Suspension difference question
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Member
Joined: 02-14-2010
Posts: 40
From: Illinois
Suspension difference question
What exactly is the difference between the HHR SS suspension and the HHR LT suspension?? I am looking up the Moog part numbers and it appears the front springs are the same part number and the rears are different. Is this correct? If the front springs are the same, what makes the suspension different? Does the SS have the same ride height as the LT?
My wife's LT is in need of struts after 120K and I'm just trying to sort this all out because if I'm replacing suspension parts, it would be horribly uncharacteristic of me not to upgrade it. One major complaint I've always had about this car is the handling, so if anyone can give me an explanation of the difference the SS offers, please enlighten me.
My wife's LT is in need of struts after 120K and I'm just trying to sort this all out because if I'm replacing suspension parts, it would be horribly uncharacteristic of me not to upgrade it. One major complaint I've always had about this car is the handling, so if anyone can give me an explanation of the difference the SS offers, please enlighten me.
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,718
From: Alabama
In simple terms, everything in the SS FE5 suspension is different from the FE1's and FE3's.
A lot of those aftermaket parts catalogs have been known to be wrong with their listings for HHR stuff.
If you look up the parts in a GM catalog, you'll see that there are different parts for each suspension package. Some of the FE1's, FE3's parts may be the same but the FE5's parts are stand alone.
A lot of those aftermaket parts catalogs have been known to be wrong with their listings for HHR stuff.
If you look up the parts in a GM catalog, you'll see that there are different parts for each suspension package. Some of the FE1's, FE3's parts may be the same but the FE5's parts are stand alone.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,900
From: Welland,Ont Canada
1 to 2 inches, not sure I never measured the same place on an FE 1 or FE 3 or FE 5.
Check out the want ads I think there are a set or two of FE 5 springs for sale.
Or if interested I have a set of rear springs from Canuck Motorsports that drop the back 1 1/2 inches
Check out the want ads I think there are a set or two of FE 5 springs for sale.
Or if interested I have a set of rear springs from Canuck Motorsports that drop the back 1 1/2 inches
Senior Member
Joined: 08-26-2008
Posts: 1,488
From: Sequim Washington
Personally I don't know why you wouldn't just replace the 2 Front Struts with FE1/FE3 KYB's and add a TurboTech Rear Sway Bar.
You will see a big improvement in stability and handling and still have your softer ride qualities.
SF
You will see a big improvement in stability and handling and still have your softer ride qualities.
SF
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
FE1/FE3 is "your father's Oldsmobile" ride.
I don't have any issues with handling on either of the LTs I have owned, except in the low speed turning response. I guess we could call it "understeer". At low speeds the rear end just does not go where my brain thinks it is supposed to go, but at speed above 45MPH it seems to "stick" pretty good. I am not a racer, just an old fart.
I don't have any issues with handling on either of the LTs I have owned, except in the low speed turning response. I guess we could call it "understeer". At low speeds the rear end just does not go where my brain thinks it is supposed to go, but at speed above 45MPH it seems to "stick" pretty good. I am not a racer, just an old fart.