89 Formula w/WS6 suspension has over 100k time to replace the struts?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 Firebird Formula
Engine: V8
Transmission: TH700
89 Formula w/WS6 suspension has over 100k time to replace the struts?
actually it has 103K on the clock and I have noticed some front end floating above 70 mph and I went under the car to look at the shocks and struts and I see no evidence of leakage. I tried the "test" of worn shocks and struts but the springs are so stiff I can't even get the car to bounce. Do you think I need to replace them or leave them alone?
Car still has the stock springs and I will probably replace them with new GM parts.
Would anyone happen to have the part numbers for the shocks and struts so I can order them from GM parts direct?
Thanks
Car still has the stock springs and I will probably replace them with new GM parts.
Would anyone happen to have the part numbers for the shocks and struts so I can order them from GM parts direct?
Thanks
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 Trans Am
Engine: 355 HSR
Transmission: Pro-Built 700r4 w/ 3400 converter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt w/ 3.42 gears
Its hard to tell on these cars b/c the springs like you said. I noticed mine was really bumpy when rolling over hard bumps on the interstate, so I replaced them. When I got them out, I could physically push them all the way in by hand, so they were definately worn out. I had about 110,000 when I replaced mine.
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 Firebird Formula
Engine: V8
Transmission: TH700
that is what I was concerned about. I think I may replace them to ease my mind. Right now the only concern I have is the floating front end at highway speeds.
How did the car ride after they were replaced? What did you replace them with?
Thanks
How did the car ride after they were replaced? What did you replace them with?
Thanks
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: OC, CA
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 92 Trans Am - Sold
Factory struts/shocks are usually gone by 40k, at 103k you're way past due. I got a deal on Bilstein & Koni, they work great. Just don't go cheap, you'll just have to replace them again soon.
#5
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Bow, WA
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 3.27
Your suspension is definitely shot. My 89 WS6 only had 80K on it when I replaced the springs and shocks and they were totally hosed. I went for a 1.25" drop, but my springs were sagging so bad, that I could barely tell I'd dropped my car! I had the same experience on the highway with my front end floating. My car handled worse than at high speeds than my 04 GMC Sierra if you can believe that.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NBrehm
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
1
08-25-2015 11:49 PM