Suspension ** (Finally Fixed) **
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Originally Posted by mstrwolfgang
On the spare tire cover, 4th column, 2nd row under Service Parts Identification... It says "F41". Is that what you are referring to?
If you do have F41, that'* as good as your car can have suspension-wise, and perhaps your struts are toast, and/or your endlinks are either missing or have worn-out bushings.
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Originally Posted by mstrwolfgang
You know, judging from the people that had owned this car before, it seemed like they were trying to get the cheapest, most under-optioned Bonneville that was made... however, if this means what I think it means...
On the spare tire cover, 4th column, 2nd row under Service Parts Identification... It says "F41". Is that what you are referring to?
On the endlinks, I'm assuming this is what I need, just want to be sure...
http://www.autozone.com/R,NONAPP1085...ductDetail.htm
Weirdness... Thanks.
On the spare tire cover, 4th column, 2nd row under Service Parts Identification... It says "F41". Is that what you are referring to?
On the endlinks, I'm assuming this is what I need, just want to be sure...
http://www.autozone.com/R,NONAPP1085...ductDetail.htm
Weirdness... Thanks.
Also make sure that Label matches you Vin on the car... But F41 is the one we want
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Yes sir. The VIN matches.
My only assumption for having the F41 package is that it was added because the previous owners KNEW they were going to be towing stuff (there was a trailer hitch attached to it when I bought it).
I am, however, more than excited to find this out however. The endlinks I listed are still 100% compatible with the F41 package though, right? I know I keep repeating/asking the same questions, but I just want to make the right decisions. All too often do I end up forking out money that I could be putting towards something useful.
I would also just like to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart. Never anywhere do I see as much kindness and understanding towards helping someone just because they share a common interest. The world needs more of you guys!
My only assumption for having the F41 package is that it was added because the previous owners KNEW they were going to be towing stuff (there was a trailer hitch attached to it when I bought it).
I am, however, more than excited to find this out however. The endlinks I listed are still 100% compatible with the F41 package though, right? I know I keep repeating/asking the same questions, but I just want to make the right decisions. All too often do I end up forking out money that I could be putting towards something useful.
I would also just like to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart. Never anywhere do I see as much kindness and understanding towards helping someone just because they share a common interest. The world needs more of you guys!
![Beer Chug](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/beerchug.gif)
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mstrwolfgang
Another advantage of replacing the end links first is it gives you the opportunity to look at the other suspension components and visualize what you will need to do.
I was recently under my 2004 and looked at the rear sway bar and noted that the tires would need to be removed to make the replacement easier. Sometimes looking at all the little tasks make the big project easier. At least you have an idea of what you are up against.
Good luck.
Another advantage of replacing the end links first is it gives you the opportunity to look at the other suspension components and visualize what you will need to do.
I was recently under my 2004 and looked at the rear sway bar and noted that the tires would need to be removed to make the replacement easier. Sometimes looking at all the little tasks make the big project easier. At least you have an idea of what you are up against.
Good luck.
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Ahh...good ol' F41.
Now that we know what you have, it'* time to get the shopping list in order.
1) Endlinks. All four corners, as previously stated. Also you will need to get new bolts as the ones you have now are more than likely rust-welded and unusable.
2) Sway bar bushings. Jrs3800 has the p/n for urethane replacements. But according to him, they are a pain in the arse to replace due to clearance.
Now the rest of the stuff you can get from ebay if you look carefully enough: struts, strut mounts, even spring seats can be had, and often much cheaper than going to the parts store. I got all new stuts for all four corners (fronts are factory GM NOS pieces, rears are Gabriel air struts) and front sturt mounts for less than 180.00 total. Shipped.
Now that we know what you have, it'* time to get the shopping list in order.
1) Endlinks. All four corners, as previously stated. Also you will need to get new bolts as the ones you have now are more than likely rust-welded and unusable.
2) Sway bar bushings. Jrs3800 has the p/n for urethane replacements. But according to him, they are a pain in the arse to replace due to clearance.
Now the rest of the stuff you can get from ebay if you look carefully enough: struts, strut mounts, even spring seats can be had, and often much cheaper than going to the parts store. I got all new stuts for all four corners (fronts are factory GM NOS pieces, rears are Gabriel air struts) and front sturt mounts for less than 180.00 total. Shipped.
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Originally Posted by mstrwolfgang
Yes sir. The VIN matches.
My only assumption for having the F41 package is that it was added because the previous owners KNEW they were going to be towing stuff (there was a trailer hitch attached to it when I bought it).
I am, however, more than excited to find this out however. The endlinks I listed are still 100% compatible with the F41 package though, right? I know I keep repeating/asking the same questions, but I just want to make the right decisions. All too often do I end up forking out money that I could be putting towards something useful.
I would also just like to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart. Never anywhere do I see as much kindness and understanding towards helping someone just because they share a common interest. The world needs more of you guys!![Beer Chug](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/beerchug.gif)
My only assumption for having the F41 package is that it was added because the previous owners KNEW they were going to be towing stuff (there was a trailer hitch attached to it when I bought it).
I am, however, more than excited to find this out however. The endlinks I listed are still 100% compatible with the F41 package though, right? I know I keep repeating/asking the same questions, but I just want to make the right decisions. All too often do I end up forking out money that I could be putting towards something useful.
I would also just like to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart. Never anywhere do I see as much kindness and understanding towards helping someone just because they share a common interest. The world needs more of you guys!
![Beer Chug](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/beerchug.gif)
Do you have a code V07 I believe it is? I might have to research that more... Also do you have a medium sized looking cooler in front of the radiator/condenser, Open the hoof and if its there you'll see it on the passenger side... If its there this will be the Trans cooler which usually came with it if the car was ordered with HD cooling and or if you got the Tow Package..
And yes those links are 100% compatible with the F41 suspension..
For the Center Links you will want the McQuay-Norris, Part Number FA7247, These can be bought at advance Auto Parts... The end links listed earlier can be bought at autozone... Like listed above you may need to replace the bolts on the rear with new GM bolts.... The kit for the front will have the bolts...
Thanks for the kind words... we try to do what we can..
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Strange, no the only V was a V1B I believe. Also, no trans cooler that I can see. When me and my dad replaced the radiator, there was no other cooler near it. You might want to look here...
![](http://www.badboypodcast.com/bonneville/bluedevil17.jpg)
I know the pic'* not the best, but if you can see a cooler that I can't, great.
Should I have gotten the kit instead of just the endlinks? I can exchange them, no problem (AutoZone is literally a block away, of course right across the street from O'Reilly. lol) Also, Sandrock, what do I get for the rear? Will those endlinks that I linked to above cover all 4, or do I need to get another pack of the same? (eBay is my friend too, btw)
If I remember correctly, I think I read somewhere in another thread that you could replace the rear GM bolts with some similar from the hardware store, correct?
Also, if you have the P/N for the bushings, that would greatly help. I don't mind clearance issues. I'm used to removing my arms or legs to reach into tight places.
![](http://www.badboypodcast.com/bonneville/bluedevil17.jpg)
I know the pic'* not the best, but if you can see a cooler that I can't, great.
![Wink](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Should I have gotten the kit instead of just the endlinks? I can exchange them, no problem (AutoZone is literally a block away, of course right across the street from O'Reilly. lol) Also, Sandrock, what do I get for the rear? Will those endlinks that I linked to above cover all 4, or do I need to get another pack of the same? (eBay is my friend too, btw)
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If I remember correctly, I think I read somewhere in another thread that you could replace the rear GM bolts with some similar from the hardware store, correct?
Also, if you have the P/N for the bushings, that would greatly help. I don't mind clearance issues. I'm used to removing my arms or legs to reach into tight places.
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Yes, you can replace the rear bolts with those from a hardware store. You need to get the Grade 8 shoulder bolts (forgot the size and length) and nylock nuts to go with them. All four corners use the same endlinks. In fact, you will have extra bushings in the rear, so don't freak out if you think you forgot one. The only bushings not available in urethane will be the rear swaybar bushings, and even then I think the only way to get new rubber ones are through the dealer.
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Originally Posted by sandrock
Yes, you can replace the rear bolts with those from a hardware store. You need to get the Grade 8 shoulder bolts (forgot the size and length) and nylock nuts to go with them. All four corners use the same endlinks. In fact, you will have extra bushings in the rear, so don't freak out if you think you forgot one. The only bushings not available in urethane will be the rear swaybar bushings, and even then I think the only way to get new rubber ones are through the dealer.
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