How many Firehawks experiencing sagging springs ?

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CompTA13
Posts: 195
Joined: Mon Aug 10, 2009 2:18 pm

How many Firehawks experiencing sagging springs ?

Post by CompTA13 » Fri Jan 10, 2014 7:56 pm

How many have experienced spring fatigue in their Firehawks ? Our 2002 Firehawk #189 has gotten ridiculous as of late, every bump in the road has simply become un-bareable. They have to be replaced to enjoy the car any further... Checking on SLPOnline.com they list springs up to the 2000 yr model. So what was changed in the last 2 yrs? The springs on my 95 Comp T/A are simply perfect.. No issues on a car 7 yrs older! Input ?

Sorry guys for not being on very much as of late... Been super busy in the shop and at work.
1985 Firebird 468BBC (her track car)
1995 Comp T/A #13 (my project)
1999 Anniversary Trans Am #349 (his)
2000 Convertible Trans Am 540ci twin 88mm turbo street car (my track car)
2002 Firehawk #189 (hers)

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BLACK-HAWK
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Location: Somewhere in New Mexico
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Re: How many Firehawks experiencing sagging springs ?

Post by BLACK-HAWK » Fri Jan 10, 2014 9:29 pm

It sounds more like the strut(s) then the springs(?).. as far as what was different between '95, '00 and '02, only thing I can think of is SLP contracting differences in spring manufacturers? If the springs are shot I would imagine the rear end would be sagging
2001#194 (Unicorn)

slowbird780
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Re: How many Firehawks experiencing sagging springs ?

Post by slowbird780 » Fri Jan 10, 2014 10:13 pm

Definitely not the springs in this situation. All the springs do is hold the car up. The shocks (dampners) are what take the hit on the bumps and keep the car from bouncing.

CompTA13
Posts: 195
Joined: Mon Aug 10, 2009 2:18 pm

Re: How many Firehawks experiencing sagging springs ?

Post by CompTA13 » Sat Jan 11, 2014 12:09 am

Hey guys... the rear of the car has lost almost an inch of ride height in the rear alone... up front less than 1/4 inch. I would be happy to take some photo's tomorrow after this rain passes just so we are all on the same page!
1985 Firebird 468BBC (her track car)
1995 Comp T/A #13 (my project)
1999 Anniversary Trans Am #349 (his)
2000 Convertible Trans Am 540ci twin 88mm turbo street car (my track car)
2002 Firehawk #189 (hers)

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BLACK-HAWK
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Joined: Wed Jan 05, 2005 2:59 pm
Location: Somewhere in New Mexico
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Re: How many Firehawks experiencing sagging springs ?

Post by BLACK-HAWK » Sat Jan 11, 2014 12:23 am

sure someone didn't surprise you with lowering springs and you are just now finding out? Joking! joking!... %97.264 sure the struts are shot. after sitting awhile, I hear that can happen when you actually drive your car! :mrgreen: again, JOKING!!!!!! 8)
2001#194 (Unicorn)

slowbird780
Posts: 185
Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2012 11:14 am

Re: How many Firehawks experiencing sagging springs ?

Post by slowbird780 » Sat Jan 11, 2014 1:34 am

Your problem is the struts. Now sagging in the rear, id say 99% of fbodys are affected by this overtime so I dont doubt the rear has this problem but just replacing the springs themselves will not fix your "ride quality" problem. You better replace the struts and springs.

NyteWzrd
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Location: Western Pa.

Re: How many Firehawks experiencing sagging springs ?

Post by NyteWzrd » Sat Jan 11, 2014 1:29 pm

I don't have sagging springs but since my 94 had 60,000 miles, and original shocks. I spoke to Dave Hamburger and determined that my suspension was SLP and shocks GM. This is his quote "Pulled VIN from the build system, it comes up base with Exhaust and Suspension. The upgraded suspension did not receive shocks, only Higher rated springs, new front upper and lower control arms, revised rear lower control arms, larger diameter sway bar and new rear track bar”. So I bought new Monroe Sensa-trak shocks and struts. The ride is a much smoother, I do not race this car, I just enjoy cruising down the highway. A big difference from the GM DeCarbon shocks & struts. Just saying that replacing my shocks and struts changed from a hard to smoother ride. I don't notice any ride height difference.

02 red hawk
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Re: How many Firehawks experiencing sagging springs ?

Post by 02 red hawk » Thu Mar 06, 2014 6:58 pm

I heard about this problem a while back. I got tired of waiting for my 1le hawk to sag as it sat pretty high. Got some Strano springs, they improved the stance & ride height tremendously. Kept the Koni 4/4s, as the car only has 6400+ miles on it.

TTOP350
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Location: Raymond IL

Re: How many Firehawks experiencing sagging springs ?

Post by TTOP350 » Thu Mar 13, 2014 10:07 pm

The Decarbon shocks were normally junk when installed or if lucky, they could last 10,000 miles or 2 years.

They just never had the meat to control anything.

I really like the Bilstein shocks and struts on my 3rd and 4thgens, they have a lot better control.

The rear spring issues have been around for as long as the F-body has been. Install new rear springs and enjoy.
Always looking for SLP/Firehawk parts for 3rdgen birds.
PM me.

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