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Car Forum / Pontiac / Pontiac Cars / November 2005

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1997 Grand Prix needs stronger springs??!!

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brettcasper@hotmail.com - 15 Nov 2005 04:12 GMT
I had taken my car into a repair center recently and the service techs
say I need a stronger suspension in the rear.  I have never replaced
anything for the suspension and apparently I'm being told my rear tires
are being worn in a wavy pattern because of the extra weight from my
stereo system and golf clubs in my trunk.  I'm pissed to hear this
because the weight I'd have to guess is like one (maybe two) person(s)
consistently riding in my backseat to weigh the back down.  It does
appear to be a little lower but I can't seem to find where to find
these stronger springs.  They recommended places like U-Haul since they
install ball joints on cars that they might also be able to install a
stronger springer or something but I haven't gotten to them yet and I
talked to a local dealer that makes custom car springs and I was told
that he couldn't do it for this car (the guy that told me was amazed he
couldn't as well).  What are your thoughts on this??  Is this just crap
since my car has around 140,000 miles and maybe just replace the
suspension and I'll be fine??  I've found parts for lowering the car
but I guess I am looking for something to hold the car to it's normal
height under this added weight.  Please help.
Harry Face - 15 Nov 2005 06:01 GMT
Which GP you got?

If its a base model it has lighter springs and struts to give a smooter
ride. I think going to a GP GT Strut & Spring is a stiffer combination.
This might help your cause.

A stiffer strut & spring will  give a harser ride though.

The car is 7 years old with 140,000 so it could be time to replace the
struts & springs.

I'd take it to a reputable spring shop. Not Firestone !.

Good Luck

     Harryface    
05 Park Avenue, 32,391
91 Bonneville LE  304,498        


brettcasper@hotmail.com - 15 Nov 2005 13:45 GMT
It's a GT already.  I was looking at the site strutmaster.com that has
some suspension parts for my car that seem to be a little better; I'm
still waiting a response from them.  Do you have any recommendations
for a reputable spring shop??  Either way, I'm thinking I should
probably replace the suspension due to the age but I'm trying to figure
out if I need some form of an aftermarket one.
Shep - 15 Nov 2005 14:55 GMT
Chopped rear tire is an issue with struts most likely, not springs. If it
sat low in the rear maybe. Bounce the rear of the car if it is spongy,
struts are weak causing the tire wear pattern also could look at 4 wheel
alignment here to.
> It's a GT already.  I was looking at the site strutmaster.com that has
> some suspension parts for my car that seem to be a little better; I'm
> still waiting a response from them.  Do you have any recommendations
> for a reputable spring shop??  Either way, I'm thinking I should
> probably replace the suspension due to the age but I'm trying to figure
> out if I need some form of an aftermarket one.
brettcasper@hotmail.com - 16 Nov 2005 14:21 GMT
I'm running out of ideas besides replacing the suspension with new
parts.  This strutmaster.com didn't have anything.  I was hoping to
find something that is aftermarket that would be stronger.  Can someone
please help??
M.C. Tee - 16 Nov 2005 15:54 GMT
i can't see many companys r&d'ing a set of stock height stiff springs,
people normally get stiff springs for better handling, thats why they lower
them aswell. If your usuing your orginal springs and struts, why not replace
them with new oem ones, springs are probably weak and sagged by now, thus
giving you the problems you have

> I'm running out of ideas besides replacing the suspension with new
> parts.  This strutmaster.com didn't have anything.  I was hoping to
> find something that is aftermarket that would be stronger.  Can someone
> please help??
jwardl - 16 Nov 2005 16:10 GMT
> I'd take it to a reputable spring shop. Not Firestone !.

Agreed... I'll bet that if you look carefully at their building, you'll see
the roof starting to peel away from the building      ;)
 
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