shocks, and springs

[titefyrbird]

i want a stiffer ride especially in the rear, but not like a go cart, can i get this without changing springs? i heard that you used to be able to put truck shocks on camaros is that still true? i did search the suspension forum but found nothing on this , everyone recommends bilsteins, but i am on more of a budget than that.

over-compressing 1/2 ton truck shocks should work, right? but anybody know which ones?

1997 firebird, 5-speed with no mods yet, working on getting everything right first, one thing at a time, but trying to improve stuff along the way, i want to go with suspension before i mess with exhaust, intake, lsd, all that. so shocks, bushings, then power.

also what is big difference with rear disc/drum, I never really have dealt with drum brakes before?

[BLLDOGG]

Re: shocks, and springs

your springs have nothing to do with your ride quality. Can you explain your reason for wanting a stiffer ride cause i do not recommend trying to over compress truck shock and fit them on your car.

the main difference bewttwen disc and drum is just stopping quality and better stopping distances and control.

[titefyrbird]

Re: shocks, and springs

i do not want to race or anything, but i am used to a much more rigid suspension, i have been in the mazda and nissan world for so long, but i just want cornering and stability.

i have a friend who is a mechanic, and he put truck shocks on his 70's camaro, and said that it might still be something that san be done, he is not into the modification stuff anymore, but he said that his car would not lean and would grip in the mountain areas of west virginia.

just thought that i may be able to apply that now, but if not, what can give me stiffer ride, and less leaning for a daily driver? budget is a biggie. i am just working on rear at the moment, front is later.

like i said earlier i am doing research and planning, at the moment, and doing everything in stages. ride is more important than performance right now.i just got out of a 145 hp mazda so i am very happy with power now, just not handling and control.

thanks for the response.

['94 Camaro RS]

Re: shocks, and springs

i do not want to race or anything, but i am used to a much more rigid suspension, i have been in the mazda and nissan world for so long, but i just want cornering and stability.
like i said earlier i am doing research and planning, at the moment, and doing everything in stages. ride is more important than performance right now.i just got out of a 145 hp mazda so i am very happy with power now, just not handling and control.

thanks for the response.

you could buy a lowering kit. i just bought one for $180(included 4 springs and front struts). that would help your handling a whole lot. ive never heard of someone putting in truck shocks into a 4 gen so i cant really help you out there.

[titefyrbird]

Re: shocks, and springs

i appreciate it, but i don't really want to lower the car, at least not the front, rear an inch or so would not hurt, anybody know difference in stock ride height between front and back?

z28 springs in front would raise it right, can't find much on increasing rigidity without changing ride height,

problem = can't get to work with it any lower.

my general plan for car is 1>stiffer ride, 2> custom cold air intake, 3> custom complete dual exhaust setup, then minor engine mods, ignition system, things like that...

like i said researching best parts and setups, right now, the only thing i will do before/during summer is suspension.

[BobbyZ72]

Re: shocks, and springs

i have z28 springs up front, and air shocks in the rear, my ride is awsome! The stock springs are way too weak for the weight of our cars. This is a huge improvement. You can see pics of my car here with z28 springs and air shocks. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2245261

[BobbyZ72]

Re: shocks, and springs

make sure you get a frontend allinment when you get done.

[97burnout]

Re: shocks, and springs

maybe you shouldn't do anything man... springs will help your cornering without causing any stiff ride. It lowers your cars center of gravity. But shock on top of that will help. cheaper ones will work fine, just call your local auto parts store sure they can find you something cheap