Firming up ride

[88cscb]

What's the best way to firm up the front suspension while maintaining a smooth ride. I was considering the Gabriel socks with load assist springs. I have new shocks but they still are too soft for my taste,

 

[88cscb]

Specifically the front

 

[dogsht]

Not a fan of cheap shocks. But see no need for high dollar specialty shocks either at least not for a driver. Bilsteins or Edelbrock ISAs. Quality you will feel and that will last. Money well spent IMO.

Replace your worn out mushy or missing rubber end links. Autoparts store Polys are a great bang for the buck.

The Gbody "F41" sway bars ie thicker front bar plus a rear bar. I have an extra set as does many on here for cheap.

The factory springs are stupid soft and Moog spring are inexpensive but having them put in is not. So I would do the other three first and see if you are satisfied with the upgrades.

Stock springs have a pillow soft spring rate of 346 pounds per inch
GN, Ttype, 442, MCSS better 420 ppi
Moog 5658 much firmer 579 ppi
Moog 5660 firm but not harsh or bouncy 639 ppi
Naturally you get the corresponding rear spring to go with the front spring of choice.

 

[88cscb]

So your saying keep the decent shocks I put on there, but change the springs to the moog ? The ride height stays the same with these?

 

[clean8485]

I think what he's saying is to upgrade to the Bilstein or Edelbrock shocks, install new poly sway bar end link bushings, install the factory front & rear sway bars, and see how the car is after that. If its still too soft, then change the springs.

 

[Peter]

im just ordered some moog 5658's myself and i've heard anywhere from 1/2 inch to an inch drop but i also have worn v6 springs under my v8 now so im not expecting any drop at all

 

[88cscb]

Let me know how those moogs work out. Mine just feels like mush int the front but the back is pretty tight

 

[88cscb]

im just ordered some moog 5658's myself and i've heard anywhere from 1/2 inch to an inch drop but i also have worn v6 springs under my v8 now so im not expecting any drop at all

. Love your cutlass by the way

 

[gwhiz]

often overlooked but tires can make a big differance.i have had cars with crap tires that made it handle like crap ,put a good performance tires on and felt like a totally differant car.

 

[88cscb]

Thanks, buti have 4 brand new BFG radial ta's on it