WTB complete SS strut assemblies for my Z/28

[MIKZ28]

Originally Posted by ariZona28

You may be able to accomplish your goal by switching to 18" wheels with taller sidewall and a touring compound. Then when you finally decide to run out at Blackhawk Farms or Auto X at Rockford Speedway you can do a quick tire/wheel swap. Hate to tell ya but even a stock SS suspension (especially with lowering springs!) is going to have a bumpy ride on those N. Illinois roads.

I had a 2010 Camaro SS I used as a DD for 6 years. The ride was way better that the Z is now. I still have the original 20" rims from it that I can use in the winter time. A 1/8" spacer for the front will allow me to use them on the Z with snow tires. I bought 40 series tires when I removed the original Trofolos and that raised the car .5"

[MIKZ28]

I just checked Rockauto. They have Monroe premium complete loaded struts. They are the cheapest also. I will probably go with them. I watched some video's on replacing the struts and it looks very easy so I will probably do it myself. Sway bars will be a bit more work but if I have both left and right struts out at the same time then attack the sway bars it should be easier. Then a simple alignment and good to go.

[MIKZ28]

I just placed the order for my new struts from Rockauto. They should arrive by the weekend and I can start swapping them out. I will also be exchanging the sway bars. I have a OEM used set form a 2015 1LE. Does anybody have any advise on changing sway bars? Ways to make the swap out easier? If I have both struts out (L&R) at the same time will it be easier to swap out the sway bars? Thanks.

I am already getting my 2004 Pontiac GTO ready to sell. Giving it a spruce up and replacing all worn out and broken parts before I sell. I have plenty of spare parts going to go with it also.

[X77-69z28]

Originally Posted by macalot

I know we all buy our cars for our own reasons which is fine. I bought a Z/28 because I wanted a Z/28 and what it stood for. I believe others may buy a Z/28 because they want to buy a bad ass 427 cu in small block Camaro, which I really don't blame them. To each their own, but it doesn't make sense to me to change out integral parts of a limited production car that make the car what it is. I've owned a '69 Z/28 for 43 years, so of course I am prejudiced!
Hope you find what you are looking for.

That’s amazing, because I’ve had my 69 Z/28 for 43 years too!

[morepowerjoe]

Well good for you. Like I said before it's your car and your decision on what you do to it. Good luck I hope it all works out for you.

[cdb95z28]

Originally Posted by MIKZ28

I just placed the order for my new struts from Rockauto. They should arrive by the weekend and I can start swapping them out. I will also be exchanging the sway bars. I have a OEM used set form a 2015 1LE. Does anybody have any advise on changing sway bars? Ways to make the swap out easier? If I have both struts out (L&R) at the same time will it be easier to swap out the sway bars? Thanks.

I am already getting my 2004 Pontiac GTO ready to sell. Giving it a spruce up and replacing all worn out and broken parts before I sell. I have plenty of spare parts going to go with it also.

If your goal is a softer suspension, using the 1LE bars are a bad choice. They are a larger diameter than the Z/28 bars which means they are stiffer. They are the stiffest bars of any Gen5 model. The way the bars are mounted to the chassis also adds stiffness.

Tires, springs and anti roll bars are going to get you the biggest gain towards a softer ride. You could also use aftermarket poly bar mounts that would help reduce the effective anti roll bar stiffness. And you would not have to remove your OE Z/28 bars to install new poly mounts.

[MIKZ28]

Originally Posted by cdb95z28

If your goal is a softer suspension, using the 1LE bars are a bad choice. They are a larger diameter than the Z/28 bars which means they are stiffer. They are the stiffest bars of any Gen5 model. The way the bars are mounted to the chassis also adds stiffness.

Tires, springs and anti roll bars are going to get you the biggest gain towards a softer ride. You could also use aftermarket poly bar mounts that would help reduce the effective anti roll bar stiffness. And you would not have to remove your OE Z/28 bars to install new poly mounts.

I have to disagree I have found that the main reason the Z/28 rides so harsh is caused by the F1 shocks. Using the SS struts will fix this. Also the SS springs should raise the ride height just a bit. I was also told the Z/28 bars are smallest due to the stiffness of the F1 shocks. If I replace the F1 shocks with SS style I will need the SS or 1LE bars to compensate. I also have a stock SS front bar I could use with the 1LE rear bar or I could keep the Z/28 rear bar with the SS front bar. Some experimentation might be needed.

[cdb95z28]

Originally Posted by MIKZ28

I have to disagree I have found that the main reason the Z/28 rides so harsh is caused by the F1 shocks. Using the SS struts will fix this. Also the SS springs should raise the ride height just a bit. I was also told the Z/28 bars are smallest due to the stiffness of the F1 shocks. If I replace the F1 shocks with SS style I will need the SS or 1LE bars to compensate. I also have a stock SS front bar I could use with the 1LE rear bar or I could keep the Z/28 rear bar with the SS front bar. Some experimentation might be needed.

Yes, the DSSVs are stiff, but so are the springs. If you want maximum softness, then the (non-1LE) SS (FE4) bars are probably the softest. The Z/28 (FEA) bars are softer than the 1LE (FE6) bars. Looks like you are on the right track towards your desired softness.