Thread: Suspension/Handling Upgrades

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  1. #1 Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    GTP Level Member Kaiser Pontiac's Avatar
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    So, I need new LCAs and probably other things on my GTP (clunks really bad stop/go). I wanted to just re-do everything necessary to get better handling, and the person I bought it from seemed like a very gas/oil/tires and go person - so I'm betting there has been minimal suspension maintenance the three years they owned it.

    Anyhow, right now I just have a 33mm Dorman sway bar with new Moog poly bushings and new brackets and bolts and a rear GMPP swaybar.

    So, I've been doing some reading around and I'm looking at front and rear endlinks, rear bushings, solid trailing arms, LCAs, moog k200787 problem solver control arm bushing.

    Curious on recommendations on the parts I still need, and if I should get anything else.

    Any difference between:
    Boxed trailing arms the W-Body Store sells and the tubular ones ZZP sells
    LCAs: between Moog, Dorman, W-Body store
    Endlinks/rear bushings: ES and Moog


    Was also looking at doing engine mounts (maybe transmission too, not sure if that's necessary?) in the future. Curious if the price for Intense's http://intense-racing.com/PROD/3800-PRO-UMMP-xxx.html is worth it over like WBS's http://www.wbodystore.com/suspension...ne-mounts.html. Then http://www.wbodystore.com/suspension...ine-mount.html good?


    Also, brakes, are LaCrosse Super front and rear brakes identical to GXPs? And I would assume I'll need F-body banjo bolts for front and rear, and that will be all I need in addition to the brakes? Also, for rotors, do I have to go OEM, or are there any other cheaper options that are good for the GXP brakes? Not really wanting to spend $250 on rotors, or if I just do the front $120....


    Open to suggestions, what parts/brands you recommend, and really any info you have.

    Thanks!
    06 LaCrosse 57-79k sold;99 4dr GTP 134-138k sold;98 2dr GTP 183k parted;98 Regal 166-184k;04 GT2 204-206k sold;04 GTP 170-175k sold;09.5 G8 GT Sport 145k;09 G8 78-84k+;08 Prix 164k sold;06 Prix 168k sold;02 Regal 92k;09 G8 103k parted;04 GTP SpEd 139k parted;04 GTP 205k;'09 G8 105k parted;06 Prix 230k;04 CompG 138k
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  2. #2 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
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    Dorman trailing arms are solid bars, cheaper and better than the factory stamped steel ones. I wouldn't shell out extra money for name brand or zzp/w-body store units.

    The front brakes for sure on the Buick Allure/lacrosse super are the same size as the GXP but just with no vents/drilled holes. The rears I never looked into.

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  3. #3 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    GTP Level Member Kaiser Pontiac's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fivefingerdeathpunch View Post
    Dorman trailing arms are solid bars, cheaper and better than the factory stamped steel ones. I wouldn't shell out extra money for name brand or zzp/w-body store units.

    The front brakes for sure on the Buick Allure/lacrosse super are the same size as the GXP but just with no vents/drilled holes. The rears I never looked into.
    Okay, so two of these: http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....432257&jsn=460

    So, there shouldn't be any difference for DD'n between GXPs and Supers.
    06 LaCrosse 57-79k sold;99 4dr GTP 134-138k sold;98 2dr GTP 183k parted;98 Regal 166-184k;04 GT2 204-206k sold;04 GTP 170-175k sold;09.5 G8 GT Sport 145k;09 G8 78-84k+;08 Prix 164k sold;06 Prix 168k sold;02 Regal 92k;09 G8 103k parted;04 GTP SpEd 139k parted;04 GTP 205k;'09 G8 105k parted;06 Prix 230k;04 CompG 138k
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  4. #4 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    GTP Level Member PaintChips97's Avatar
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    I went with the BMR tubular trailing arms, they were only $87 shipped from LMPerformance. The grease zerks and poly bushings are the biggest upside of them, plus they're way bigger than the Dorman bars (not that it matters much, the Dorman ones are plenty strong). Just something to consider

    04 Comp G - a few mods, lots of OEM+ goodness, shiny stuff
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  5. #5 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    Turbo is the way to go. REDCRAPGP's Avatar
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    If your on stockers and go BMR might wanna make sure you have enough clearance between the TA and tire

    Sent from my KYOCERA-C6745 using Tapatalk
    Squirrels are my engine. I need a Ford Regal
    04 Comp G.
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  6. #6 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    GTP Level Member Impala131's Avatar
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    If you have a local junkyard, police Impala trailing arms are the same as GMPP, if you want a cheaper option. Just make sure the rubber bushings are still in good shape.
    2003 Grand Prix GTP.... the journey begins again....
    E85 Self Tune with HPT, 80# Injectors, Gen V 3.4 pulley, SD Headers, AL605 Plugs
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  7. #7 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    GTP Level Member PaintChips97's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by REDCRAPGP View Post
    If your on stockers and go BMR might wanna make sure you have enough clearance between the TA and tire

    Sent from my KYOCERA-C6745 using Tapatalk
    I'm running mine on stock-sized rims and 245 tires with no clearance issues, and you can use washers as spacers to get more clearance if needed

    04 Comp G - a few mods, lots of OEM+ goodness, shiny stuff
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  8. #8 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    GTP Level Member Kaiser Pontiac's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Impala131 View Post
    If you have a local junkyard, police Impala trailing arms are the same as GMPP, if you want a cheaper option. Just make sure the rubber bushings are still in good shape.
    Can I get replacement bushings? Local yard might have a 9th gen Police Impala... Thanks for the info.

    Sent from my LG G4 using Tapatalk.
    06 LaCrosse 57-79k sold;99 4dr GTP 134-138k sold;98 2dr GTP 183k parted;98 Regal 166-184k;04 GT2 204-206k sold;04 GTP 170-175k sold;09.5 G8 GT Sport 145k;09 G8 78-84k+;08 Prix 164k sold;06 Prix 168k sold;02 Regal 92k;09 G8 103k parted;04 GTP SpEd 139k parted;04 GTP 205k;'09 G8 105k parted;06 Prix 230k;04 CompG 138k
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  9. #9 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    GrandPrix Junkie HighOctaneRacing's Avatar
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    Yes replacement bushings are on rock auto. Better off asking booba what size poly bushings he used.
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  10. #10 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    GrandPrix Junkie HighOctaneRacing's Avatar
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  11. #11 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    GTP Level Member Impala131's Avatar
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    What I found really interesting, was the junkyard GMPP trailing arms were 1/4 - 1/2" shorter than my stock trailing arms (bolt hole center to bolt hole center). I'm curious if the stock U-bend arms really stretched that much.
    2003 Grand Prix GTP.... the journey begins again....
    E85 Self Tune with HPT, 80# Injectors, Gen V 3.4 pulley, SD Headers, AL605 Plugs
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  12. #12 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
    GTP Level Member Burbman's Avatar
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    Not sure what would stretch them, there is no drive torque applied to the rear wheels.
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  13. #13 Re: Suspension/Handling Upgrades 
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    Change the subframe bushings if you want that clunk to go away
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