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Comparing 08 Suspension to Earlier Years

Thanks again for the great posts...

Did anyone else notice on the model center portion of this site under specifications it mentions 'stabilizer bars' as if it is referring to both the XLR and XLR-V for 2008? Is this a mistake or did they add them to the base 2008 XLR in addition to revising the damping?
 
Wow, you guys have been great with all the valuable info. I actually drove an 08 today (non V version) but it's so hard to glean much from a short run and without being able to compare cars back to back. I'm a bit surprised to hear the rear end being described as loose as this would suggest oversteer, and very few cars are designed in this manner. Also, stiffening up the rear of a car is typically done to help control excessive understeer, not oversteer, but I'm certainly no expert and I'm sure some of you guys know much more than me about these things...

You are right, cars are typically designed to understeer, much safer for the average driver. I used the term "loose" also, I think "disconnected" was more accurate. Anyhow, it's a good handling car, just not up to my Corvette, but the stabilizer bar helps a lot.
Bruce
 
Been watching this thread with interest but not savy enough to pick up on the key issue I have. Does the 2008 base XLR (lets say the Artic White version)
have this "sway bar" or is it something to be added if you wish to make left and right turns at higher speeds?
 
Steve,

I'm not positive about base Platinum models, but I believe the rear sway bar is standard only on the V models. I did put one on the '04 base model I had and it does help with spirited driving. You won't notice any ride difference just cruising.


Been watching this thread with interest but not savy enough to pick up on the key issue I have. Does the 2008 base XLR (lets say the Artic White version)
have this "sway bar" or is it something to be added if you wish to make left and right turns at higher speeds?
 
Been watching this thread with interest but not savy enough to pick up on the key issue I have. Does the 2008 base XLR (lets say the Artic White version)
have this "sway bar" or is it something to be added if you wish to make left and right turns at higher speeds?
I believe Cubby is correct, but real easy to look underneath and verify. I don't have a picture handy, but should be able to spot a black bar about 5/8" diameter clamped to the rear suspension carrier, just in front of the mufflers.
By the way, I love the XLR in white.
Bruce (not the Tech)
In another thread Bruce (the Tech) does confirm only the V has the rear bar from the factory, however if you bought yours used you should check.
 
It would be great if someone can verify. The spec sheet is certainly misleading if the base 2008 does not have the bar...
 
When I had Cadillac put my sway bar on they said it was only standard for the V's and none of the XLR's had it.

Speedway
 
The rear swaybar was factory installed only on the XLR-V model, '06-'09. No other XLR model came from the factory with a rear swaybar, no matter what year.
 
I have an 2008 Base and no Sway Bar. I installed the sway bar on my 2005 when I had it and as all have mentioned it does improve handling.

I have ordered the parts for my 2008 XLR Base and will be installing once they arrive.

If you have any other questions let us know. If you need further comparison between the 2005 and earlier models I would be happy to provide feedback as a multiyear owner.

Sully
 
Jaxsully, I would be interested to hear your take on the the base suspension comparisons - your 2005 XLR prior to the installation of the sway bar vs the 2008 model without the sway bar. From everyones comments I know the sway bar helps, but how do these models compare as delivered from the factory?

Thanks,

Doug
 
Installing rear Anti-Sway bar.

I installed it with my 15 yo son (backed the car on ramps). When you order the pieces (there is a list of the appropriate parts in a thread on the Rear Swaybar topic) - it just bolts right on. So I do not know what the dealer would charge to do this.

Dave. Can the installation be done without lifting the body and relaxing the suspension?
I thought the frame had to be lifted and let the wheels/Arms drop to install it.
Certainly would be simpler to do it on the ramps.
Please let me know. The Parts are expected shortly for my 2008.
Regards
Gord.
 
Install can be done simply laying on the floor if your up for it. Ramps would help out. It's much easier to have the suspension preloaded (compressed). You'll love mod.
 
Dave. Can the installation be done without lifting the body and relaxing the suspension?
I thought the frame had to be lifted and let the wheels/Arms drop to install it.
Certainly would be simpler to do it on the ramps.
Please let me know. The Parts are expected shortly for my 2008.
Regards
Gord.

Gord,

I did installed it perfectly fine with the car backed up on ramps. No issues. You'll be good. :)

You'll love the difference.
 
Install can be done simply laying on the floor if your up for it. Ramps would help out. It's much easier to have the suspension preloaded (compressed). You'll love mod.

Thanks Stella: It will have to warm up a bit first! A heated steering wheel is not much use when the vehicle is garaged for the winter.
No run-flat Snow Tires available!
 
How did like driving it now? Handle's like it should right? I know I'm glad I installed mine!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Dan & Wendy
"05 GRAND DADDY"
 
Thanks so much for your reply Cadillac Tech. I would assume the rear sway makes the car feel more buttoned down, but does it also conspire to give a less supple and compliant ride?

The rear is planted down and the ride is the same. I didn't notice any change in ride at all except it's a LOT more stable.
 

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