Highlander Posted October 31, 2007 Report Share Posted October 31, 2007 I have an 89 Grand Prix SE w/ 70k miles (all original) and she still looks like new. Anyway, I'm probably in the minority on this, but I've been trying to keep everything as original as possible. I'm considering new struts (although, the factory ones on it do seem ok yet... no pogo effect) and per the w-body website I considered the KYB GR2's given the comments of being closer to stock FE3 but maybe a bit stiffer. However, I'd really like to stay original, so I looked at GM/ACDelco products which are probably differerent now anyway than the original factory units, but they now only list one strut part number regardless of FE1 or FE3 suspension. (That's looking at sites such as ACDelco.com. and GMPartsDirect.com appears to be missing some information). Based on my understanding, and the website, I thought the 89 Grand Prix with the FE3, or FE3 suspensions in general, had stiffer struts than the FE1 suspension. So: 1)Is that true that the 1989 era FE3 ran unique/stiffer struts, or were the FE1 vs. FE3 suspension differences limited to sway bars and springs? 2)Where I can find the part numbers for the OEM FE3 struts? 3)Might anyone know if the current GM struts are at all equivalent to the OEM FE3 struts, or are they equivalent more to the FE1 if they are indeed different? I know this is an odd request, but it's been sort of a hobby to keep this old girl close as possible to the day it rolled off the assembly line. Any help is appreciated! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted To Boost Posted October 31, 2007 Report Share Posted October 31, 2007 FE3 suspension had a stiffer monoleaf out back and bigger swaybars. The struts were the same between all the models, regardless of suspension package. Struts won't have different stiffnesses, it is your rear monoleaf and front springs that will determine stiffness. If I were you, I'd run KYB GR2's in it, as you will get a much nicer ride than the old original struts, and nobody will ever know the suspension is upgraded (you really can't see them....) I will be replacing all 4 of my struts with GR2's on my all original 90 TGP probably while its in storage over the winter; all 4 struts have blown and my monoleaf is starting to crack... time for some suspension tlc. Just my input Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancho Posted November 1, 2007 Report Share Posted November 1, 2007 on the fe1, thats what i think i have, its a 99 lumina 3100 ls, what sixe is the front sway bar, and if anyone knows what size energy suspension bushings it takes, that'd be great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dohc v6 Posted November 1, 2007 Report Share Posted November 1, 2007 its probably a 12mm bar as the fe3 came with 14mm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancho Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 so what suspension would i get a 30 or 34mm sway bar off of? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dohc v6 Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Fe3 came with 34mm but you have to drop the frame to put it in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancho Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 DROP THE FRAME, damn these cars couldnt get any worse, i want to upgrade something that attaches to the bottom of the frame and i have to take it off to replace it...wow, is there an easdier way to do it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWeb80 Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 It's simple! just need 2 jacks. and a couple of wrenches. i did mind in an hour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancho Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 but if i drop the frame i have to get the car alligned afterwards right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWeb80 Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 I Didnt. It's Just The Back 2 Lower Bolts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancho Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 sounds easy enough, i should hit up the j/y or wait and see if you end up designing the 38mm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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