Suspension diffrences?

[Fabian_7s]

I need help! I'm thinking of replacing my front suspension components on my 04 Alero GL because im staring to feel alot more bumps whenever i drive it and while looking up the parts, the control arm & ball joint assembly asks me if i have sport suspension or not.

So my question is what are all the diffrences between the two types? After going through a few threads on here the only diffrences i could find is that the stabilizer bar is either hollow or solid. Are parts interchangeable? If i had the non sport suspension and wanted to upgrade would i be able to? What would be everything i would have to replace?

[Valley olds]

I am not really sure if they are interchangeable, but post #8 in this thread seems to sum it up
http://www.aleromod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22105

Cliff8928: Well, FE2 is standard (in the Alero, there is no FE1 unlike some cars).

With the FE3 you get...
225/50R16 Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires.
Solid front sway bar
Stiffer Springs
firmer bushings
firmer struts


As far as i know, all GX and GL1 models are FE2. All GL2 models are FE3. GLS is standard with FE2, FE3 is optional.

I'm sure if i messed something up Mfuller could correct me on that one.

[falloutboy]

Well the suspension and ride comfort is comprised of many different parts. So you would have to be a bit more precise about what parts we are talking.

And before you think about upgrading to an FE3 Setup with all replacement parts from Rockauto, keep in mind that one of the most vital parts - the shocks - are probably never built to FE3 specs from Monroe or Gabriel or what ever company.

FYI: All export models were FE3, but with 15" inch rims - which really sux now

[Valley olds]

Originally Posted by falloutboy

Well the suspension and ride comfort is comprised of many different parts. So you would have to be a bit more precise about what parts we are talking.

And before you think about upgrading to an FE3 Setup with all replacement parts from Rockauto, keep in mind that one of the most vital parts - the shocks - are probably never built to FE3 specs from Monroe or Gabriel or what ever company.

FYI: All export models were FE3, but with 15" inch rims - which really sux now

KYB made some pretty good adjustable shocks for Aleros (KYB AGX). I don't know if they are still available though. Also, they are a bit expensive. And, imo 16's are as bad as 15's at the moment. Tire selection is very limited. If you want to have a good selection of performance tires, money needs to be dropped for 17's.

[Koots]

From what I remember reading, possibly from falloutboy himself in an earlier thread, is that Germany makes you jump through insane hoops just to put another set of wheels on your vehicle that weren't directly designed for it.

[falloutboy]

Originally Posted by Koots

From what I remember reading, possibly from falloutboy himself in an earlier thread, is that Germany makes you jump through insane hoops just to put another set of wheels on your vehicle that weren't directly designed for it.

Indeed
I wanted some thinner tires, for winter use, which are also quite more common here than the strange size the Alero has. IIRC it was something like 195 or 205
Total No-Go

Hooray for TÜV