I agree with everyone else. Moog suspension parts are fantastic. I'll be replacing the body bushings on mine over the winter with a poly set.
1981 cutlass suspension
- Thread starter rayfrausto
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I agree that the first thing to address would be the front end. You might as well do the springs while the front end is apart...and shocks. Then look into a set of used GM swaybars. Nothing smaller than a 32mm( 1.25") front bar. You might also look for the body braces. I think they help significantly. Down the road, it also couldn't hurt to replace the body mount bushings. As mentioned, they're more than likely compromised...they usually are.
These upgrades would certainly firm up the car...you'll be pleasantly surprised.
You might find this thread informative. https://gbodyforum.com/threads/f41-and-aftermarket-bracing-diagrams-more-pics-added.8126/#post-57613
These upgrades would certainly firm up the car...you'll be pleasantly surprised.
You might find this thread informative. https://gbodyforum.com/threads/f41-and-aftermarket-bracing-diagrams-more-pics-added.8126/#post-57613
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On body bushings carefully consider if you want to go back with rubber or poly. Poly is great but I've seen some complain that it is too firm. We used all poly bushings (body mount and suspension) with all new F41 spec springs (front and rear) on my brother's 78 Z28 and it is pretty damn firm. It is a Camaro Z28, but I dont want my car to ride that firm. You know, too much of a good thing....
Jared,
I have the Energy Suspension urethane bushings in my car now. I must admit, they are a bit on the firm side. The car overall does not float or sway, it rides pretty flat and controllable.
I've always heard that the urethane bushings would outlast rubber. Perhaps the new rubber bushings use an improved compound, like the higher durometer 1LE control arm bushings.
I have the Energy Suspension urethane bushings in my car now. I must admit, they are a bit on the firm side. The car overall does not float or sway, it rides pretty flat and controllable.
I've always heard that the urethane bushings would outlast rubber. Perhaps the new rubber bushings use an improved compound, like the higher durometer 1LE control arm bushings.
Jack,
I agree that the Urethane is a superior material with respect to longevity. I wonder how the prothane compares on firmness? Thanks for posting your feedback on how your car rides/handles. I'm familiar with your setup from reading your posts. I'm a little paranoid of making my car a tank. The few times I drove it before I took it apart, the front end was way too floaty and soft. At this point I've rebuilt the front end but I used the Moog problem solver bushings that are supposed to be somewhere between rubber and urethane on firmness. I used the Moog 5660 springs and the UMI front sway bar (overkill I think). Believe it or not my body mount bushings look really good. My car is really clean underneath. I think it may have enjoyed a garage for most if not all of its life. I think if I do replace them, I will go back with rubber, but for now I don't plan to change them.
from what I have read new OEM bushings feel about the same as the poly but soften up over time unlike the poly
Hey another question guys. I didn't want to make a new thread for it so I'll try to ask in this one. Right now currently on the car is 15x7 olds wheels with 255/60r15 Mickey et street. There is enough room for me to slip my fingers between tire and frame, but on very hard turns or getting sideways it rubs on the frame/ inner fender in back. Does rear ended move that much? I would have thought I had more then enough clearance
Ray,
Those tires look great on your car. I think it's pretty common to have some sideways give in the rearend. However, I would make sure all your control arm bushings are in good shape, or replace them as needed. Are you currently using a rear swaybar?
your body bushings are toast and bolts have broken off in the rear so the body is moving on the frame
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