns

I think it will increase my front ride height, it sits real low, and is very noticeable. The front floats(bounces) at least 6 times going over moderate bumps.

The springs and front shocks are originals (or damn close to it), the only newer suspension it has is my newer rear air shocks.

Experience dictates that with new shocks on worn suspension - yes, you will get a ride height increase, but this will be temporary and your shocks will wear out fast. Get those springs replaced! You really haven't lived life until you've replaced front springs, so get to it! Life is short, live a little! Yes, I am being sarcastic, but I am being absolutely factual about the springs.

capriceowns · #13 10-31-2006, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silicon212

Experience dictates that with new shocks on worn suspension - yes, you will get a ride height increase, but this will be temporary and your shocks will wear out fast. Get those springs replaced! You really haven't lived life until you've replaced front springs, so get to it! Life is short, live a little! Yes, I am being sarcastic, but I am being absolutely factual about the springs.

Lol, Im not skilled enough to do springs yet, lol. I can do a lot for my age. But I got mad and threw tools when I put my new heater core in, I dont wanna know whatll happen if i try springs

when I finish my 350 im getting 94-96 SS springs, im having my work do it. Ill probably put the shocks on then.

silicon212 · #14 10-31-2006, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capriceowns

Lol, Im not skilled enough to do springs yet, lol. I can do a lot for my age. But I got mad and threw tools when I put my new heater core in, I dont wanna know whatll happen if i try springs

when I finish my 350 im getting 94-96 SS springs, im having my work do it. Ill probably put the shocks on then.

Throwing tools, eh? Not me, it's usually parts when I get that way. Tools are expensive! As for heater cores, you think doing it on one of these 80s B-bodies is tough, it's nothing. Try doing the same on a 1975 Grand Am - you will be removing the passenger front fender to get to ONE bolt on the evap housing - one bolt! Plus, the core itself is removed from under the dash!

capriceowns · #15 10-31-2006, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silicon212

Throwing tools, eh? Not me, it's usually parts when I get that way. Tools are expensive! As for heater cores, you think doing it on one of these 80s B-bodies is tough, it's nothing. Try doing the same on a 1975 Grand Am - you will be removing the passenger front fender to get to ONE bolt on the evap housing - one bolt! Plus, the core itself is removed from under the dash!

Ouch thats a rough one.

When I did it on saturday, it was cold windy and rainy, that helped with my frustration, I usuallu just say some bad words not throwing stuff.

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