What are the differences between the front and rear struts and shocks for the 84-87 versus the 88?

I see shocks advertised for the 84-87's but rarely for the 88's. What are the differences please?

Thanks

I can't tell you exactly, but the Fiero Store has parts for both ,...the 88s had a completely different suspension, so I am sure the dimensions of the shocks and struts had to be a bit different.

the struts interchange from all years, 88's have a different top mount that is not part of the replacement strut anyway. 88's have different front shocks than older Fieros.

The '88's moved the front shocks to inside the spring/A-frame and probably used a different shock.. dunno.
The rear struts may be the same but the "Bearing Plate" at the top is smaller as is the spring and the shock tower itself. The rear springs from the '84-87 will not even fit inside the shock tower of the '88. If you look at both vehicles side by side you can see the difference in the spacing of the three studs that hold the top of the bearing plate as well as the overall size of the shock tower housing and the diameter of the spring.

The front struts from a Saturn appear to be the same as the '88 rears, at least for the 4-cyl.

(That is my Salvage Yard observation when looking for springs for the rear of my '88.)

As mentioned the 88 rear struts have the same replacement part as the earlier years (although the originals may have had some minor differences.) Replacements are generally a compromise that will fit the widest number of cars possible.
The 88 fronts are completely different, however.
The top of the shock mounts through a hole in the crossmember. The bottom of the shock bolts through a hole in the bottom of the lower control arm.
The earlier fronts mount (I believe) to the back side of the lower arm, and to a bracket on the side of the frame.

------------------
Raydar
88 4.9 Formula IMSA Fastback

Read Nealz Nuze! Praise the Lowered!

Sorry to resurrect this old post but I have just ordered and received my Monroe Struts and shocks for my 88GT.

Is there anything to look out for when doing this job? Is it a remove and replace sort of job?

Thanks

Clare

------------------
1988 Pontiac Fiero GT (mine)
1997 Pontiac Trans-Am (husbands)
2007 Chevrolet Lacetti (LPG'd as the daily driver!)
www.american-thunder.co.uk

[This message has been edited by an88_fierodiva (edited 05-26-2011).]

Here is some confidence building material.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...060206-2-064590.html

The backside of the top of the '88 rear knuckle may very well need a small modification in order to obtain the full range of camber adjustment when using 84-87 struts. I've seen two 88's now that needed some grinding with an angle grinder to shave off perhaps an 1/8" in the area shown below. Not all knuckles require the mod, but if yours do, you'll know it when you attempt to adjust the camber. You'll be able to assemble it no problem, but the knuckle will bind up against the strut when you attempt to tilt the top of the wheel to where it should be.