'88 GT suspension rebuild (Page 1/2)
JOE 4RE OCT 07, 05:31 AM
Didn't drive my '88 GT any this year because the suspension sounds like it's about ready to fall out of the car! I'm assuming it's time to replace all the 34 year old rubber bushings and that sounds like the ideal winter project. Has anyone tackled this recently to know exactly what is and isn't available and is there a list someplace that would tell all the rubber bushing locations on an '88?

THANKS

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JOE 4RE
'88 Fiero GT
Med. Red Metallic
loaded 5 speed

87_special OCT 07, 03:16 PM
All the bushings are available in polyurethane and some in rubber. The only real hard to find parts are the wheel bearings and brake calipers. Shocks and struts are readily available but mostly just stock replacements.

Suspension.com I've ordered poly from this company a last year. Good prices on the poly kits, but the steering parts can be had cheaper from Rockauto. I recommend you get them from Rodney Dickman for superior quality steering and suspension parts. He also sells rubber suspension bushing if you don't want poly. Lastly, Fiero Store for things that can't be found elsewhere. Parts are a little pricey but they have some hard to find pieces and are generally good quality.

Good luck with your winter project!

-Joe Cooley
Shho13 OCT 07, 07:10 PM
Overhauled my entire 88 suspension a few years ago, big difference in handling and super happy with the result.

Get the poly bushings and the shocks from Fierostore! All the ball joints (I went with the one inch drop lower ball joint), tie rods, and zero lash end links from Rodney Dickman.

When you install the bushings, make sure you use the included white grease to install them on all surfaces that rub or it will squeak like mad. Tons of threads about installing the bushings here with a search!

I'd also reccommend doing the steering rack bushing, stock is plastic and the new one Rodney sells is brass. Can do it in the car, also threads about it here!

Good luck with the project!

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"Discord"
Red 1988 GT under restoration!

Let's Go Mets!

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

eti engineer OCT 12, 09:30 AM

quote
Originally posted by JOE 4RE:

Didn't drive my '88 GT any this year because the suspension sounds like it's about ready to fall out of the car! I'm assuming it's time to replace all the 34 year old rubber bushings and that sounds like the ideal winter project. Has anyone tackled this recently to know exactly what is and isn't available and is there a list someplace that would tell all the rubber bushing locations on an '88?

THANKS




I just did the complete rear end of my '88. Getting the old bushings out can be a pain, so I came up with a simple, cheap way to do it, quickly. I posted this several months ago, but I will post it here for you. It consists of a 3 inch carriage bolt with nut and flat washer, a puller, vise and a battery drill. Basically, use a center punch to put a dimple in the center of the head of the carriage bolt to keep the puller centered. Get the puller set up as shown in the pictures below and use your drill to spin the puller. The carriage bolt will push the old metal bushing completely out of the rubber. Then you can cut the old rubber piece out. I used a Sawzall to do this.





[img]http://images.fieroforum.com/userimages/eti%2520engineer/CUTTING%20AND%20REMOVING%20RUBBER%20IN%20BUSHING.jpg[/img



[This message has been edited by eti engineer (edited 10-12-2021).]

Will OCT 12, 10:19 AM

quote
Originally posted by eti engineer:

[IMG]http://images.fieroforum.com/userimages/eti%2520engineer/CUTTING%20AND%20REMOVING%20RUBBER%20IN%20BUSHING.jpg[/IMG




[This message has been edited by Will (edited 10-12-2021).]

Mickey_Moose OCT 12, 01:36 PM
I did this a few years ago and can tell you there are no direct rubber replacements for the rears - HOWEVER - you can still replaced the rears with rubber being creative.

I don't recall the specifics exactly but I believe there is a thread on here with the parts to use. I will look through my paper work I see if I have it. I myself prefer rubber over poly as I have used poly on my 86 and it requires maintenance every year or 2 depending on how much and where you drive the car (conditions).

Edit:

Here is the thread:
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/121294.html

I also see Rodney now sells a kit.
https://rodneydickman.com/p....php?products_id=358

[This message has been edited by Mickey_Moose (edited 10-12-2021).]

kendell OCT 12, 10:33 PM

quote
Originally posted by 87_special:

All the bushings are available in polyurethane and some in rubber. The only real hard to find parts are the wheel bearings and brake calipers. Shocks and struts are readily available but mostly just stock replacements.

Suspension.com I've ordered poly from this company a last year. Good prices on the poly kits, but the steering parts can be had cheaper from Rockauto. I recommend you get them from Rodney Dickman for superior quality steering and suspension parts. He also sells rubber suspension bushing if you don't want poly. Lastly, Fiero Store for things that can't be found elsewhere. Parts are a little pricey but they have some hard to find pieces and are generally good quality.

Good luck with your winter project!

-Joe Cooley



Alright, we will check Rodney's website for suspension parts. Got to finish installing the bumper and fender flares on the Silverado this week before we can clear the garage for the incoming Fiero GT project. We'll start with the suspension rebuild as well.
JOE 4RE OCT 19, 06:20 AM
Thanks for the suspension bushing info! Now, how about the cradle and transmission bushings.... should they be replaced as well or are they a bit more robust than the suspension bushings? And the steering rack, is it hard mounted or bushed as well?

As always, appreciate the information and tips!

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JOE 4RE
'88 Fiero GT
Med. Red Metallic
loaded 5 speed

oneinch OCT 20, 07:43 AM
Check Craigs List for a used shop press. When I was working on my '88 rear I did and found a 10 ton press for $80. It pressed the bushings out no problem. There are little to no cost alternatives, sure. If you can get lucky and get a press, well, it is a handy tool to have in your tool bag.

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Stanton
'88 Formula, red on gray

olejoedad OCT 20, 07:57 AM
There are no rear cradle bushings on an '88.

Perhaps you are referring to the engine and transmission mounts?

The '88 engine mount is unique (it's fluid filled) and is very difficult to find.

The rack is mounted in bushings as well, but they seldom go bad.