About to do suspension work, what else...

[ChemMan]

I'm about to change out the suspension on my 95 Lesabre. Quick struts for the front and springs and struts for the back. While I've got the thing torn apart, what are some good things to look at/replace that will save me time later? So far I'm planning on all new stabilizer bar bushings for front and back, four new tie rod boots, and new spring insulators for the rear. I've considered doing the control arm bushings, but it almost seems better to do them later as it complicates the work less. Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

[rhandwor]

Check your ball joints.

[ChemMan]

Yep, that too.

[Jrs3800]

This all depends on how you want the car to feel and ride... For the amount you are going to spend on the quick struts you could turn the Buick into a Handler...

Also do you know what suspension you have to begin with? Some of these Buicks had the FE1( Soft / Dyna Ride ) Others had the F41 Firm Ride and handling( Touring )... You want to know what you have first..

I am not sure I would recommend it.... But I simply just replace the strut, Using a good quality strut spring compressor( air tools are a must here ) I remove the strut mount and swap everything to the new strut...

For the ease of installation tho, the quick struts will help you get the job done fast..

When you do the Sway Bar bushings, get the Moog or the TRW Sway Bar to Frame bushings... And make sure you replace the sway bar end links as I am sure you will need them( make sure they are poly urethane bushings ), This will improve you handling.... At the same time replace the end links for the rear sway bar as well( These are usually rubber from the factory and you will benefit from using the Poly end links ).....

Before you remove you struts give yourself several alignment marks so that you will have a decent reference for the reinstall.... Once you are done you will have to have the alignment reset...

There is a lot you can do with these cars, but its all a matter of what you want the car to do and how you want the car to handle... If you have any more questions I will be glad to help you with them..

[ChemMan]

Yes, I agree, the quickstruts are very expensive. If I had my own driveway to work in I would probably have taken the other route. My father works in the automotive parts field and got me everything for cost, so it wasn't as bad. The car has the soft ride package, but things have deteriorated to the point of wheel hop and dangerous cornering characteristics. My first goal is to replace the springs and struts at all four corners. Then I might try changing out sway bar sizes depending on if I think it's worth the effort for the improvement. I totally agree with the polyurethane bushings for replacement! Thanks for the advice Jrs3800.

[Jrs3800]

Its amazing what you can do with these large cars...

I took my FE1 Bonneville and installed the F41 spec suspension... Car rides good on most roads, but is a little too rough on I-77 Through North Carolina... Makes you wish for the soft ride... Then you hit the Mountains in Virginia and the West Virginia Turnpike, at that point you are glad you have a handling suspension...LOL

The F41 springs all the way around cost about $150 for all 4...


But even for what you are doing the poly endlinks will make a good difference along with the new struts... You will be pleased