Suspension - 1987 vs 1994?

[JJS]

A buddy of mine just picked up a 1994 40th anniversary edition with about 6K miles. He bought it from a dealership, and paid for the car without taking it for a test drive. When driving it home, he couldn't believe how "stiff" the suspension was compared with his '87. He's actually second guessing himself, wondering if something's wrong with the car. I told him I'd post the question on this board for him:

Is the '94 a much stiffer ride than the '87?

I know there's a lot more tourque and HP in the '94, and I would hope the handling would be better, but he swears the '87 gave a MUCH better ride.
This guy is really second guessing himself at this point.

Thanks in advance for any opinions.

 

[jmccloud]

Stiff suspension

There are several different suspension packages with some variation over the years. Some models even have the optional adjustable suspension (controls in the console). I was shocked to discover my '95 has a 'Soft Ride Option' (good for us old guys).
Tire pressure will have a noticable affect but not as much as the various suspensions.

 

[Tuna]

It would be helpful if you knew what the option codes are. Look under the console lid or the rear compartment lid. In 93/94 there were 3 suspension options:

FE1 - base suspension, fixed shocks
FX3 - Selective Ride Control, adjustable shocks (switch on center console)
----- the FX3 actually comes with softer springs
ZO7 - Stronger springs and anti-roll bars plus the Selective Ride Control shocks
----- only available on the coupe.

If this 94 is a ZO7 car, then if could be stiffer than the 87.
Check the RPO sticker and let us know what you find there.

BTW, 93 is the 40th Anniversary.

 

[Hib Halverson]

A buddy of mine just picked up a 1994 40th anniversary edition with about 6K miles. He bought it from a dealership, and paid for the car without taking it for a test drive. When driving it home, he couldn't believe how "stiff" the suspension was compared with his '87. He's actually second guessing himself, wondering if something's wrong with the car. I told him I'd post the question on this board for him:

Is the '94 a much stiffer ride than the '87?

.

As stated above, before anyone can give a useful answser to the question posed, your friend needs to tell you which suspension option is on his Ruby.

 

[Vettelt193]

The 87's shocks could be a bit worn from age... Many times it will cause a more 'fluffy' ride.

 

[vader86]

A 94 should be a bit softer than 87. Enough things were done to the car to improve it by that year, no matter the options. Torque ratings should be roughly the same, only HP is different, but that doesnt affect ride quality.

 

[JJS]

Thanks for all the replies and information about the option codes.
I'll see him this coming Thursday evening, and we'll go through the console area to find out what suspension package this car has.

Tuna, that was a typo on my part ('94).....that should have read "1993 40th anniversary edition."

Thanks again for all the input. If this isn't the best website on the internet, I don't know what is. It's GREAT!