Suspension question (Page 1/1)
branger SEP 21, 10:15 AM
Hey gang: so bringing my 1986 2M6 back to minty shape, and was wondering about suspension. Is it better to replace stock with stock, or try to upgrade suspension? Everything I’ve read about 84-87 is that it is way inferior to 88 suspension.... are there upgrades to the 86 that would be better than stock. Just curious, before I start replacing suspension parts. Thanks!
Blacktree SEP 21, 01:52 PM
On the '84-87 Fiero suspension, I like to upgrade "The Big Three". This will be helpful, even for a daily driver or a cruiser. They are, in no particular order:

1) Shocks and struts - The factory ones only have damping in one direction. Aftermarket shocks / struts will have damping in both directions. So for example, even a set of basic Monroes (or something similar) will improve the handling without compromising ride quality. How far you want to go from there depends on how hard you plan to drive it.

2) Sway Bars - Adding a rear sway bar is a nice upgrade. The Fiero Store sells a good one. Although, I'd suggest upgrading the front sway bar to match. Otherwise, you may have too much oversteer.

3) Engine Cradle Bushings - I would suggest either urethane or aluminum bushings in the engine cradle. The stock rubber cradle bushings allow the whole rear suspension to wiggle around, which is bad for handling. The stiffer cradle bushings will have almost no effect on ride quality, but will significantly reduce the "rear end wander".

Urethane control arm bushings are a popular upgrade. But I would only recommend that for street/strip cars. For a regular driver, rubber control arm bushings would be a better choice. And of course, make sure everything is in proper working order... ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, etc.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 09-21-2020).]

theogre SEP 21, 03:19 PM
shock/struts... Many places only get "premium" gas units now because often only ones made. Might find NOS parts of less quality but don't bother. Gabriel and Monroe make many of "store brands" and many only have gas units too.
OEM shock/struts for Fiero and most from the Big 3 and others was the Cheapest non-gas units available. Even many cars w/ "WS6" and other "Performance Suspension" has same crap shocks and struts. Just replacing them is night/day difference even 20+ years ago more so if you put gas units.

Use Moog rubber in CA.

Polly work well for cradle and some others that won't move around the centers.

See my Cave, Bushings and rest of section.


------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 09-21-2020).]

branger SEP 21, 04:29 PM
Thanks for the feedback, this is super helpful!