Replacing Struts/Shocks on 97 ETC

[Cadillac Jim]

I've heard from multiple sources for about a year now that GM was not going to renew its stock of FE3/RSS struts, and, even though mine are still OK after 155,000+ miles, I need to get them while the getting is good. As part of this, I need to make sure that I replace all questionable rubber and make sure that I won't be going back into the suspension, front or rear, anytime soon. My goal is to restore OEM new-car suspension performance with possible improvements in directional stability and possibly handling using polyester strut mounts.

What I've done so far:

• Replaced the front stabilizer links last year; rear links were OK.
• Have new AC/Delco stabilizer bushings (21 mm and 31 mm) coming today.
• Ordered struts (AD/Delco part # 580115 and 580116) and rear shocks (AC/Delco part # 580117) from Rock Auto. They should be here in about two weeks.

I've decided to get Energy Suspension strut bushings on the recommendation of BodybyFisher and will order them through my local NAPA outlet today. I'll measure the ride height and decide whether to get four springs; if I do, they will be OEM AC/Delco, not stiffer springs because I am happy with OEM handling except for directional precision and feel on narrow roads, and I really don't have gripe there but I just want more. When I have the stabilizer bushings put in, I'll check for slack in the rear suspension - particularly the rear knuckle bushings, inspect all around, etc.

My first question is whether polyester stabilizer bushings will really make any difference. Feedback here is that most drivers don't notice any difference behind the wheel except possibly noise on rough roads when the stabilizer bushings are bad or good, so removing that "give" should not make a noticeable difference to me. Advice from someone experienced in driving with and without that one single change would be helpful. I would like to avoid adaptation issues and four more service points if possible.

A major complication for the whole job is that this is my daily driver and I don't want the car tied up for weeks waiting on first one parts order, then another, then another... AND I don't have the place or space to work on the car myself.

If there are special-order parts that will rear their ugly head during the job, such as rubber spring seat pads, I need to know before I start the job so I can have them on hand before starting work. If there are too many of them, I may try to get my dealer to do the job with my AD/Delco shocks and struts - and polyester strut bushings - so that they can access their 24-hour parts channel; they may or may not balk at the polyester strut bushings which is a deal-breaker there. I'll ask now as part of the planning process. I don't know if I'll be able to find another mechanic with lots of recent Cadillac FE3/RSS suspension experience.

Your comments are welcome.

[Rich]

Jim - I'm jealous. I'd love to do the same with my 1997 Eldorado ETC (128K miles) but I'm not in the position to do so right now. When I do, I won't be moving to polyester or urethane bushings as I appreciate a nice smooth ride over tighter handling given the road surfaces I encounter in Westchester County, NY. I enjoy the compliance that rubber provides. I'll certainly be following this thread closely. Good luck.

[Cadillac Jim]

I'm only using polyester in replacing the strut bushings, which won't impact the ride, just tighten up the coupling between the steering wheel and the direction of the front tires. I plan to leave the rest of the bushings alone, unless someone persuades me that this is a good idea and I can get them.

I just had a setback with NAPA. My local NAPA shop never heard of Energy Suspension and they don't list polyester strut bushings for my car at all.

Back in the day when front suspensions were unequal length A-frames and ball joints, I replaced my A-frame bushings with nylon bushings for tighter steering and better control. It made a very noticeable difference, and I never had any complaints about ride. Cars that I remember doing this with include a 1959 Chevrolet that I drove for seven years and sold to a Unitarian Minister that I had known for years before he graduated and went to divinity school, and my tricked-out 1964 Chevrolet Impala station wagon. I drove these cars from 1961 through 1970 or so. I also used CeramMetallic brake linings, for braking capacity similar to that of disk brakes, with some minor disadvantages.

[rockfangd]

I just checked Rockauto and one of the struts is out of stock. I have been looking for a replacement set for my 97 SLS. I am thinking it has the FE3 suspension but I cannot confirm it. They only stock one side for the FE1 and it is the left side.

[Cadillac Jim]

I believe that the SLS does NOT have the FE3/Sport suspension. When I bought my car, I was told that the FE3 suspension, VIN 9 engine, and a couple of other things make up the Touring package and aren't available as options without it.

If you're not sure, look at the option sheet inside the spare tire cover. It has the list of *all* options installed at the factory.

I have a question in to Energy Suspension Parts on how I can order my strut mounts. It turns out that no one lists my exact model. I'm thinking that I will go forward without them and put them in when I can get them. Anyone that can answer these questions, please chip in:

• What models have the same strut mounts as the 1997 ETC? I'm thinking that for sure STS/ETC from 1993 through 1997 share this part, and it may be all Northstars from 1993-1999, possibly excepting the 1998-1999 Seville and Deville.
• If you have Energy Suspension strut mounts or other parts on your Cadillac, where did you order them?