SS Sedan Springs under the 2011 Caprice PPV

[xcidmigs]

Why was it an all day install? would seem like the springs and struts could be assembled quickly on a bench and then its just swap out one set for another, no dismantling of old stuff? i'm tempted to try to pull this off in driveway but the alignment part is whats stopping me. Did they use the spec for an 11 PPV or something else? i would wonder if the lowering springs doesn't take that into effect and is correct on the machine but not giving you exactly what is ideal in reality? wonder if the SS sedan specs are much different?

[Pursuit]

The dealership had a "Book Rate" for the R&R of the front and rear springs. I did have them disassemble the front struts/springs for measurements. The rears had to be disassembled for the rear springs. There was also time allowed for the alignment. We used the 2011 PPV specs. Also had the oil changed.

[xcidmigs]

can i ask if you know what the actual charge was just to do the springs and alignment? I'm thinking right now maybe i get all new parts assemble as much as possible at home maybe even do the rears only and then limp to dealer for front swap?

[Pursuit]

Yes, you can. But, I am on the road with work. Didn't bring that info with me. I can post when I get home this weekend, along with free heights and wire diameters. I had already purchased all of the parts through the dealership. Growing up I would always get the cold shoulder from whatever shop I would take my projects to for the alignments. But, for me, to do as much work as I could on my own, to buy the parts at a "discount" was due to money constraints early on and then it evolved into a hobby that had a sense of control, curiosity and self satisfaction.

Maurice

[Pursuit]

The old front springs GM Part #92246827
Wire diameter .599 5 coils
Free height 13 3/8"

The old rear springs GM Part # 92256816
Wire diameter .642 7 1/2 coils
Free height 13 1/8"

The new front SS springs
Wire diameter .555 4 3/16 coils
Free height 13 1/2"

The new rear SS springs
Wire diameter .615 6 7/8" coils
Free height 13 1/8"

[Pursuit]

I got to drive the car more this weekend and also at night. I really like the the spring swap. Another telling thing is that my headlights aren't "flashing" up into the rear view mirrors of the cars ahead. I have had a couple of friends mention this to me before. It was annoying to them. I did notice that the headlights now are not doing that as much now.

Regards,
Maurice

[CrashTestDummy]

That's adjustable, no matter what the ride height.

[Navy Lifer]

Gene, I think what Maurice meant is that the front end doesn't "pogo" as much (as front suspension is compressed and spring energy forces front suspension to rebound), which I would attribute to the relatively higher spring rate of the production springs vs SS springs. The same shocks on softer springs should increase motion control relative to the change in spring energy it's opposing.

[Pursuit]

I would say it's not from ride height, but from the lack of the up and down motion from the rear end.

Regards,

Maurice

[CrashTestDummy]

Ahh, got it. Thanks.