Gonna need to put some new rear struts on the back of my 95 Olds 98. I thought that the 98'* all had ELC on them, but if mine has it, it sure ain't working. I dumped my 275 lb butt on the trunk lip this morning for a minute or two, and it certainly did not activate anything. I also did not see any place where a hose could plug into a pump in the trunk. The owners manual has one line about it, which seems to indicate it is standard, but little else. Even the bill of sale does not say anything about it.
Anyhow, I am proceeding under the impression that the pump is bad. So what I am thinking of doing is just putting in some struts that will fit in place of the ELC ones. From what I have seen, KYB has some. However, I did hear that to do this, you have to install a heavier rear spring, as the ELC ones are very light. I have been searching the old posts here like crazy, but I have not found anything to concretely prove this.
So, I guess, my question is, is this true? I am thinking of FE3 springs or the like. What is the best way to find these? Any good sources new or used? Anything else to look out for while doing this?
Thanks for listening to my newbie questions!
Erik

FE3 springs were never used in H bodies. So you won't find any. Those from other bodies won't work.

Can you tell us whether you have FE1 or FE2 on your RPO label? Can you please check under the hood to see if you even have the compressor for ELC? Can you check to see if you have an ELC fuse?

If you have ELC, it'* advisable to keep it. It'* designed into your suspension. Replacement struts are available for it.

Thanks for the reply!
I meant FE2, not 3. Sorry for the typo!
I will take a look at all of that tomorrow, and get right back to you on it!
Thanks again
Erik

Your 98 is a stretched and heavier H chassis. It'* called a C-body but is essentially the same. You SHOULD have FE2 if I recall.

We simply need to verify that you have ELC, and what suspension you have. The SSEi'* get FE2 with ELC by default. ELC is an integral part of FE2 suspension. FE2 would lose it'* 'feel' loosening up the back end far too much without ELC.

FYI, the rear struts for ELC are NOT air struts. They are GAS struts with air assist.

Bigerik?

Are there tubes going to the rear struts for the air supply? You should be able to see them looking into the wheel well.

Ok, got some info. I had a buddy who is a mechanic just check it over to make sure nothing was horribly wrong anywhere. Never know with a used car. He said he check the ELC, confirming that it had it, and said that no power was coming to the pump. When he bypassed the switch, the pump worked just great and he said the back struts were not leaking. This, however, should still not change the big bounces it makes on the highway. So, I will need new struts. I just know that I need to find the ELC struts and figure out where the juice to the pump is stopping.
Gonna go pick it up now. Will check the build sheet and see which suspension I have.
Thanks!

there are 2 things that the ELC gets power from...there is a dedicated ELC fuse and there is also a Fuse in the Maxi fuse center under the hood

Ok will check the fuses.
So this thing has 2 fuse boxes???
Can you tell I am new to the GM thing? I am a Ford refugee, looking for a better way.
Erik

Yes, the regular fuse box under the dash, then the other is under the hood. Pop the hood and look at the firewall, there is a black plastic cover that says fuse and relay center, remove the fasteners and pull it off and there they are. there are small covers that say fuses. remove those and the fuses are right there.