Soften 2004 Redline suspension

[saturn-pilgrim]

I would like to soften the ride in my 2004 Redline. Does anyone know if I can just substitute a non-Redline shock aborbers and\or springs?

Any ideas to soften the suspension to be more like a non-Redline Vue?

[eRic 02sc2]

you could downsize the wheels/tire from the redline 18-inch wheels and 245/50-18 tires to the (V6) 17-inch wheels with 235/60-17 tires. that should soften it a bit. or put the non redline springs on yours.

[D C]

Sure, you can. But why would you? The Redline is still pretty soft and if you put the base dampers on with the Redline tires, it would probably not feel very good at all.

[Dante]

Originally Posted by saturn-pilgrim

I would like to soften the ride in my 2004 Redline. Does anyone know if I can just substitute a non-Redline shock aborbers and\or springs?

Any ideas to soften the suspension to be more like a non-Redline Vue?

Cheapest thing to do is run your tires at 32 PSI. I run at 38-40 all the time b/c it's too soft for me at 35. Next best thing is to buy tires with a taller sidewall, or buy 17" or 16" tires and wheels. The smaller your wheel, the goofier it will look though. Your handling will go to crap too. You could always find someone with a normal Vue that's willing to swap springs, or sell you their old ones off a non-RL, but the dampers/shocks probably won't have much effect. You can buy a set of aftermarket shocks and struts from Monroe, but again, it won't make much difference in teh "harshness"... that's pretty much all in the spring rate and how hard your tires/sidewalls are.

[LUNCHBOX]

Originally Posted by eRic 02sc2

you could downsize the wheels/tire from the redline 18-inch wheels and 245/50-18 tires to the (V6) 17-inch wheels with 235/60-17 tires. that should soften it a bit. or put the non redline springs on yours.

I would agree, you could basically non-RL the suspension and put the regular VUE 17's and springs on your suv. I think the car will look funny with the skinnier and smaller wheels and larger wheel gap though.

I guess the question I would have is, why did you buy a RL Vue instead of just a regular model??

[BobbyP]

Originally Posted by saturn-pilgrim

I would like to soften the ride in my 2004 Redline. Does anyone know if I can just substitute a non-Redline shock aborbers and\or springs?

Any ideas to soften the suspension to be more like a non-Redline Vue?

Do you think the 2004 Red Line has a stiffer suspension? First time I recall anyone complaining about the suspension being too rough.

[zeissheadreggie]

After having some tendonitis in both wrist and hands, I too began to think that
the ride was a bit "harsh". (there are also some poor street surfaces here in Atlanta). I solved this problem with a +1 size tire(245-55-18) as opposed to the OEM 245-50-18. The slightly taller side wall adds a bit more comfort to the ride, and vehicle height: and it fills the wheel wells nicely. Stay away from the BF Goodrich version of this tire, as it is very loud. I'm starting to wonder if I should return them because the are so loud. After I make sure that there's no issue with the suspension/wheel bearings, I'll make a decision as to if I should keep this brand of tire. Again, after two weeks, that the "+ 1" size appears to have made the difference for me. (my 2 cents worth.)

[TheSlayer]

Hey all! I would have to say that the Redline's ride is a lil rougher compared to the 2002 AWD V6 that my wife had. She now drives the RL daily and says it handles better, but it is a little harsher on the bumps. Of course that could be just West Virginia roads! Hey there still better than PA! lol I don't think its bad enough to want to swap suspension. I am running 225/55-18 Cooper CS4s and my wife says it made them slightly smoother on the bumps...not too much though. With an 80K treadlife warranty I couldn
t go wrong. Oh and I have to do it...... West Virginia in the National Championship!!!!!! WOOOO!!!

[Rob Leigh]

Greetings Saturn-pilgrim,

I have the old 2006 Vue V6 springs that my Eibachs replaced. You can have them - make me an offer.

The Eibachs lowered my Vue about 1.5" front and back. Does anyone know if they will fit a Red Line?

Rob

[Dante]

Originally Posted by Rob Leigh

Greetings Saturn-pilgrim,

I have the old 2006 Vue V6 springs that my Eibachs replaced. You can have them - make me an offer.

The Eibachs lowered my Vue about 1.5" front and back. Does anyone know if they will fit a Red Line?

Rob

Sure will... several RL owners have them. The only difference between RL and regular suspensions is the spring rate and height, supposedly sportier shocks/struts, and the rubber spring cushion in the rear has a different part number between RL and regular... But so far as I know they are basically the same.