1997 LeSabre - shocks, tires, maybe springs ???

Hi,

1997 LeSaber with 70,000 miles wallows over dips in road and on turns.

Any suggestions for tires, shocks, maybe springs ????

I'm looking for a "touring" or firm ride, not the "soft" ride.

Thanks !!!

Reply to
Guido
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It's hard to go wrong with Bilsteins, but you will pay for them.

nate

Reply to
N8N

THanks, but it looks like they don't make them for a 1997 LeSabre.

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Reply to
Guido

Hmmm... my second choice would be Koni but I don't see them having a listing for your car either. I guess the typical LeSabre buyer doesn't care much about crisp handling. (not a knock at you personally, but...)

I am running cheap Gabriels on my old Studebaker and they are OK but don't really blow me away. I've had bad experiences with KYB FWIW.

nate

Guido wrote:

Reply to
N8N

I replaced all 4 OE "Dyna Ride" struts with "Monroe-Matic Plus" struts by Monroe. Did not change the springs. Made a huge difference. Car still has a decent ride, but the heaving, wallowing, and bottoming - all the unnecessary wheel movement - are all gone. No need to spend big bucks on that "go fast" crap. A '97 LeSabre is about as far away from sporty as you can get, and a set of Konis or Bilsteins is about as useful as socks on a rooster. Save your money and disregard all the foolish blather you hear about so-called premium brands. "Everybody knows" that American stuff is crap, the expensive imported stuff is absolutely essential, blah, blah, blah. B.S.! A set of Monroe struts will make your Buick ride comfortably and handle securely, exactly like a big, comfortable American sedan ought to have from the factory. It won't be a Ferrari, but if you imagine that ANY aftermarket product can turn a Buick LeSabre into a ride that will satisfy your secret daydreams of being a boy racer, well ... seek counseling.

Reply to
Rob

I've never tried Monroes, but I have heard that Gabriels are infinitely preferable in terms of durability from several usually reliable sources. The price is about the same so I've never had any reason to try the Monroes.

That said, I did get a bad out of the box Gabriel shock for my '55 Stude, but i have to give them props for still making them (although a

70's Camaro shock can easily be modded to fit a later Stude.) AutoZone promptly exchanged the pair however so no harm no foul.

nate

Reply to
N8N

PUT DOWN the PIPE !!!

Where in "I'm looking for a "touring" or firm ride, not the "soft" ride" do you see "secret daydreams of being a boy racer" ???

YOU should take a reading comprehension course or see a shrink yourself.

Reply to
Guido

If you can get KYBs for your application that is the way I would go. An excellent value in a high quality shock when available for your application IMO.

GM factory shocks and struts wore out rapidly on our 2003 Oldsmobile Silhoette. Unfortunately KYB didn't offer a replacement for those.

JOhn

Reply to
John Horner

If LaSaber is a family car (I think it is) I would go with Touring.I had Touring on my Buick skylark and really enjoyed my ride. At the miles you stated in the email I would replace the shocks/struts.They will also help you during braking (keep you from nose diving) and will allow full control of your vehicle.

Reply to
Todd A. Delk

Thanks for the tips.

I replaced all around with Monroe Sensatrac, and Goodyear Assurance Triple Thread tires

Handling is much more responsive.

Reply to
Guido

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