2nd Gen Suspension Parts swapped to Classic

[NinEFivEFourOH]

So, I'm doing some major stuff to my '01 2nd gen 4.0. I'm considering buying custom lowering springs, as well as totally redoing the entire suspension (struts, strut mounts, axles, hubs, control arms, bushings, rack, etc.).

From what I've seen, it's a pretty simple swap to swap newer suspension parts to Classics... I'd like to be able to swap all of these new parts to my 95 eventually (which I'll do when I hit the lotto and convert the 2nd gen to RWD, swap in a T56 and throw in a blown 4.4 Northstar ).

Just want to make sure if I invest nearly $800 in custom lowering springs, that i'll be able to use them on my first gen.

From what it looks like, one of the strut mount holes has to be relocated to be able to swap the newer struts on.

Anyone done this swap on a 95?

[RCA1186]

I know that the knuckles are different on the 95. I found this in the parts swap thread, you may have seen already

aurorabrain said:

austinator said:

So are you able to use lucerne front struts and springs on a 95 without swapping anything else(like the subframe...)? If so, I'm interested. I might eventually do some other swaps, but I'm probably doing struts within the next few months, whether new or off a Lucerne

Lucerne struts are not a direct bolt on unless you have a '98+ Aurora due to the 3 strut mount holes . 97 requires the relocation of the strut mount holes, but only 1 hole has to be changed(the one closest to the fender has to be elongated at a 90 degree angle and made closer to the fender edge). 95-96 steering knuckles are cast iron and the mounting holes for the strut in the knuckle are closer together and will not work. If you change to newer knuckles you still have to change the strut tower like the '97. You can't swap mounts and struts either because the springs are a different shape from the top to the bottom.

aurorabrain said:

speedneon said:

can you post pics of your strut mount holes

The only one that has to be changed is the hole closest to the fender, it has to be turned into a "T" shape (moved out to the edge of the fender) but only about 1/2". This was done by using an old 98+ strut mount that i cut to be just a plate, (cut the center out so it was flat) and then i used it as a template to make the hole in the correct location where the bolt pattern didn't line up. I would have to remove a strut to take a picture.

The thread :http://aurorah.proboards.com/thread/3782/definitive-rora-swap-listing-links





Take that thread with a grain of salt. Most of it should (and supposedly does) work, but as with the case of most things online - use your best judgment in trusting them. I did the lucerne brake upgrade and it was indeed correct.

[NinEFivEFourOH]

Yes, I had read through that, was really just seeing if anyone had anymore insight on the 95 swap.

So what it looks like is as long as you swap the entire set of components from the newer 01+ suspension (struts, knuckles, axles, springs, hubs, control arms etc.) to a 95, you just need to modify the strut tower the same way you do for 97+...

Anyone done this swap or something similar to this?

[RCA1186]

There are members who've done it. But they're long gone. Try contacting aurorabrain from that thread. Not sure if he still has an Aurora but he may know the details.

[randnon]

The 95 lower control-arm has a different mount in the front with it being a vertical bolt vs horizontal bold. These would have to be reconfigured along with all the other changes mentioned above. Rich in Buffalo. I have considered doing this as my frt lower arms are a bit rusty and are not available new anywhere. Still driving my 95 that was purchased new in Dec 1994.

[NinEFivEFourOH]

The area you're talking about the control arms connecting to would be the sub frame, yes? From what I've seen the 2nd gen sub frame is swappable to the classics, with some modification. That being said, if I swap essentially every component from a 2nd gen to a classic, I should only be looking at some minor modifications right?

[RCA1186]

I think that would leave you with just the strut tower holes. But I would think that would be simple after the other stuff.

[AuroraGirlFromMars]

the 1999 aurora shares the same exact subframe with a 1999 park avenue (buick) and the 2g buick park avenue had 4 subframes, 1997, 1998/1999, 2000, 2001-2005 and all without changing generation with 2 engines/1 transmission in that time (l36, l67 3800, SC respectively) and i think that also shared with riviera, which is makes sense since same as aurora platform.

With that in mind, I do not think there is any body difference in park avenue in that time. only thing is suspension parts to match. most subframe stuff kept the same mounting spots just different design(other vehicles maybe?)

so it shouldnt be hard. did aurora from 95-99 change body locations for mounts and stuff?

[RCA1186]

I think only he engine/trans mounts really changed year to year along with the control arms.

[AuroraGirlFromMars]

The cradle is different. im not sure by how much, but from my research 1995-2005 full size c, g, whatever caddys were, etc have the same crossmember for 4.0, 3.8, 4.6 engines

struts, driveshafts, and subframe mounts being the only changes between cars