GT Suspension Better?

[340x]

What is different on the GT Suspension versus the plain suspension? I want a nice ride because the car is mainly used for traveling. Will the GT suspension be rougher and is the front sway bar stiffer?

[nozzano22]

Good Question. From everything I can find, I think they use the same suspension, but the rims/tire sizes are different. Base models use 15 rims, touring and turbo lite models 16" rim, and GT 17 inch rim. I have had both 16 and 17 inch rims on my turbo lite and I could tell the difference. I am going back to the 16" rims since I have installed lowering springs. Love the look, but I want that smooth ride back.

Also, the ride height of all models is the same, I went to the dealer and measured each model,

Mike

[AZ_IceMan]

From what I remember actually, the GT suspension is sport tuned, in otherwords, a little stiffer than normal and it actually sits an 1" lower than the other models.

[SuGamer]

The sports suspension, according to DC, has slightly shorter stiffer springs, and softer shocks and struts. It basicly feels the same as my old 2001 PT with a touring suspension did. But I guess since the rims are larger DC made the sports suspension to conpensate for what would have been a harsher ride.[:I]

[sakigt]

Other things are a bit different too. For instance...When I installed my struts the bolts were larger than what was pictured in the n/a instructions. If it came down to it, you could always add a strut bar ($200) and sway bars ($300) and be equal if not better than the GT model....In other words, if the suspension is the only reason youre going GT, Id say skip it. Do a turbo lite.

[MichaelDay]

Saki, 340x just acquired a totaled GT so he has the suspension available to install on his N/A.

340x, I think you would experience a slight improvement if you switch over to the GT suspension and wheels. The GT has a fairly soft ride due to the softer shocks. Depending on the mileage on the GT you may find that the shocks are already in need of replacement anyway. The GT springs are somewhat stiffer. I don't know that I have ever seen a comparison of the GT vs N/A front sway bars so they may be the same.

Other than taking some of your time, you certainly won't hurt anything by changing the suspension parts out. I think you will be pleased with the ride.

[PTGT Redman]

I have the springs from my 01 and 03 GT. They are exactly the same.
Just like the exhaust sans the muffler tip.

[nozzano22]

I do think they are the same, I went to the dealer and measured 2 of each model, base, touring and GT and the ground to fender height was the same on all.

Mike

[mvandale]

The 2003 model year had a different ground clearance spec for GT & non-GT versions. It says the GT is approx. .2 inches lower; I would guess that the springs are 1 inch lower, but with the 17 inch wheels, the height is raised up again, offsetting the lowering to some degree (?). Regardless, I think there should be a minimal difference.

See this link:
http://www.new-cars.com/2003/chrysle...ser-specs.html

[MichaelDay]

I believe that the ground clearance issue is related to the different shape of the front fascia. There is slightly less clearance on the GT but the rolling radius of the 17" vs the 16" vs the 15" wheels is very close to being the same.

Even though springs measure the same height and look the same does not mean that they have the same characteristics. If they have the same part number, they are the same but at least Chrysler's advertising indicates that they did change the spring and shocks characteristics for the GT.