mmurphy77

Is there a difference? Was the FE2 exclusive to the 442 whereas the F41 could be had on other models? I see both codes listed in my Oldsmobile literature. Just curious why both codes.

mmurphy77

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to learn all I can from these wonderful Torque Monsters! I'm SO excited about my acquisition and I apologize for my enthusiasm!

Lady72nRob71

No problem! This is a good question though.
Simply put, the shock and spring rates are different, and a maybe a few other little things.
Some examples from '72:
Front - FE2 is much stiffer than std. F41 is a little stiffer than std.
Rear - FE2 is a little stiffer than std. F41 is a bit more stiffer than std.
Both got a larger front sway bar and the FE2 got the rear sway bar.
(I won't bore you with the details there, but the assy manual has them broke out)...

The FE2 was exclusive to the 442 for improved handling. (I am somewhat sure...)
The F41 was available on other models, mainly for increased load handling (such as frequent full family trips) and trailer towing. Ride height was about an inch taller with F41.

Bunser

FE2 was available on W31 models as well.It was not exclusive to 442's. The W31's handled better than 442's also.

Lady72nRob71

To clairify, I guess I should have said "the performance models" rather than just the 442... Thanks for the correction.

jensenracing77

don't forget Rallye 350s

to tell you the truth i thought that FE2 was available on all models if ordered that way. it is just what i thought, i had no idea.

mmurphy77

Thanks guys!!

BlackGold

Here's the complete scoop on FE2 vs F41. Please note that this is for the 1970 model year; other years may have varied. The information here is straight from the pocket booklet titled "Salesman's Prices, Equipment, Color & Trims, Specifications" with a publication date of August, 1969.

FE2 is described as:
"Suspension, 442 Rally-Sports.
-- Includes heavy-duty front and rear springs, shock absorbers, and stabilizer bars; and heavy-duty rear suspension control arms; plus PC2."

(PC2 is described as "Heavy-duty 14x7 wheels.")

F41 is described as:
"Suspension, Heavy-Duty.
-- For strenuous service: trailer towing, continuous heavy trunk loads, and when most driving is on secondary and rural roads. Includes heavy-duty front and rear springs and front stabilizer bar and FG2 shock absorbers. G66 shock absorbers are available."

(FG2 is described as "Firm ride control front and rear shocks.")
(G66 is described as "Superlift rear shocks." ie, air shocks)

Working through the booklet tells us which models either received these options as standard (S) or available (A):

Model...........FE2..........F41
--------------- ------------ ---
F-85.............A; S w/W31...A
Cutlass.......................A
Cutlass S........A; S w/W31...A
Cutlass Supreme..A............A
442..............S
Vista Cruiser.................A
Delta 88......................A
Ninety-Eight..................A
Toronado......................A

While the 442 could not be ordered with F41, G51 "high-rate rear springs" were an available option for towing or other heavy-duty use. Also, the B07 "Highway Patrol Suspension" was available on the Delta 88 models (for police customers only).

There is also a trailer towing chart in the booklet. The chart lists F41 as either recommended or required for various classes of towing, depending on the model. FE2 is never listed as recommended nor required.

Bottom line: FE2 was optimised for performance and handling. F41 was optimized for towing and heavy-duty usage.

Note that the components which comprised the FE2 option and F41 option may have varied from model to model. In other words, the F41 springs used in a 98 were not necessarily the same as those used in an 88 or Cutlass. Likewise, the FE2 springs used in a 442 were not necessarily the same as those used in an F-85. In fact, spring usage varied based on little things like air conditioning. If you're really interested in spring usage, you can find all the details in the assembly manual. I think it even lists the spring rates.

mmurphy77

Thanks for all that great info Brian! Can't get any clearer than that!