What to do with my 85 IROC?
#151
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Originally Posted by Blackbetty1982
Honestly with this being your high school car, id restore it to how you remember it in highschool
- Rob
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stuartswede (06-12-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Hi Blackbetty, and thanks for taking interest in my IROC. Street Lethal could not have described the state of my car any better than I, and thank you Rob for the kind words. I titled this thread as 'What to do with my 85 IROC?' to not only question keeping ownership, but ask the experts here what to do with it? Many have gone extreme with their builds, many have stayed original, and so on...and wanted to learn from others past/present builds. I have decided to keep the spirit alive, and build/restore what needs to be repaired/freshened up (which is not much other than basic maintenance with some interior and minor performance upgrades). The car is in great running order already, and is only going to get better the more I touch things. I'll post a video so you all can hear it growl.
And thank you again Rob for the kind words and your help...were gonna need bigger tires.
And thank you again Rob for the kind words and your help...were gonna need bigger tires.
Last edited by 1985_IROC; 05-04-2021 at 10:03 AM.
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stuartswede (06-12-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Need some advice on installing new rear shocks. New ones came with smaller rubber washers compared to what is in the car. Should I reuse the originals?
New ones.
What’s in the car now, fatter and wider.
New ones.
What’s in the car now, fatter and wider.
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Car: 1983 Trans am, June 2022 COTM
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
You are just looking to isolate the metal to metal contact, I would say that the new smaller diameter ones would be fine, probably in better shape than the old dried out ones. IMHO
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
I just looked up a few other rear shocks and most of them are the smaller sized, only the original Bilstein’s show this larger one.
Ask your boys to chime in over here 😁
Last edited by 1985_IROC; 05-15-2021 at 07:45 PM.
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Hey Iroc, any rubber that exceeds the washer and nut diameter is not adding much stability because it is not backed by anything substantial.
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Those rubber isolators will smash down to around the same size as you showed in the second picture
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
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Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
What the heck is all over this one, hard to believe that this oil from the shock?
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Car: 1985 Iroc
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Rear shocks are in 😃
New vs. Original (Originals were pretty soft pushing them down by hand).
Squashed them best I could without compromising the instructions below. (13 ft lbs was not achieved). Hard to use torque wrench without turning it.
Picture instructions (so should be good).
New vs. Original (Originals were pretty soft pushing them down by hand).
Squashed them best I could without compromising the instructions below. (13 ft lbs was not achieved). Hard to use torque wrench without turning it.
Picture instructions (so should be good).
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stuartswede (05-16-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
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Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
@stuartswede how difficult are the front struts? I was going to have the shop put them in, but kinda thinking I should go for it!
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Hey IROC,
The front struts were easy-peasy, My mistake was I just put my coil spring in upside down on the drivers side and had to re-do.
The front struts were easy-peasy, My mistake was I just put my coil spring in upside down on the drivers side and had to re-do.
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1985_IROC (05-16-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Just want to say WOW 🤩!!!!
Took a test drive with just the new rear shocks, think I just feel in love with the car again.
Amazing, feels so good and thought I may have a harder ride, but nope...feels so tight and smooth.
Can’t wait to get the struts in, will have them done at shop. My torque wrench only goes to 150 ft lb. Calls for 195 ft lb. I have no idea what my 20V Dewalt Impact gun does, settings are 1, 2, & 3. Maybe just blast it on #3 till it can’t go no more?
Took a test drive with just the new rear shocks, think I just feel in love with the car again.
Amazing, feels so good and thought I may have a harder ride, but nope...feels so tight and smooth.
Can’t wait to get the struts in, will have them done at shop. My torque wrench only goes to 150 ft lb. Calls for 195 ft lb. I have no idea what my 20V Dewalt Impact gun does, settings are 1, 2, & 3. Maybe just blast it on #3 till it can’t go no more?
Last edited by 1985_IROC; 05-16-2021 at 09:12 PM.
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Yes, the speedometer cable is pretty fresh, and well lubricated. I do have headers, thought it’s far enough not to be an issue, but will see if it can be moved or covered with some sort of heat shielding.
Got about an inch from that back header. Maybe wrap it with some fuel hose?
Got about an inch from that back header. Maybe wrap it with some fuel hose?
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Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Use something heat reflective.
Look here for an idea: https://www.competitionproducts.com/...partments/253/
Look here for an idea: https://www.competitionproducts.com/...partments/253/
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1985_IROC (05-16-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Okay, passenger side strut installed, have to finish up tomorrow since the pads are a bit warped on the back and the retention clip that goes into the piston won’t stay on.
Dewalt 1/2” impact ripped off those bolts 👍🏼
Hard to believe many mechanics said ‘no issues’ with your suspension. Original piston rod shaft doesn’t even return. Gonna enjoy a functional strut.
195 ft lbs is no joke to achieve.
Dewalt 1/2” impact ripped off those bolts 👍🏼
Hard to believe many mechanics said ‘no issues’ with your suspension. Original piston rod shaft doesn’t even return. Gonna enjoy a functional strut.
195 ft lbs is no joke to achieve.
Last edited by 1985_IROC; 05-17-2021 at 09:10 PM.
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Okay, passenger side stet installed, have to finish up tomorrow since the pads are a bit warped on the back and the retention clip that goes into the piston won’t stay on.
Dewalt 1/2” impact ripped off those bolts 👍🏼
Hard to believe many mechanics said ‘no issues’ with your suspension. Original piston rod shaft doesn’t even return. Gonna enjoy a functional strut.
195 ft lbs is no joke to achieve.
Dewalt 1/2” impact ripped off those bolts 👍🏼
Hard to believe many mechanics said ‘no issues’ with your suspension. Original piston rod shaft doesn’t even return. Gonna enjoy a functional strut.
195 ft lbs is no joke to achieve.
#173
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Originally Posted by 1985_IROC
195 ft lbs is no joke to achieve.
- Rob
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1985_IROC (05-17-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Yeah man, had to lower the torque wrench to make sure it was working and wanted to know where I was at. Hit it with the impact to tighten little by little and check with torque wrench. Very nice that automotive parts stores loan tools these days. My torque wrench only goes to 150 ft lbs, loaner goes to 250 ft lbs. 👍🏼
I was starting to think I had to stand on that torque wrench, I used the loaner on one side and my torque wrench on the nut. Trying to get the leverage.
I was starting to think I had to stand on that torque wrench, I used the loaner on one side and my torque wrench on the nut. Trying to get the leverage.
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
I was just looking at my picture again, and noticed the adjustable wrench I was using. It has always been one of my favorites, belonged to my grandfather. Just looked it up on the internet. Guess they just don’t make things like they used to. Thanks granddad!
Plomb 712 "Plombaloy" 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1946.
Fig. shows a Plomb 712 12 inch adjustable wrench with a broached hanging hole, marked with "Mfd. in U.S.A." and the PLVMB logo forged into the front, with "Forged Plombaloy Steel" forged into the reverse.
The shank also has a forged-in code "A-12-6" visible at the right, near the broached hole.
The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.
The "6" year digit in the Danielson forged-in code indicates production in 1946.
Plomb 712 "Plombaloy" 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1946.
Fig. shows a Plomb 712 12 inch adjustable wrench with a broached hanging hole, marked with "Mfd. in U.S.A." and the PLVMB logo forged into the front, with "Forged Plombaloy Steel" forged into the reverse.
The shank also has a forged-in code "A-12-6" visible at the right, near the broached hole.
The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.
The "6" year digit in the Danielson forged-in code indicates production in 1946.
Last edited by 1985_IROC; 05-18-2021 at 09:30 AM.
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stuartswede (05-18-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
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Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Got the final strut installed. The driver side was a bit more challenging, since I had to remove the rotor allowing the bolts to slide out.
All looks good.
All disabled.
Another fantastic upgrade to a dead strut.
Much easier to torque to 195 ft lbs, knowing what I had learned from the first one.
All back together, drives much better. Cleaned up the brakes along with new pads.
All looks good.
All disabled.
Another fantastic upgrade to a dead strut.
Much easier to torque to 195 ft lbs, knowing what I had learned from the first one.
All back together, drives much better. Cleaned up the brakes along with new pads.
Last edited by 1985_IROC; 05-22-2021 at 10:29 PM.
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stuartswede (05-21-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Scheduled front wheel alignment for Monday. Wondering what is the best (correct) specification?
Haynes Repair Manual
Posted on TGO and also from Third Gen video.
Haynes Repair Manual
Posted on TGO and also from Third Gen video.
#179
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Good luck with the alignment, I couldn't make heads or tails with the final output on mine but they used a top-of-the-line newer Hunter machine with lasers on each wheel. Drives like a race car now
Those front struts look dead, so your rear Bilsteins were soft compared to the Koni's? I see they are extended...
Those front struts look dead, so your rear Bilsteins were soft compared to the Koni's? I see they are extended...
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1985_IROC (05-24-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
I went with the Koni 'on-car' adjustable (4th gen so they say) 8241-1140 Sport, I wanted to make adjustments easy on myself if/when needed.
Maybe it is just how I took the picture that they look extended because they fit fine and feel great.
I'll take a look at your page again for the alignment specs you did.
Last edited by 1985_IROC; 05-24-2021 at 11:20 AM.
#181
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Cool glad you like them, yeah I'm a Bilstein fan and hear awesome stuff about Koni for these cars too. You got me thinking about condition of my rear shocks too.
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
I’m installing rear springs, Moog CC635, want to see if this improves the ride or not. Assume that ‘indexing the coil’ means putting the end of the top coil properly on the insulator and this allows to seat evenly on the body of the car, correct?
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Index in these cars is in the lower control arm. The end of the spring at the top is inconsequential, some people don't even run the isolator so they get more drop
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1985_IROC (05-27-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Slapped the rear springs in yesterday (CC635), first impressions; ride height did rise about 1/2 inch (not a big deal), feels a bit more responsive and has reduced many harsh knocks/vibrations within the vehicle. Not sure if the responsiveness can be equated to a 'loose' feel, so I tightened up the front Koni dampers to see if this helps. With the original springs I felt a little more planted, but felt every imperfection of the road that carried throughout the vehicle. As for now, I will continue to ride on them and play with the damper settings a bit to see if I can dial in the suspension. Other than this, I think for NJ roads these will benefit the ride...
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
After alignment, was advised to replace my inner/outer tie-rods. Got them done along with new relay rod (hopefully I installed this correctly). Also had to have both wheels balanced. Starting to feel really good 😊
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Cool, what was the rationale for replacing your rear springs? Did you replace the front ones too?
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, ?
Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
After the shocks/struts replacement, the car road much better, but still had a very harsh ride. I'm on another thread where a few members reported that these rear springs made a big difference. So for $50 and an afternoon I figured let me find out for myself.
As mentioned, I believe they do bring more benefits than the originals. Will drive with them for a while and continue to feel what the car is telling me. Will also adjust the Koni settings to see what feels best as well.
As far as the front springs, I cannot decide on the companion coils. Everyone says they are the 5662s, but there is another coil Moog 5276 (ACDELCO 45H0088) that comes up for my car specifically (IROC, w/AC, w/Auto.)
Looks like these are priced good right now at $50, but this job is much bigger and scarier than the rears. So no I have not done the front coils.
Any suggestions/inputs are welcome.
Last edited by 1985_IROC; 05-30-2021 at 11:15 AM.
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1985_IROC (05-30-2021)
#189
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Interesting I'm sitting on a box of new/old H&R sport springs that came with the car. The previous owner never installed them I wonder how harsh these springs would be?
Suspension is on the agenda at some point for my 85 too...
Have you done any other of the front or rear bushings like the control arms?
I rebuilt the entire front suspension on my 1990 IROC vert that I sold many years ago. I used the OTC spring compressor as it has the bearing center - https://www.otctools.com/products/fr...ing-compressor
Suspension is on the agenda at some point for my 85 too...
Have you done any other of the front or rear bushings like the control arms?
I rebuilt the entire front suspension on my 1990 IROC vert that I sold many years ago. I used the OTC spring compressor as it has the bearing center - https://www.otctools.com/products/fr...ing-compressor
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calidude (06-08-2021)
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
I'm nearing the completion of suspension repairs. One thing noted by mechanic during alignment, he suggests that the steering gear needs replacement. I have read not to get rid of the original, but which steering gear is correct to get? I will hold onto mine, and will not return for core.
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Car: 1985 Iroc
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Sorry, I have been enjoying the summer, took a vacation, and helping with the soccer association.
Well the car is running and feeling pretty darn good. However, my door lock bezel just said enough, anyone have one of these laying around?
Well the car is running and feeling pretty darn good. However, my door lock bezel just said enough, anyone have one of these laying around?
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stuartswede (07-20-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
Engine: LB9, V8 5.0L 305 TPI
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Fixed the bezel on the passenger side door lock cylinder, and while I had the door apart...I put some KILMAT on, and sprayed interior of the lower part of the door with rubberized undercoating by Rust-Oleum. One biggest rattle came from the mirror (the motor), took that apart and put some 3M window-weld round rubber sealer (Butyl Rubber) on the mounting points. Took it for a drive, REALLY happy with how quiet it is. Don't hear any vibration. Sorry didn't take any pictures :-(
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stuartswede (07-28-2021)
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Car: 1985 Iroc
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Sorry been so quiet, I am still around, car has been working and enjoying some drive time.
I did however get a coolant leak, so new water pump is in order…
Hope you all are doing well!!!
I did however get a coolant leak, so new water pump is in order…
Hope you all are doing well!!!
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stuartswede (10-15-2021)
#197
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
For now I've decided to continue with restoring my ride to OEM best I can. Just ordered the rear disk brake lines from SSTUBES, since the last mechanic broke the one hard line (https://https://www.sstubes.com/collections/...products/11765). Long story short, after I had to take it out of my parents garage, I sent it to a mechanic that was referred to me to give it a look over and repair for safe driving. Well unfortunately BIG mistake on my part, to say the least, got the car out of there before anymore shotty work could be performed. All good now, and as they say, "if you want something done right...you have to do it yourself."
Rob @@Street Lethal let me know when you guys are meeting up...
Rob @@Street Lethal let me know when you guys are meeting up...
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1985_IROC (01-02-2022)
#199
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Re: What to do with my 85 IROC?
Unfortunately it hasn't. I live in the frozen wasteland of MI. My pole-barn is not heated, and everything came to a stop, God I hate winter. So I am whittling on the last few things as I can when we hit a day above freezing.
So looking forward to spring!
So looking forward to spring!