[ironindian77]

I wondering if 91-96 caprice suspension parts and rearend will fit in my 85.because I'd like to put a 300 hp 350 in my 85 and I know the 7.5 won't last to long.I thought I read some were that the 91-96 caprice 8.5 rearends were a straight bolt in just they were a little wider.I was also wondering if the front and rear suspension parts would also fit.I'm trying to make a 85 caprice ss of sorts.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by ironindian77

I wondering if 91-96 caprice suspension parts and rearend will fit in my 85.because I'd like to put a 300 hp 350 in my 85 and I know the 7.5 won't last to long.I thought I read some were that the 91-96 caprice 8.5 rearends were a straight bolt in just they were a little wider.I was also wondering if the front and rear suspension parts would also fit.I'm trying to make a 85 caprice ss of sorts.

Yes, the parts bolt in, but the later axles will have the 5 x 5" bolt circle, whereas yours are 5 x 4.75" unless your car is a station wagon or has HD brakes (police/taxi package). Also, wagon rear axles are several inches wider than sedan axles.

[ironindian77]

Its just a 85 caprice 4 door sedan .I know about 5x4.5 bolt pattern I was planing on changing it to 5x5 anyway if the axle bolts in.I will probly need wagon spindles or 91-96 caprice spindles to make the 5x5 rotors in the front work.thanks for the quick reply.

[ericnova72]

The whole '91-96 frame complete with rear axle and front suspension can be swapped to your '85, there is a member here with a thread about his '77 Impala, he is swapping in the '91-96 frame.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by ericnova72

The whole '91-96 frame complete with rear axle and front suspension can be swapped to your '85, there is a member here with a thread about his '77 Impala, he is swapping in the '91-96 frame.

Considering that the frames and suspension are the same, that seems like a lot of work for zero gain. The spindles and rear axles are the only differences.

[ericnova72]

Originally Posted by joe_padavano

Considering that the frames and suspension are the same, that seems like a lot of work for zero gain. The spindles and rear axles are the only differences.

True, unless the 91-96 frame is from the 9c1 police package, then it has stiffer springs, bigger anti-roll bars, higher durometer bushings, bigger front brakes. If I had the cop car, I'd probably do the complete frame swap,. If not, just a rear swap and then rebuild the suspension with poly bushings and add aftermarket anti-roll bars.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by ericnova72

True, unless the 91-96 frame is from the 9c1 police package, then it has stiffer springs, bigger anti-roll bars, higher durometer bushings, bigger front brakes. If I had the cop car, I'd probably do the complete frame swap,. If not, just a rear swap and then rebuild the suspension with poly bushings and add aftermarket anti-roll bars.

And again, all of those pieces bolt into the 1977-1990 frame. I would much rather swap springs and sway bars than a whole frame, but hey, that's me. You only need to spin one cage nut on the body mounting bolts...

[Michael T.]

Originally Posted by ironindian77

I wondering if 91-96 caprice suspension parts and rearend will fit in my 85.because I'd like to put a 300 hp 350 in my 85 and I know the 7.5 won't last to long.I thought I read some were that the 91-96 caprice 8.5 rearends were a straight bolt in just they were a little wider.I was also wondering if the front and rear suspension parts would also fit.I'm trying to make a 85 caprice ss of sorts.

I installed wagon springs on 3 sedans,83,85,91 and soon a 96.I feel the wagon springs are stiffer than what GM put on ANY sedan including the 9C1.The improved handling was GREAT,the cost is about $80. for 4 coil springs.And it makes for a much safer car.

[topmeat69]

Originally Posted by ironindian77

I wondering if 91-96 caprice suspension parts and rearend will fit in my 85.because I'd like to put a 300 hp 350 in my 85 and I know the 7.5 won't last to long.I thought I read some were that the 91-96 caprice 8.5 rearends were a straight bolt in just they were a little wider.I was also wondering if the front and rear suspension parts would also fit.I'm trying to make a 85 caprice ss of sorts.

You can get the spindles off of the caprice wagon,it used the larger front disc,but the wagon had a 5 in bolt pattern, so you order the front disc for the LE1 racing camaro and it has the 4 3/4 in. bolt pattern they cost the same as regular disc, I did all of this to my 85 caprice 2 door,it made for a very cost effective improvement in braking

[Vetteman61]

My first car was a '78 Aerocoupe Caprice. I still have it. As mentioned, all the suspension parts from 77-96 interchange.

One thing you might find interesting is that some of the Buicks had an extra bar on the rear of the frame that gave it extra stability (maybe the station wagons too??).


Here's my car in front of our family dealership, before the Government tore it down in 2009. The federal government closed us up and coincidentally the local government (which had a council full of corrupt idiots, literally) planned to tear the building down and put a building there. The building had been there since the 20s.

[stich626]

take the newer 8.5 and pull the axles and have them redrilled for the 4.75x5
same with the rotors.

[Mutt's37Buick]

I'm looking at buying a '94-'96 Roadmaster for a donor car. I plan on using the engine, trans, steer column, modified seats, and electrical. I'll would also try to use the front steer components to do a front suspension upgrade similar to http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ension_upgrade. Not sure how well the parts will work yet because the lower arms are not symetric like my old Buick.
1) Assuming I can use the suspension, is there any advantage to buying a sedan or a wagon as a donor car?
Thanks

[Vetteman61]

Sedans and wagons will have different rear suspensions and spring rates, which will cause the car you're putting these parts on to sit differently depending on which you get. You might also be concerned with gear ratios in the rear end.

Brandon

[Mutt's37Buick]

Are the front spring rates different?
Thanks

[Vetteman61]

I did know at one time when I was researching all this but I've since forgotten it. This forum was pretty helpful in some areas: B Body Forum

You may also find some help at these sites if you ask around or look deep enough:

http://www.ls1lt1.com/forum/

http://ls1tech.com/forums/