1BOSS83

83 Hurst/Olds here
The ride on my 83 Hurst is rough as hell. Any bump, small pot hole etc you will feel right in your butt and back. Gas shocks on all corners. Is it time to replace the rear shocks/springs? Any suggestions? I've never been in another 83 Hurst but I've been in plenty of similar body style chevys that are like a cloud. Car handles and corners extremely well but if I'm not on laser straight/smooth roads it feels like a 70s pick up.
Thanks for the help,
-Adam, PA

oldcutlass

There are a few things that will make your car ride rough. Shocks, spring rate, tires (size and profile), tire air pressure, and worn parts.

Do any of the above items differ from stock?

1BOSS83

22565r15 front, 24560r15 in rear. Car had gas shocks when I bought it, put on air shocks then back to new gas on all corners. Tire pressure is to spec of tire (33psi). I have never touched the springs. The Car sits much lower than any 83 I've ever seen. Doesn't body roll if you take hard turns but if I hit uneven pavement there is noticeable vertical rebound (Back springs worn out?).

Lady72nRob71

Do you know if the front end was ever rebuilt? Poly bushings would make for a rough ride.
Since it rides lower, recon a previous owner put heavyier lowering springs in it?

From the factory, the Hurst used a heavier spring rate, gas shocks, rear sway bar, and thicker front sway bar. I never heard complaints of it being too harsh tho-
My '86 rides very smooth with its std suspension, with the addition of the Hurst sway bar setup.

redoldsman

Tires can make a huge difference in the ride. I found this out when I had my 94 Corvette. I never changed the size but used several different brands over the years. The best ride I ever got was on Continentals. They were not nearly as rough as the Michelins or Goodyears.

oldcutlass

The spec you quote is whats stamped on the tire or whats referenced in the door jamb?

1969w3155

Sounds like it was lowered, so the suspension is not stock. I drove a '84 H/O, and it drove smooth, owned an '84 Grand National, with pretty much the same suspension, drove very well.

1BOSS83

Tire stamp. Factory calls for 21560r15 on all corners.

1BOSS83

There is evidence to support it has been lowered just by looking at it vs. other H/Os I have seen. Most 83/84s I have seen look like monster trucks in comparison. I'm considering replacing the rear springs to see if perhaps they are just worn from 30 years of use. It has a nice stance but this is my daily driver so ride comfort is a factor.

rustyroger

I bet if you put oem spec springs back on you will have a cushy ride again.

Roger.

brown7373

Check for Poly bushings too. If some previous owner lowered the car, he very likely added poly bushings too. That is a great idea if your goal is to stiffen the ride for increased cornering and handling, but at the expense of ride quality. You've already indicated a more comfortable ride for everyday use trumps increased cornering.

Olds64

If you are going to replace your springs you might as well rebuild the front end. You will notice an improvement in ride quality if you replace the control arm bushings. I suggest going with rubber bushings instead of poly. Of course, your best bet would be to sell your 83 HO and buy a Delta 88 or 98.