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I just recently bought a low mileage 88' olds cutlass supreme classic brougham, only 17,000 miles. Im changing all the fluids, belts, hoses, etc,,,now I am up to changing the shocks as it still wears the originals. The original window sticker says it has and upgraded F41 suspension. firm ride shocks, larger stabilizer bars and higher rate springs...My question is what kind of shock should I put on? No interest in racing or cornering on 2 wheels. Would like a nice soft ride to firm enough when needed..... Brands ?? I dont want heavy duty shocks do i? just because they came with firm ride shocks and the F41 susp..... I'd like something to complement the F41 without a hard ride,,,, thanks,,, merry christmas,,,, df aka rj
Be thankful someone checked off the F41 box. My 88 didn't have it, handled pretty badly, others have found the same. Honestly, buy something like a top of the line, heavy duty shock, brand of choice. I bought the Monroe Sensatrac shocks. The shocks on my 88 were Econo white unmarked shocks, all replaced at some point and none leaking. The Sensatrac made a notable improvement. A lot of guys go with the KYB adjustable shocks with adjustable **** for ride firmness. Good luck.
F41 is just upgraded sway bars. The G body front springs are marshmallows. The best shocks are Bilsteins, but you'll pay for them. You can get away with a lesser shock if you change springs. I've always had good luck with KYBs. I'd suggest some Moog 5660s and KYBs over stock springs and Bilsteins.
Try it without the rear bar and bigger front, handles like a washing machine. I thought the F41 had slightly better spring rates, like 346 pounds per inch up to 420 as part of the package. Also the regular vague steering box also sucks. As said go with the best shocks you can afford.
Last edited by olds 307 and 403; Dec 25, 2021 at 01:14 PM.
For the '88 F41 front shocks, you'll want the GM or equivalent at least, of p/n 22046439, superseded to 22065206, and then 88945324 (still available from GM).
For the '88 F41 rear without G66 (air shock), p/n 22046440, superseded to 22046809, and finally to 88945170 (still available from GM).
A good aftermarket like KYB, is a good economical choice as well. KG4513 for front, KG5548 for rear. Around $115 for the whole set from rockauto.com.
for the '88 f41 front shocks, you'll want the gm or equivalent at least, of p/n 22046439, superseded to 22065206, and then 88945324 (still available from gm).
For the '88 f41 rear without g66 (air shock), p/n 22046440, superseded to 22046809, and finally to 88945170 (still available from gm).
A good aftermarket like kyb, is a good economical choice as well. Kg4513 for front, kg5548 for rear. Around $115 for the whole set from rockauto.com.
I'm guessing my 79 Hurst Olds is going to be around the same as the suspension in your car, I went with KYB excel G's all the way around, Great ride but next time around in my 79 blue Calais which has the same suspension I may try the Bilsteins. In both cars the front springs are original but the rear coils were replaced heavy duty. I used HD springs in the rear as the standards will eventually have the car sagging in the back.
