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Retarded question about suspention

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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 08:21 PM
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Default Retarded question about suspention

I've had my "91 for over 2 years now. Never replaced shocks since I've owned it. When driving anywhere from 80 to over 100+ MPH down the highway it seems like any change in the road patterns such as unevenness, bumps, and etc. the car feels like its gonna fly off the road or something. I have a new Lexus IS and it's much smoother at theses speeds on the same road. Shocks perhaps need replaced or any thoughts????
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 08:25 PM
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Could be shocks, tires, worn parts, alignment or any combination of the above. Mine gets better, the faster it goes. This is as it should be.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 08:27 PM
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this also has happened to me in my 87 corvette "i was traveling up I-95
going anywhere from 70-105 mph and i was scared when it did that, the rear end seemed to be a kind of sliding feeling to it so i can feel your troubles but i have no help for you
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by mjones
I've had my "91 for over 2 years now. Never replaced shocks since I've owned it. When driving anywhere from 80 to over 100+ MPH down the highway it seems like any change in the road patterns such as unevenness, bumps, and etc. the car feels like its gonna fly off the road or something. I have a new Lexus IS and it's much smoother at theses speeds on the same road. Shocks perhaps need replaced or any thoughts????
IF no parts are worn or loose and causing the problem ....
IMO, the notorious part of the gen 4 suspension that needs to be addressed for safe and predictable handling is the rear camber rods. The rubber bushings in these deflect when cornering, the harder you camber, the more Positive camber (tires leaning out at the top) they induce. My vette handled worse than the same year firebird formula that I had ... until I replaced the rear camber rods with the spherical rod end ones. I used the heavy duty racing ones from Vette Brakes, with the extra large rod ends. They work great on the street. These use steel tubes. I wouldn't trust the thin aluminum tubular spherical rod ended ones for this highly stressed part.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 09:35 PM
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I will start with the shocks. The tires have plenty of tread and the alignment is correct. Overall the car seems very tight.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by mjones
I will start with the shocks. The tires have plenty of tread and the alignment is correct. Overall the car seems very tight.
Without sounding too sarcastic.

Do you where the shocks are?

What tire pressure(s) are you setting?

If your gonna drive a ZR-1, ya gotta be a bit more car savvy brother.
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:07 PM
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Originally Posted by mjones
I will start with the shocks. The tires have plenty of tread and the alignment is correct. Overall the car seems very tight.
Good tread is only a small part of the equation. Are they adequate tires for the car? There are many tires made that will fit these cars that are complete crap for high performance driving. And as JrRifleCoach said, pressures are important too. If the car's tight, I'd evaluate the tires and alignment as well as the shocks.
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Old Jan 13, 2006 | 04:17 PM
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Default My '84 does the same thing

As long as I keep my foot on the gas my car feels pretty good but as soon as I lift off the gas it seems like it floats around. I've got new tires, replaced most of the bushings in the rear end and changed one wheel bearing. Hasn't helped a thing. I always wanted a Corvette but now I'm wondering why.
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