Is there any way to make this car ride like a traditional Cadillac. At this point I'm fed up. If I change out the struts and shocks are there any available that will give me a comfortable ride. This car replaced a worn out 2004 SaaB and I wish I had a new Saab. This CTS 4 has the 3.6 direct iinjection. and every available option. It evn has both wood trim options, I've been told only two were built with everything this one is burgundy and I'm told the other is baige they also have the wing on the trunk but anyway its ashame I can't stand the ride.
2008 CTS Primium with performance suspension.
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'14 CTS-V LongRoof; Audi RS6 Avant; '16 ATS-V Sedan gone; '10 CTS LongRoof gone
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I presume you live in frost heave/pothole country. The fe2 shocks should give a better ride I am thinking. The fe3 shocks "build up" pressure within the shock itself to give a firmer ride is the impression I am under.
I was a little dissappointed in the ride on my '11 Luxury, but that is the part of this car being a sport sedan.
What I would do is go test drive one with the FE2 and a Luxury and see what your thoughts are before going through the time and expense of swapping shocks.
What I would do is go test drive one with the FE2 and a Luxury and see what your thoughts are before going through the time and expense of swapping shocks.
Previous: '08 CTS4, '09 CTS, '11 CTS4, all Premium models. No longer own a Cadillac.
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Hey guys... the OP's '08 CTS4 (has AWD) would be equipped with the FE2 suspension, not FE3. FE3 was not /is not available with AWD. I owned (leased) a fully equipped '08 CTS4 3.6 DI FE2 for over a year and a half, and to be honest I found that car to be quite rough riding - it didn't handle bumps in the road very well. There's a big difference in the feel of the suspension of my current '11 CTS4 FE2/FE5 (which is excellent) compared to the '08 CTS4 FE2 I had. I would suggest to the OP that he replace the vehicle's '08 struts with latest version/spec FE2 components, and also suggest replacing the tires (are they the Michelin all-seasons as per original application at factory?) with a set that is more compliant and could provide a more comfortable ride.
As info my FE2/FE5-equipped '11 CTS4 came from the factory with 19" Goodyear RS-A2 tires size P245/45R19, and feature a carbon fibre reinforced sidewall. The specialized Goodyears provide an excellent ride despite their lower profile (aspect ratio of 45 versus 50) compared to the 18" tires found in the standard FE2 package.
As info my FE2/FE5-equipped '11 CTS4 came from the factory with 19" Goodyear RS-A2 tires size P245/45R19, and feature a carbon fibre reinforced sidewall. The specialized Goodyears provide an excellent ride despite their lower profile (aspect ratio of 45 versus 50) compared to the 18" tires found in the standard FE2 package.
'14 CTS-V LongRoof; Audi RS6 Avant; '16 ATS-V Sedan gone; '10 CTS LongRoof gone
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AWD in itself will also give a stiffer ride. However, changing out for new model struts is a great idea. Along with that, tires play a huge factor in your ride. I always read Tire Rack reviews on individual tires before I buy, and the ride factor is important.
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