Replacing front struts on ELC suspension

[Schlotzky]

After reading through the recent threads regarding the system, I'm second guessing my decision on how exactly to get rid of my bouncey ride in my 95 PAU. I see my local Schucks (O'reilly's) sells strut assemblies with new springs and Monroe Sensa-Trac which I've read good things about on here, but also noted that these are not for use with ELC. I'm not so concerned about loosing a bit of smoothness but more so if I'll have to completely ditch the ELC by replacing the front struts.

So A: with no input from the front struts (non-electronic replacements) will the rear ELC continue to work?
B: Is there anywhere to get strut assemblies with the electronic compatibility?
C: Is there a way to adapt non-electronic replacements to work with the ELC, or otherwise "trick" the computer into working?

[Schlotzky]

bump

[Schlotzky]

Anyone know how what signals the front shocks give off? I'm thinking if it's some kind of potentiometer, I can just take an average reading and plug a resistor into the wiring harness to trick the ELC into working (for the most part anyway) and still be able to get the new strut assemblies.

Thoughts?

[Jrs3800]

First questions first...

Do you have CCR( Computer Command Ride )? Or do you just have the ELC( Load Level )?

There are different things you can do being that you have a 1995 Park Avenue... If you have about $500 to toy with you can convert the car into a F41 Firm ride and handling suspension.. Depends on what you want to do..

Also what suspension do you have to begin with? Dynaride or Grand Touring ? Also look on you spare tire cover for FE1 ( Soft Ride ) or F41 ( Firm Ride )... Let us know what you have and we will go from there...

[Schlotzky]

Just the ELC I believe. What is CCR? Full air, right? I thought Buick dropped that in 94?
Anyway, sorry I didn't mention, I wasn't aware the ELC came on the Grand Touring. I have DynaRide FE1.

I like the load level feature, and it's not leaking or anything, so I don't really want to replace it, the rear of the car is still riding quite nicely, but the front shocks are way over their service life. If I can trick the ELC into thinking the fronts are still electric, that will be good enough for me. Although I wouldn't mind swapping on bigger sway bars if the F41 had them. Is this the case?

[HotZ28]

If I can trick the ELC into thinking the fronts are still electric, that will be good enough for me.

No tricks necessary, your existing front struts are standard struts, so you can use the replacement of your choice.

[Schlotzky]

That makes sense because I remember seeing the system the ELC uses on the rear a-arms, and it wouldn't need to read off the front..

So what do those wires going into the rubber grommets over the strut mounts go to?

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by Schlotzky

That makes sense because I remember seeing the system the ELC uses on the rear a-arms, and it wouldn't need to read off the front..

So what do those wires going into the rubber grommets over the strut mounts go to?

Can you post a pic of what you are talking about?

[Schlotzky]

[HotZ28]

Well, based on the pics, you do have the Computer Command Ride (CCR) system!

[Schlotzky]

Which is what exactly? Four wheel air?

In that case, back to the original questions, can I trick the back into working with regular fronts? Or can I buy replacements that allows the whole system to retain function?

[HotZ28]

You have an electronic controlled suspension, front & rear. It's nearly impossible to find replacements for this system! Your system is controlled with the BCM and you can disconnect all terminals and replace the front with standard gas charged struts & air assist struts on the rear, using a Monroe AK29 manual fill adapter system.

[HotZ28]

Well, it does look like you can still buy replacements for the CCR system @ RockAuto Parts Catalog Look under suspension parts for "struts" on a 1995 PA Ultra!
ACDELCO Part # 503364
ACDELCO Part # 503353

PREMIUM GAS CHARGED ACDelco Premium Gas-Charged Shocks and Struts With RoadResponse™

• Special motion-sensing valving, which helps respond to changing road conditions, provide a more comfortable ride during normal road conditions and improve handling under extreme road conditions
• Speed-sensitive damping automatically adjusts for improved performance throughout the entire range of motion
• Valve design performance that is not dependent on ride height, which reduces the potentially negative effects of vehicle loads or weak spring conditions
• Most applications incorporate a bulged tube design which enhances cooling and provides more consistent dampening control
• Application-specific gas charge enhances vehicle comfort and performance

Warranty Information Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 88945833

[Schlotzky]

Sorry, I though I mentioned I had the Ultra.

Anyway, very good to hear! Not too expensive, either! Do you think it would be worth it to replace the springs at the same time? I know replacing the springs in my Camaro was very worth it, and even though I got stiffer springs (progressive rate), the car just seemed more solid and better put together..seemed to ride smoother as well.

Also, do you know if the F41 had bigger sway bars? I might be interested in a bigger front bar.

Thanks for the responses, you've been very helpful!

[HotZ28]

Sorry, I though I mentioned I had the Ultra.

You did; my mistake! The GT suspension with F41 has a larger 32 mm sway bar. It is hard to find replacement springs for a PA that provide the same “soft ride” qualities as the original. You could check with the dealer to see if they can still get the original part numbers. You will need all your suspension SPID codes (shown on the sticker on the spare tire cover) when talking to the dealer.