Fast shipping I received the rear shocks yesterday from Strutmasters, they ship fast! I got them in less then 24 hours. I am still waiting for the front KYB,s from Amazon, who had the best price and free shipping. The pun did not escape my notice.
strutmasters These are the rear shocks to replace the factory air ride suspension. They look very sturdy and substantial , and heavy duty. I am not sure about it being a "kit" as this is all you get, 2 coil over shocks, bolts and instructions.
I can't stress enough how much you should replace the rear springs, even with the coil-over shocks. The stock springs are designed to work with air shocks, and are pretty weak. Go online to Rock Auto and order Moog variable-rate CC623 coil springs. Autozone sells them as well but Rock Auto is cheaper, unless you luck out on Amazon. Regardless, while you are working back there and have the shocks out, now is the time to do this. Want to know how I know?? I put Gabriel Coil-Over's on my Roady first, with stock springs, thinking I could do this on the cheap. It didn't work well...see pics below.... Here was the car after installing the Moogs and KYB's. SO much better, and it no longer squats when I use the boat or have a big load in the back.
Oh and as substantial as those coil-over shocks look...look inside the spring at the actual size of the shocks....they're pretty small compared to a normal non-coil-over. The spring is there to help hold the car's weight, but the actual shock portion, which gives you "control" and smooth ride, is small on coil-overs. If I was you I'd return those coil-overs and go with KYB Gas-A-Justs and Moog springs. The KYB's are MUCH larger and will give you much better control, and the Moog's will handle the weight of the car...the way it should be. I've done this three times now on my three wagons. Learn from my mistakes. Do it once and be done. You will thank me....especially when you see how hard it is to get to the upper shock bolts. You only want to do this ONCE. -Mike
Production Info? Does anyone have Production numbers on these body styles of Roadmasters and Caprices? I believe the Caprice started production in 91, but not sure the last year for this body style. How about the Roadmasters? If anyone has the production years and productions numbers for both these cars I would love to see them. It seems there are far more Roadmasters on this site than Caprices.....or is it just my perception?
We'll check on the production numbers, but in the mean time....... The 'whale wagons', as they were known, were built in the model years '91 - '96, except for the Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser, which was only offered in '91 and '92. Also, while Buick and Chevrolet had sedan versions, the Olds had no such counterpart.
springs Good advice about replacing the springs. I am sure that would be a must do for towing and caring heavy loads. I never plan on towing and the car will carry me a friend and our surfboards or mom and her wheel chair. I will try the coil overs for now and see how it goes. It is cheaper on both parts and labor, it may do the job for light loads. If the car rides slightly low that would be fine easier for my mom to get in and out, and may give the car a lowered look.
Excellent, I assume you have sources or at least are diligent with searching the web. Thank you, I will be awaiting the results! Meanwhile: Did all Roadmasters come with woodgrain on the side?
These are numbers I found for wagons. How close are they? Who knows. A good start anyhow. Wagons could be ordered without wood. Caprice 1991 15,000 1992 13,400 1993 10,607 1994 7,719 1995 5,030 1996 485 total-52,241 Roadmaster 91 6,729 92 11,019 93 9,525 94 8,669 95 5,522 96 8,962 total- 50,426
