suspension

[94HeavyChevy]

i have a 94 caprice classic with a 5.7L 350 engine...what can i do to tighten up the suspension...i was looking at a drop kit of about 1 inch but it runs about 1,000 bucks for shocks, springs and shorter arms and im not sure if this would be what i am loking for anyways...the other day i got on it at a light and took a left and my buddy behind me said it looked like i was going to roll over....is there anything that can be done to make the ride more stiff?

[GreyGoose006]

i dont know how you got the 1000 dollar figure, but it shouldnt be that much unless you are looking at replacing the entire suspension.

read this
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=698472

i would recommend getting oem replacement springs for the 9c1 caprice
they will fit your car, but be stiffer and handle better.
get 9c1 shocks as well

i have KYB gas-a-just shocks and the difference is amazing


if you want to lower the car, get front lowering spindles

you can lower the rear, but i think it would look fine with a 2" front drop and the rear at stock height

if you install the parts, which you should because its easy, i cant see it going over 500 dollars or 700 max

[94HeavyChevy]

ya i want to give it that raked look with the rear end higher than the front...thanks for the advise

[PeteA216]

the other day i got on it at a light and took a left and my buddy behind me said it looked like i was going to roll over

Even with a stock suspension, the car isn't supposed to do that. It's VERY likely that you have a broken stabilizer link. They're cheap, easy to replace, and make a HUGE difference in handling if one's broken.

i dont know how you got the 1000 dollar figure, but it shouldnt be that much unless you are looking at replacing the entire suspension.

If he's lowering the car, then the entire suspension pretty much needs replacement, in some cases even including contol arms.

[GreyGoose006]

well the rears should be simple spring swaps unless you are going to go crazy

if he puts 9c1 springs all around and 2" drop spindles in the front, it will look give it a raked look and you dont have to do much modifications

[silicon212]

Shocks. Don't forget the shocks. Either 9C1 or a good variable rate shock such as the Monroe Sensatrac (what I run on my car).

[Blue Bowtie]

On a '94 you'll want to install a full compliment of lower body mount bushings. Except for SEO vehicles, B-Cars of that vintage had several mounting locations which did not receive the lower rubber "doughnut" bushing to kill vibration and jounce. Installing bushings in every location can significantly stiffen the body and improve road feel and feedback. There are 14 mounting locations, and six of them were usually assembled without the lower bushings. The body can be lifter off the frame about an inch before the mounting bolt restricts movement.

You can find a full explanation HERE

[PeteA216]

Either 9C1 or a good variable rate shock such as the Monroe Sensatrac (what I run on my car).

Monroe Sensatrac... Thats what I'm running too. That reminds me of a recent suspension story...
On route 531 (Local express way here) I was crusin' along at about 65 MPH and this Nissan Altima comes up quick behind me, tailgaits for a little then goes around me. I see it's the 3.4 Liter, and from experience I know those are decently quick. So long story short I got up next to the car doing about 75+ (turns out it was a girl, couldn't be older than 19-20) and she took off, knowing I wanted to play. I had this girl, at first... I was at 105 MPH and climbing until the bend came. It starts gradually but becomes a little sharper towards the end. I started to turn, and felt the car lean... HARD. I had no choice but to let off and start braking. She took the bend like nothing. My Caprice had the power, but not the handling. I guess it's the price I pay for wanting to keep that floaty smooth, pillowey soft ride.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by PeteA216

Monroe Sensatrac... Thats what I'm running too. That reminds me of a recent suspension story...
On route 531 (Local express way here) I was crusin' along at about 65 MPH and this Nissan Altima comes up quick behind me, tailgaits for a little then goes around me. I see it's the 3.4 Liter, and from experience I know those are decently quick. So long story short I got up next to the car doing about 75+ (turns out it was a girl, couldn't be older than 19-20) and she took off, knowing I wanted to play. I had this girl, at first... I was at 105 MPH and climbing until the bend came. It starts gradually but becomes a little sharper towards the end. I started to turn, and felt the car lean... HARD. I had no choice but to let off and start braking. She took the bend like nothing. My Caprice had the power, but not the handling. I guess it's the price I pay for wanting to keep that floaty smooth, pillowey soft ride.

Yes, and mine has all of the ride quality of a 1976 Silverado 4x4 - but at least it can take 25mph rated turns at freeway speed!

[PeteA216]

Hahaha, Mine can barely take freeway turn at freeway speeds, but I guess that all depends on how you percept freeway speeds .

[GreyGoose006]

Originally Posted by silicon212

Yes, and mine has all of the ride quality of a 1976 Silverado 4x4 - but at least it can take 25mph rated turns at freeway speed!

what is you suspension secret?

this is the second time i have heard you mention that your suspension is capable of great wonders.
what do you have under there?



right now, i am thinking of lowering the front of the car a bit
i am planning on using 9c1 gm replacement springs all around and putting drop spindles on the front
my shocks are KYB Gas-a-just and are for the 9c1 model.
i've replaced some of the suspension bushings with urethane, but what else can i do

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by GreyGoose006

what is you suspension secret?

this is the second time i have heard you mention that your suspension is capable of great wonders.
what do you have under there?



right now, i am thinking of lowering the front of the car a bit
i am planning on using 9c1 gm replacement springs all around and putting drop spindles on the front
my shocks are KYB Gas-a-just and are for the 9c1 model.
i've replaced some of the suspension bushings with urethane, but what else can i do

Non-stock springs, polyurethane bushings, wider tires, and a lot of setup time. The springs on the front I can't remember what those are, but the ones in the rear are "RJ" springs (8RJ, 9RJ) from a '94 9C1. They're STIFF. There's also the improved frame on the 9C1 - more bracing than stock. A stiffer frame = better handling. Think NASCAR - you don't really think those elaborate roll cages in those cars are entirely for driver safety, do you?

[GreyGoose006]

do you think my setup idea is a good one, or should i rethink it?

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by GreyGoose006

do you think my setup idea is a good one, or should i rethink it?

The largest things you can do to it (those which have the most immediate results) are the addition of an antiroll bar to the rear end, if not already equipped. If your car doesn't have the rollbar, you will have to do some lower control arm work (as in replace them) for the bar - as well as good springs and good shocks. Pay close attention to the bushings on the front antiroll bar as well - the two bushings that bolt it to the radiator support and also the end link bushings. Most of these old cars have no end link bushings (they've fallen off at some point). If your car sounds like it's dragging chain everytime you hit a bump, replace your end link bushings. Immediate effect on performance. Check and replace your control arm bushings - if you use urethane bushings here, you will feel it! If you have 'silent' kidney stones, the ride will jar them loose. I am using good rubber bushings here for that reason. My car rides rough enough as it is. Check your ball joints and replace as necessary. Check your tie rods - these can cause a softness in the steering as well as tracking problems.

If you want your front dropped, you are on the right track with dropped spindles. Lowering the car's C/G will improve handling as well, but will also make it more subject to bottoming out on rough roads.

[GreyGoose006]

i have replaced my end link bushings with polyeurethane ones and switched the frame bushings side to side so they will hold a bit tighter for the time being.

where should i look for 9c1 springs?
all i can find are lowering springs and i dont want lowering springs.
as for bottoming out, i usually dont have a problem with that right now with worn out stock springs.
i could of course replace my bumpstops with the zqe (or whatever) bumpstops that the impala ss guys swear by.

as for the rear swaybar, i'm not sure if i want to do that yet.
i have heard that it will drastically make it want to oversteer, and i tend to "forget" to slow down for turns... my bad.