fe1/fe3 shocks
Thread Starter
Premium Member
Joined: 08-09-2012
Posts: 1,979
From: Cambridge, Ontario , Canada
fe1/fe3 shocks
I got an 08 LS and I was told that they come with Fe1 shocks. I bought Pedder springs and it was also suggested for me to switch the Fe1's to Fe3's instead to handle the drop and compression from the new springs. Just wondering how would I know which aftermarket shocks are Fe3? I live in Canada and have access to Monroe (but dont know of any other brands really) but Im wondering is there any other options available? Any suggestions? Is it something where Ill have to call every aftermarket company and ask them if its fe3? 
confusing :p
confusing :p
Senior Member
Joined: 09-05-2009
Posts: 452
From: New England
FE5's are NOT overkill at all and are much better matched to the springs
When Pedders made their springs at the same spring rates as the HHR SS (they just made them lower) and the SS has the FE5 suspension, so it is a perfect fit. You don't want to buy a performance spring and then use an inferior shock (FE1 OR FE3)
When Pedders made their springs at the same spring rates as the HHR SS (they just made them lower) and the SS has the FE5 suspension, so it is a perfect fit. You don't want to buy a performance spring and then use an inferior shock (FE1 OR FE3)
Thread Starter
Premium Member
Joined: 08-09-2012
Posts: 1,979
From: Cambridge, Ontario , Canada
just worried that its going to make the ride really rough, more rough than the SS. Doesnt the Fe5 have a different set up than the fe1/fe3? (as in install/parts/bushings etc) ?
Senior Member
Joined: 01-13-2008
Posts: 4,708
From: Washington State, where it rains
I your going to change go with the FE5 shocks/struts..you wont regret it...though, if you to go a different route, the KYBs are ok..they are claimed to be about 10-15% better then stock and are okhave them on my LS with Gold Lines are they arnt too shabby....your call though..
Senior Member
Joined: 09-05-2009
Posts: 452
From: New England
Your springs are the pieces that are going to give you a much "rougher" ride than your originals, not your shocks.
When you parts match suspension components, you get a better ride than mismatched combinations
When you parts match suspension components, you get a better ride than mismatched combinations
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,721
From: Alabama
If you're putting Pedders on an LS car, then you're really putting SS type FE5 springs on it. The Pedders were made to mimic the stock FE5's but give the car a lower ride height(shorter springs).
So it seems to me if you want to use Pedders, you should go with FE5 style shocks and struts. Who suggested you use FE3's?
If it's still too confusing, you could also just contact Pedders and get their suggestions.
FWIW. FE1,FE3,FE5 are just a GM or Chevy code number for the different shock/strut packages.
So it seems to me if you want to use Pedders, you should go with FE5 style shocks and struts. Who suggested you use FE3's?
If it's still too confusing, you could also just contact Pedders and get their suggestions.
FWIW. FE1,FE3,FE5 are just a GM or Chevy code number for the different shock/strut packages.
Thread Starter
Premium Member
Joined: 08-09-2012
Posts: 1,979
From: Cambridge, Ontario , Canada
ok thanks for the info everyone! You said the fe1/fe3/fe5 are GM's code names, how will I know what aftermarket shocks/struts are considered fe5? Suggestions on brands? or should I stick with the GM fe5 parts?
