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I recently replaced the clutch in my '97 SETC (120K miles). Since the suspension had never been serviced (it was tired), I decided to overhaul it while she was apart. I replaced all strut assembly pieces (except springs), sway bar mount bushings and links with genuine Saab parts. I also upgraded both inner/outer control arm bushings and stanchion arm bushings with PowerFlex urethane units.
I drive ~ 35k miles year (city & hwy) and enjoy "spirited" driving, so a firm ride is fine, but harsh is not. After reading numerous posts on this site, I was confused about which struts and shocks would fit me best. The more I read, the more I became unsure.
After much trepidation, I finally went with HDs. I also went with Vogtland Sport Springs (35mm lowering kit) at all four corners and a Taliaferro 22mm rear sway bar.
So how did it work out? The ride was unbelievably harsh. It was so bad it felt like the chassis was rigid welded to the hubs. Within a week, I developed a rattle in the dash and another in the trunk. Another week later, one of my SID backlight lamps (fortunately not the pixels) went...watched it happen as I went over what used to be a mormal bump. Don't get me wrong, when the car was on a perfectly smooth highway (emphasis on perfect), she handled like a dream. Problem is, there's about 10 miles of perfect road where I live. Every bump was amplified with this setup.
So after ~ 500 miles, I decided to replace the Vogtland springs with the original units. My thinking was the lowering kit had reduced travel to the point where I was continually "smacking" the bump stops. However, this change made a minimal difference.
Unfortunately, the ultimate answer was to replace the HDs. So, another 500 miles later I'm replacing the HDs with touring units. The fronts are done...what a difference...firm enough for me without the harshness. Backs will be in this weekend.
The HDs and Vogtland springs are very high quality, they're just not for me. I'm sure some other folks will disagree with my assessment, but risking excelerated wear and tear on the interior stucture, engine/tranny mounts and other components was not worth it for me.
Paul
posted by 69.250.16...
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