Springs, shocks, 87 442

[Mat1227]

I have an 87 442 that I would like to put new shocks and springs on to make it like it was from Oldsmobile. Most everything you see at the auto parts store list regular or HD suspension. I have not checked with a GM dealer, I assumed they stopped having parts for G-Body's long ago. Does anyone know of a spring, and shock brand or P/N that would give me the ride I'm looking for? My car is all original (so far) I thought about coil-over's but was concerned they would interfere with the tailpipe exit since most of them move the attaching point a little back to clear the coils and frame. My car currently has a single exhaust and shocks and springs are very soft, like my Dad's Supreme Brougham had. The guy I bought the car from had the shocks, springs and exhaust changed, he didn't like the noise, and wanted a much softer ride, I just bought an original 442 exhaust and want to change the suspension back also. Any help you can give is appreciated. I also bought the prototype 2" cowl induction hood from Toby for this car.
Thanks, Mark

 

[DoubleV]

I don't know the part numbers you need for a factory setup but I would highly recommend Eibach lowering springs instead. They will make your car sit the way it should've been from the factory. It sits too high stock and doesn't look very good at all IMO. Eibach's will lower it just enough to look 'cool'.

For shocks you go with the proven Bilstein's all around. Don't waste your time with the rear air shocks. They suck.

Lastly if you care anything about performance, go true duals. The factory setup is god awefull. True duals will add noticeably more power over the stock setup.

 

[88hurstolds]

Factory stance with air shocks:
Not a fan of lowering these cars, the *ss end looks like it's dragging and makes the car appear to be slow IMO:

 

[Blake442]

Since you don't want it lower I would just get the stock replacement h.d. springs from your local parts store.
I always thought these cars drove quite nicely and never saw the need to make changes.
Same for the shocks... ask your parts store what different brands they carry. I like the Edelbrock IAS shocks if you want to upgrade.

Mike is right about these cars looking like the *ss is dragging lol...
I actually put cargo coils in the back of my 442 in an attempt to gain back a little height since the air shocks were long gone.

 

[L92 OLDS]

Mike is right about these cars looking like the *ss is dragging lol...
I actually put cargo coils in the back of my 442 in an attempt to gain back a little height since the air shocks were long gone.

I put Bilstien shocks on my 86' 442 with Moog replacement springs. I'm very happy with the factory height and ride and improved handling. Before buying any spring, do your homework on the differerences in spring rate. The "HD" springs at your local parts store may not be anywhere close to the factory spec. Moog publishes all there spring rates and heights so you can make an educated choice. Good luck

 

[Mat1227]

Thank you all. From what I have found Moog 5608 are stock replacements (front) for F41 suspension, but have only found Moog 5379 as standard ride for the rear, but it's spring rate and load height look correct, with F41. Still trying to decide on shocks, Bilstein's maybe, no personal experience with them, only 1 person I know personally that put them on his Blazer and they only lasted about 1 - 2 years.

 

[Mat1227]

Anubis, do you know what Bilsteins you put on?

 

[DoubleV]

*ss end dragging? I don't know what you guys are talking about. I've never seen that on any G Body unless it was a clapped out pos in which case that doesn't really count. Stock they just sit to high in the front and IMO they look way better with just a slightly lower stance. We're talking an inch here BTW, not dragging mufflers on the ground lowered.

Just go to any auto part store and they'll look up the proper Bilstien part numbers. I don't know why your friend's only lasted 2 years but that's certainly not the norm. I've had mine for about 7 years now and they seem just as good as the day I bought em. Either way don't they have a lifetime warranty?

 

[DoubleV]

Here's a pic of my car I took last year. Front end is lowered an additional amount due to the performance front suspension that's on it so with just the Eibach's it was noticeably higher in the front.

 

[jetsetw31]

Factory stance with air shocks:
Not a fan of lowering these cars, the *ss end looks like it's dragging and makes the car appear to be slow IMO:

Ok, this white car looks much higher than factory. My '88 is that high in the rear with wagon springs because I tow with it.
Every factory G body I've ever seen sits like this....View attachment 39439
Anything higher than this IMO, then you're messing with the car's natural center of gravity. Like the dudes wearing '22s and up. I agree about the dragging look in the rear. The rear should be a little higher for a good stance.
My .02.