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Upgrading suspension on '89 Park Avenue... Opinions?

Posted: Sat May 23, 2015 4:33 pm
by whiteretta
I know it's not a Beretta, but this is the best site for good accurate information, so I'm asking here.

The car is a factory FE1 car with air suspension. The air shocks travel rate is 15" - 21", but if I was to switch to the non air suspension rear struts, the travel is 13" - 21". I'm not sure what would be better performance wise, as I plan to upgrade from constant rate to variable rate rear springs regardless with FE3 front struts and springs, along with all FE3 sway bars.

Would rear air struts be softer? Or would I be better off with rear air struts due to less travel rate? Opinions?

Re: Upgrading suspension on '89 Park Avenue... Opinions?

Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 2:05 pm
by SuperLbody
Depends on what kind of ride you want. I love those old H bodies, that air ride is about as cushy as you could get. Otherwise with a variable spring it'll be still soft just not as even as the air ride will be.

Re: Upgrading suspension on '89 Park Avenue... Opinions?

Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 7:53 pm
by whiteretta
I want a firm ride, but I don't want it to ride like a brick... Makes it a tough decision!

Re: Upgrading suspension on '89 Park Avenue... Opinions?

Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 9:04 pm
by heavywoody
I would go with the air ride. More suspension travel to me indicates more room for bounce. You don't want bounce.

As far as the springs, variable = progressive. Eibachs are progressive. Nuff said.

Re: Upgrading suspension on '89 Park Avenue... Opinions?

Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 10:27 am
by whiteretta
That was sort of what I was leaning towards as well, and the same reasoning. Looks like my game plan is set!

Decision has been made, I'll be using Monro quick struts up front with air struts in the back. Variable rate rear springs as well!