Didn't drive my '88 GT any this year because the suspension sounds like it's about ready to fall out of the car! I'm assuming it's time to replace all the 34 year old rubber bushings and that sounds like the ideal winter project. Has anyone tackled this recently to know exactly what is and isn't available and is there a list someplace that would tell all the rubber bushing locations on an '88?
THANKS
------------------ JOE 4RE '88 Fiero GT Med. Red Metallic loaded 5 speed
All the bushings are available in polyurethane and some in rubber. The only real hard to find parts are the wheel bearings and brake calipers. Shocks and struts are readily available but mostly just stock replacements.
Suspension.com I've ordered poly from this company a last year. Good prices on the poly kits, but the steering parts can be had cheaper from Rockauto. I recommend you get them from Rodney Dickman for superior quality steering and suspension parts. He also sells rubber suspension bushing if you don't want poly. Lastly, Fiero Store for things that can't be found elsewhere. Parts are a little pricey but they have some hard to find pieces and are generally good quality.
Overhauled my entire 88 suspension a few years ago, big difference in handling and super happy with the result.
Get the poly bushings and the shocks from Fierostore! All the ball joints (I went with the one inch drop lower ball joint), tie rods, and zero lash end links from Rodney Dickman.
When you install the bushings, make sure you use the included white grease to install them on all surfaces that rub or it will squeak like mad. Tons of threads about installing the bushings here with a search!
I'd also reccommend doing the steering rack bushing, stock is plastic and the new one Rodney sells is brass. Can do it in the car, also threads about it here!
Good luck with the project!
------------------ "Discord" Red 1988 GT under restoration!
Didn't drive my '88 GT any this year because the suspension sounds like it's about ready to fall out of the car! I'm assuming it's time to replace all the 34 year old rubber bushings and that sounds like the ideal winter project. Has anyone tackled this recently to know exactly what is and isn't available and is there a list someplace that would tell all the rubber bushing locations on an '88?
THANKS
I just did the complete rear end of my '88. Getting the old bushings out can be a pain, so I came up with a simple, cheap way to do it, quickly. I posted this several months ago, but I will post it here for you. It consists of a 3 inch carriage bolt with nut and flat washer, a puller, vise and a battery drill. Basically, use a center punch to put a dimple in the center of the head of the carriage bolt to keep the puller centered. Get the puller set up as shown in the pictures below and use your drill to spin the puller. The carriage bolt will push the old metal bushing completely out of the rubber. Then you can cut the old rubber piece out. I used a Sawzall to do this.
I did this a few years ago and can tell you there are no direct rubber replacements for the rears - HOWEVER - you can still replaced the rears with rubber being creative.
I don't recall the specifics exactly but I believe there is a thread on here with the parts to use. I will look through my paper work I see if I have it. I myself prefer rubber over poly as I have used poly on my 86 and it requires maintenance every year or 2 depending on how much and where you drive the car (conditions).
All the bushings are available in polyurethane and some in rubber. The only real hard to find parts are the wheel bearings and brake calipers. Shocks and struts are readily available but mostly just stock replacements.
Suspension.com I've ordered poly from this company a last year. Good prices on the poly kits, but the steering parts can be had cheaper from Rockauto. I recommend you get them from Rodney Dickman for superior quality steering and suspension parts. He also sells rubber suspension bushing if you don't want poly. Lastly, Fiero Store for things that can't be found elsewhere. Parts are a little pricey but they have some hard to find pieces and are generally good quality.
Good luck with your winter project!
-Joe Cooley
Alright, we will check Rodney's website for suspension parts. Got to finish installing the bumper and fender flares on the Silverado this week before we can clear the garage for the incoming Fiero GT project. We'll start with the suspension rebuild as well.
Thanks for the suspension bushing info! Now, how about the cradle and transmission bushings.... should they be replaced as well or are they a bit more robust than the suspension bushings? And the steering rack, is it hard mounted or bushed as well?
As always, appreciate the information and tips!
------------------ JOE 4RE '88 Fiero GT Med. Red Metallic loaded 5 speed
Check Craigs List for a used shop press. When I was working on my '88 rear I did and found a 10 ton press for $80. It pressed the bushings out no problem. There are little to no cost alternatives, sure. If you can get lucky and get a press, well, it is a handy tool to have in your tool bag.
------------------ Stanton '88 Formula, red on gray
Just remembered that the dogbone had been replaced with a polyurethane one when I bought the car. Could this along, with the deteriorated rubber OEM bushings in the rear suspension, contribute to the sound of the suspension about to come out of the car? Is an OEM style rubber dogbone available?
[This message has been edited by JOE 4RE (edited 10-29-2021).]
