While I had my TGP in the dealership to get the ABS codes run, I had a 100 point inspection run on it. I found out that my rear struts are seized, my drivers side rear spring is broken, my front struts are worn out, and my rear leaf spring is cracked. What should I do?
Sounds like the perfect time for new monroe or KYB struts all around. Struts in my car were all shot too. There is a write-up on replacing the rear struts yourself, but fronts require a special tool as well as an alignment
But your rear leaf spring being cracked and your drivers side rear spring being broken (do we even have those?) Sound like BS to me, i haven't heard of a rear leaf spring cracking ever. Im not an expert tho. Im sure someone with more knowledge than me will speak up.
Yea I prolly will end up replacing everything- I NEED an alignment too, so that's fine. They showed me the cracked leaf spring while it was up in the air, so that is DEFINITELY gonna be replaced! With the rear struts being seized and a broken spring, you can push down on the rear end of the car and it DOESN'T MOVE! :icon_eek: I always thought the ride was supposed to be stiff, but wow- NO rear suspension? :laugh: That's prolly how my front struts got SO worn out. Fronts are to the point where it already looks like it has an inch- inch and a half drop up front, while the rear sits high. If I'm looking to replace all this stuff, I would like to lower it like an inch or so. Any recommendations?
Thanks
Doing the front strut cartridges does require a special tool...but not an alignment.
The rears were easy for me when I did them, but an alignment is required with those for camber adjustment.
If your leaf is cracked it needs to be replaced immediately! It is what holds the ass end of the car up. That requires a special tool also.
You said your drivers side rear spring is broken...then you also said the leaf was cracked. The leaf is the spring for the rear just so you know.
Ok thanks for the info, Kenny. I will be getting an alignment, as my passenger side front tire rubs the fender when I turn corners, it could also be because the struts are so worn out in the front that the wheel is getting that close. But anyway yes I am getting an alignment once I replace this stuff. Wow I didn't know a cracked leaf was that serious! :icon_eek: I've only dealt with wishbone suspension before, so good to know!
Quote from: TGPilot on December 28, 2006, 09:31:26 PM
You said your drivers side rear spring is broken...then you also said the leaf was cracked.
That is what the service manager told me. :icon_eek: Stupid stealerships lol. :laugh: They also wanted $700 to replace the rear leaf spring, and $1600 for new struts! :Yikes_anim: I said HELL NO and left. I will be doing it myself for the most part, I was just curious about how much the dealer would charge to do it. OBVIOUSLY WAYYY TOO MUCH!!!! :twitch:
I made a WTB thread- I NEED a leafspring. http://www.tgpforums.com/index.php?topic=3750.msg25255#new
93LuminaZ34- I have a question for ya. I see in your sig. that you have GMPP trailing arms on your TGP. What do they do? Any improvement over OEM?
Thanks
Quote from: TGP Nick on December 29, 2006, 10:14:41 AM
I see that you have GMPP trailing arms on your TGP. What do they do? Any improvement over OEM?
These IMHO reduct body roll somewhat, I have them on all my W-body's
Cool. I'd like to get the suspension set up nice while I have it all apart. I have another question- what exactly does a Birchmount do over the stock leafspring? Is it supposed to be stiffer, lower the car, lessen body roll, etc?
Thanks
The GMPP trailing arms are a stronger design over stock, although I'm unsure of the actual handling gains. The Birchmount spring, lowers the back of the car and gives it a stiffer ride.
How much does the Birchmount lower the rear end? As low as yours in your thread? Is it adjustable (height)? I don't want it to be quite as low as yours. I just want a fairly firm, well handling ride with a little bit higher ride height than your setup.
Thanks
It depends on the drop amount that was specified at the time the spring was ordered.
I'm not sure what drop Jeff ordered for this spriing but you could ask him. Also ask Ryan what drop he ordered on his and you'll get an idea how low yours would be.
They are not adjustable in height, but you could add some leaf end blocks to raise it up a bit.
This is how it sits right now with Birchmount in rear and stock springs up front. I have Intrax's that I will install in the spring when I pull the car out of storage.
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c264/mshantz83/Picture010.jpg)
Rdubya- you have a PM.