Suspension conversion kit for catera? - Page 2

R-Caddy · #16 (**permalink**) 01-28-08, 06:02 PM

I need to loan a spring compressor to find out how the struts fit. So far, the shocks are great

My next project is front struts and springs and then rear springs. I will definitely keep you guys updated.

tpilews · #17 (**permalink**) 02-05-08, 11:34 PM

Haven't really gotten to it yet. I just moved a week ago and am waiting for my buddy who's an electrician to set up my 240 outlet for the compressor. I'll update with some pictures in a couple weeks.

tpilews · #18 (**permalink**) 02-05-08, 11:35 PM

Does anyone know if the gto's rear springs will create the factory height or will it be lowered? The gto's springs look smaller, but they may be stiffer. I'd really like to have to avoid getting a camber kit.

PEETYZ · #19 (**permalink**) 02-06-08, 01:28 PM

Heres what I just did i removed the catera rear air ride shock absorbers and replaced them with the gto rear shock absorbers very easy just like r-caddy but so far I left the catera stock rear springs in and wow the car handles much better (it sits about the same height as before maybe a bit lower) its amazing how much stiffer it is in the rear. Now i will remove air compressor and take out leveling light behind guage cluster. I have not tried the front struts yet but i hear you must have gto stuts and gto springs to do it. Has any one done it yet and is that all that is required to do the swap?

also i can get gto rear springs but does it offer any advantage if my catera springs are in good shape? Car so far handles great. For anyone looking to do the swap you can get a set of used gto absorbers from ls1gto.com for around 40 for the pair id say or spend like 63 and get a new set from www.rockauto.com note all rear shock absorbers are the same from 04-06 my car currently has 05 gto shocks

cateraowner · #20 (**permalink**) 02-06-08, 02:19 PM

just wondering? how difficult is it to change out the rear shocks, I know mine are leaking and would like to replace them.

PEETYZ · #21 (**permalink**) 02-06-08, 05:34 PM

very simple step 1 jack up rear of car so rear wheels are off the ground or do one side at a time and remove wheel or wheels 2. get in trunk and take rubber boot cover off and remove top nut note if the whole rod turns hold the base of shock that does not move(closer to top) 3. remove bottom nut where it is connected at bottom 3. pop off the shock and it will come out. 4. install gto shock just how catera shock was you may have to reuse some bushings.5 put wheels back on and your done any questions PM me or R-Caddy we both have done it

JusGoodness · #22 (**permalink**) 02-07-08, 01:18 AM

Hello, elvin315, peetyz,and R-Caddy
I think the gto shocks might help me with my 97 catera. Please keep posting any updates. A grl needs all the help she can get. My tc light stays on also and the tcs button doesnt work? I will check my fuses in a couple of days after i unbury it from our huge snow storm.
Thanks Guys

R-Caddy · #23 (**permalink**) 02-08-08, 05:28 PM

No idea about the TC light, maybe a bad switch or smth. The shock swap to me is a 20 minute job now, since I've done it a couple times...

) Yeah, PM, no problem. But my instructions would be:
1. Leave the car on the ground. Remove the boot from the inside the trunk. Loosen the nut (15 mm I believe) and take it off.
2. Jack up the car. Leave the wheels on. The top of the shock slides out.
3. Support the car and take the bottom bolt out. I think it's 21mm.
4. Install reversing the instructions. Just let the car slowly to the ground, while aiming the top bolt of the shock through the hole.
TA-DAAAHHHHH!!!!! Your Catera has officially been GTO'd

PEETYZ · #24 (**permalink**) 02-08-08, 06:39 PM

that will work as well my way was a two person job any updates for front?

R-Caddy · #25 (**permalink**) 02-08-08, 10:48 PM

Just picked up coil spring compressors from Advance Auto. Looks like Saturday is going to be a nice day to try to fit those suckers in there

And I looked at the rear springs- looks like they're the same shape and fitment. That may come next. I've done a decent amount on work lately: put in new radiator, heater valve, PCV valve hose, brake booster hose. So only now am I getting to the fun stuff

Yet to put in the larger throttle body and slightly bored out intake manifold. Once again, I will keep everyone posted on my progress.
Cheers

PEETYZ · #26 (**permalink**) 02-14-08, 06:33 PM

the gto and catera both use same part# for strut mount so should mount up good best of luck R-Caddy let us know asap

tpilews · #27 (**permalink**) 02-14-08, 09:58 PM

It isn't too hard. The hardest part is getting the nut off the top of the shock. You need to get some vise grip pliers to hold it in place. I'd recommend getting a ratcheting wrench for that nut too. I think it's 9/16", someone correct me if I'm wrong.

PEETYZ · #28 (**permalink**) 02-15-08, 12:26 AM

tpilews Re: Suspension conversion kit for catera?

It isn't too hard. The hardest part is getting the nut off the top of the shock. You need to get some vise grip pliers to hold it in place. I'd recommend getting a ratcheting wrench for that nut too. I think it's 9/16", someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Or you can take off top nut first and if the whole assembly turns with the nut have one person hold the area of shock near the top under where the shock fits up into mounting place(this is the part of shock assembly where the part that moves up and down goes into) grip that area tight you will feel the nut turning against you and that should make only the nut turn and not the whole assembly when you re installl new shock have some one hold same area while other tightens the nut. If i'm confusing anyone hold different parts of shock assembly while other person tighten/loosen top nut and you will know where the right place to hold is because if your holding in the correct place only the nut will turn not whole assemby

R-Caddy · #29 (**permalink**) 02-16-08, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PEETYZ

the gto and catera both use same part# for strut mount so should mount up good best of luck R-Caddy let us know asap

That's how the whole idea of putting GTO struts came to my mind

Just worked full six days. Maybe some time today after I get changed and before the sun sets...

R-Caddy · #30 (**permalink**) 02-17-08, 01:56 AM

Well, I got the struts and the spring out in the front. Ran into one problem- cannot take the nut off the strut assembly to take the mounts and the spring off. I'll try again later. FYI, you don't need a spring compressor to remove the struts- they come out as one piece out with the spring. You will need it when you remove the spring from the strut assembly. That nut holding the strut mount was my enemy. I'll see if I can get a good wrench to take that sucker off. Now, removing the strut assembly is becoming a 20 minute job to me- just like the shocks (which are still much easier...) I'll see what size wrench I need. It's the same size as the bolt on top of the strut that holds it under the hood.
I will keep you guys updated.
Cheers to our progress