Suspension Upgrades for Gen2/3 W-Body Vehicles - MORE TO BE ADDED

[ThatSlow.W204]

If you're looking to enhance the handling, stability, and overall performance of your W-Body vehicle, a suspension upgrade is one of the most impactful areas to focus on. Here's a detailed guide covering all the key components you should consider for your Gen 2 or Gen 3 W-Body car:

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1. Strut Tower Braces​

Strut tower braces improve chassis rigidity by reducing flex between the strut towers. This upgrade enhances cornering performance and overall steering response.

• Front Strut Tower Brace: Provides better control under hard cornering.
  • Link: ZZPerformance Front Strut Tower Brace
  • Link: BMR Front Strut Tower Brace
  • Link: GM 19417890
• Rear Strut Tower Brace: Adds stability to the rear suspension.
  • Link: BMR Rear Strut Tower Brace
  • Link: ZZPerformance Rear Strut Tower Brace
  • Link: GM 19417890

---

2. Tubular Control Arms​

Tubular control arms reduce weight and improve suspension geometry for better handling. They also enhance durability compared to factory arms.

• Front Tubular Control Arms:
  • Link: ZZPerformance Tubular Control Arms
  • Link: LS4King Tubular Control Arms - Arrival times May vary
  • Link: SUSPENSIONDUDES control arms - not tubular but better bushings
• Rear Tubular Control Arms:
  • Link: BMR Rear Control Arms
  • Link: OEM TUBULAR TRAILING ARM
  • Link: ZZP chromoly trailing arm

---

3. Polyurethane Bushings​

Replacing stock rubber bushings with polyurethane improves suspension response, reduces flex, and enhances durability.

• Complete Poly Bushing Kits:
  • Link: LINK N/A

---

4. Sway Bars​

Upgrading your sway bars reduces body roll during cornering, improving overall handling and driver confidence.

• Front Sway Bar:
  • Link: ZZPerformance Front Sway Bar
  • Link: Progress Front sway bar
  • Link: GMPP Front sway bar
• Rear Sway Bar:
  • Link: ZZPerformance Rear Sway Bar
  • Link: ADDCO Rear Sway bar

---

5. Sway Bar End Links​

Performance sway bar end links ensure proper sway bar function and enhance stability.

• Heavy-Duty Sway Bar End Links:
  • Link: ZZPerformance Sway Bar End Links
  • Link: MOOG Endlinks

---

6. Solid Subframe Bushings​

Solid subframe bushings eliminate unnecessary movement of the subframe, allowing for more predictable suspension behavior.

• Solid Subframe Mounts:
  • Link: LS4King solid subframe bushings (aluminum cradle) - Arrival times may vary

---

7. Coilovers​

Coilovers offer adjustable ride height and damping, allowing you to fine-tune your car's suspension to your driving style and road conditions.

• Adjustable Coilover Kits:
  • Link: ZZPerformance Coilovers
  • Link: BCracing Wbody Coilovers
  • Link: Rev9 coilovers - cheapest option, not the best for track or spirited driving
  • Link: Megan Racing coilovers

---

Additional Upgrades​

• Performance Shocks and Struts: To complement the new suspension setup if you don't do coil overs.
  • Link: KYB AND ZZP drop in kit
• Alignment Adjustments: After completing these upgrades, invest in a professional alignment for optimal performance.
• Brake Upgrades: Since you'll be cornering faster and harder, upgrading your braking system is a great complement to these mods. - separate thread will be made.

---

Conclusion​

With these suspension modifications, your W-Body will handle like never before. Whether you're chasing lap times or enjoying spirited driving, these upgrades are sure to bring out the best in your car. Have fun wrenching, and feel free to share your setup and results!

Happy modding!

 

Gen 1.0 & 1.5 W-Body 1988-2001 Comprehensive Suspension Upgrade Reference Thread

[Robert]

Great post, we need more of this!

 

[ThatSlow.W204]

List Updated a bit, more parts added

 

[1fastfantasma]

If you're looking to enhance the handling, stability, and overall performance of your W-Body vehicle, a suspension upgrade is one of the most impactful areas to focus on. Here's a detailed guide covering all the key components you should consider for your Gen 2 or Gen 3 W-Body car:

---

1. Strut Tower Braces​

Strut tower braces improve chassis rigidity by reducing flex between the strut towers. This upgrade enhances cornering performance and overall steering response.

• Front Strut Tower Brace: Provides better control under hard cornering.
  • Link: ZZPerformance Front Strut Tower Brace
  • Link: BMR Front Strut Tower Brace
  • Link: GM 19417890
• Rear Strut Tower Brace: Adds stability to the rear suspension.
  • Link: BMR Rear Strut Tower Brace
  • Link: ZZPerformance Rear Strut Tower Brace
  • Link: GM 19417890

---

2. Tubular Control Arms​

Tubular control arms reduce weight and improve suspension geometry for better handling. They also enhance durability compared to factory arms.

• Front Tubular Control Arms:
  • Link: ZZPerformance Tubular Control Arms
  • Link: LS4King Tubular Control Arms - Arrival times May vary
  • Link: SUSPENSIONDUDES control arms - not tubular but better bushings
• Rear Tubular Control Arms:
  • Link: BMR Rear Control Arms
  • Link: OEM TUBULAR TRAILING ARM
  • Link: ZZP chromoly trailing arm

---

3. Polyurethane Bushings​

Replacing stock rubber bushings with polyurethane improves suspension response, reduces flex, and enhances durability.

• Complete Poly Bushing Kits:
  • Link: LINK N/A

---

4. Sway Bars​

Upgrading your sway bars reduces body roll during cornering, improving overall handling and driver confidence.

• Front Sway Bar:
  • Link: ZZPerformance Front Sway Bar
  • Link: Progress Front sway bar
  • Link: GMPP Front sway bar
• Rear Sway Bar:
  • Link: ZZPerformance Rear Sway Bar
  • Link: ADDCO Rear Sway bar

---

5. Sway Bar End Links​

Performance sway bar end links ensure proper sway bar function and enhance stability.

• Heavy-Duty Sway Bar End Links:
  • Link: ZZPerformance Sway Bar End Links
  • Link: MOOG Endlinks

---

6. Solid Subframe Bushings​

Solid subframe bushings eliminate unnecessary movement of the subframe, allowing for more predictable suspension behavior.

• Solid Subframe Mounts:
  • Link: LS4King solid subframe bushings (aluminum cradle) - Arrival times may vary

---

7. Coilovers​

Coilovers offer adjustable ride height and damping, allowing you to fine-tune your car's suspension to your driving style and road conditions.

• Adjustable Coilover Kits:
  • Link: ZZPerformance Coilovers
  • Link: BCracing Wbody Coilovers
  • Link: Rev9 coilovers - cheapest option, not the best for track or spirited driving
  • Link: Megan Racing coilovers

---

Additional Upgrades​

• Performance Shocks and Struts: To complement the new suspension setup if you don't do coil overs.
  • Link: KYB AND ZZP drop in kit
• Alignment Adjustments: After completing these upgrades, invest in a professional alignment for optimal performance.
• Brake Upgrades: Since you'll be cornering faster and harder, upgrading your braking system is a great complement to these mods. - separate thread will be made.

---

Conclusion​

With these suspension modifications, your W-Body will handle like never before. Whether you're chasing lap times or enjoying spirited driving, these upgrades are sure to bring out the best in your car. Have fun wrenching, and feel free to share your setup and results!

Happy modding!

What about with police/taxi models? I’ve got an 06 9c1 police and want to get coilovers for it but every website says they aren’t compatible with police/taxi models. I also bought some 2006 SS wheels and they fit fine in the front but don’t clear the spring in the rear, which is why I’m even looking for coils at all

 

[ThatSlow.W204]

What about with police/taxi models? I’ve got an 06 9c1 police and want to get coilovers for it but every website says they aren’t compatible with police/taxi models. I also bought some 2006 SS wheels and they fit fine in the front but don’t clear the spring in the rear, which is why I’m even looking for coils at all

Most police package cars came equipped with iron knuckles instead of aluminum to enhance durability, especially during pursuits and high-stress driving situations. The taxi packages received the same components since GM didn’t see the need to engineer a separate setup for taxis. Structurally, everything bolts up the same, making them interchangeable. I daily drove a 13’ impala 9c1 for a bit and did a bunch of work to it, got to learn a bunch about em at the time. Also, forgot to mention. the rear wheels not fitting is pretty normal, for some reason the hat that the spring sits in to was different based on the suspension RPO code, FE1,FE2,FE3,FE4, I don’t know why but it’s just the way it is, the coil-overs will bolt together to your knuckle and the strut tower just fine though.

 

[1fastfantasma]

Most police package cars came equipped with iron knuckles instead of aluminum to enhance durability, especially during pursuits and high-stress driving situations. The taxi packages received the same components since GM didn’t see the need to engineer a separate setup for taxis. Structurally, everything bolts up the same, making them interchangeable. I daily drove a 13’ impala 9c1 for a bit and did a bunch of work to it, got to learn a bunch about em at the time. Also, forgot to mention. the rear wheels not fitting is pretty normal, for some reason the hat that the spring sits in to was different based on the suspension RPO code, FE1,FE2,FE3,FE4, I don’t know why but it’s just the way it is, the coil-overs will bolt together to your knuckle and the strut tower just fine though.

Thanks boss, saving me a huge worry here just didn’t wanna waste a thousand bucks on BC’s if they wouldn’t work, not sure why the websites state that they don’t work for those packages but thank you again! Really appreciate it. Kinda goes without saying then that if I put coilovers on my wheels will fit then?

 

[ThatSlow.W204]

yes, your wheels should fit perfectly fine after you get the coilovers