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| Author | Topic: Help with my prowler concerns |
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Ivorydome Prowler Newbie From: |
posted 12-23-2014 10:31 AM
    
I purchased a Prowler with only 800 miles on it and I was ecstatic. As I began to drive it, I noticed a few disturbing issues which I am optimistic that my fellow prowler owners on here will help me solve based on their experience. First, the impact that I feel in the steering wheels each time I get into a bump or merely riding over the metal ridges on a bridge in the middle of the road is so shocking and uncomfortable. In fact, after a day's ride...it feels as though my whole body hurts. An example; placing a cup of coffee in the car or a charger in the charger port all just knocks off with a small impact. To make things worse...driving on a smooth and well paved road is not any better. I can feel every groove on the tar in my steering. Initially I thought it was my tire because the low tire pressure light came one..but despite inflating it....I feel no reprieve. I took it to someone who suggested that I change the struts because they are compressed from sitting in the previous owners garage for so long. But theses struts will cost me over 3000 dollars. II took it for a second opinion somewhere else and the dude stated that the struts are fine. Whom do I believe? I just need solution and just wanna be able to enjoy an evening ride in this nice looking car. I must state that it ain't my primary car. Lastly...I understand that this car is a hot rod and not built to drive like a Mercedes but there is more to this feeling than just the way it is made. Please any ideas will be appreciated |
kriegsadmiral  POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Illinois |
posted 12-23-2014 10:44 AM
My first question to you is how old are the tires. If you are driving on rock hard rubber they need to be changed. If the car has only 800 miles I am assuming that the previous owner never invested in new tires. If so, the tires have to be 10-15 years old and not only unsafe but also would give a terrible ride. Check the production codes. When I bought my car the front tires were only 6 years old but the rears were 12 so they immediately were replaced and the ride improved greatly, but not enough to keep the CD from skipping at each large bump. |
ALLEY CAT                  POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:mesa, az, USA |
posted 12-23-2014 10:45 AM
What model year is your Prowler?
Take it out for a long drive,,,,100+ miles at highway speeds, and see if that changes what you are feeling.. |
garysss POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Balto. Md. |
posted 12-23-2014 10:53 AM
If it is cold where your at, tires ride hard as bricks until they warm up, but the Prowler has a firm ride no matter what. |
CCJ POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Little Rock, AR, USA |
posted 12-23-2014 10:54 AM
$2.33 says his shocks are fawked. The rears I bet are leaking, and the fronts have gased out due to crap design and old age. |
padroo POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Chesterton, IN, USA |
posted 12-23-2014 12:30 PM
Did you know that the tires that came on all Prowlers are run flat tires, meaning there is no give in the sidewall. Going to a standard tire will help the ride a lot. The front stabilizer is too stiff for a car like the Prowler, most people who actually drive them put a Larry Lord Wonder Bar on the car to soften up the ride. Don't get me wrong it will never ride like a Cadillac but it will be tolerable. http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/004546.html
This message has been edited by padroo on 12-23-2014 at 12:33 PM |
adacus Prowler Junkie From:Houston, TX USA |
posted 12-23-2014 12:31 PM
1) Get rid of run flats 2) Check struts for condition 3) Install WONDER BAR* * Do a search for this product on this site. It will be simply the best mod you will do for your vehicle. |
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Gort Prowler Junkie From:Clinton Tn,USA |
posted 12-23-2014 12:53 PM
Take the rock hard runflats off and buy Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.(40k mile warranty) Chinese or Korean or Taiwanese tires are going to be another problem later. Tires make a big difference on a Prowler,they ride rough to begin with. Another important suggestion, when you let the top down and close the lid be sure you don't let the latch pinch a hole in the top. Move the cloth away from the latch, and make sure nothing comes in touch with the cloth. This message has been edited by Gort on 12-23-2014 at 12:59 PM |
MeanGene POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Burtonsville, MD |
posted 12-23-2014 01:33 PM
IvoryDome, 1. Where you're located might help, if we know. There are some very knowledgeable owners...maybe, only a few miles away, that have gone through this and can provide some insight. 2. Most owners that purchased the Kat - new, had the same complain with the "rough" ride. Most have replaced the run-flats with a normal tire combination. This will eliminate most of the complains. Other have install a WonderBar or equivalent to further refine the ride dynamics, including struts and the like. 3. Depending on how long the Kat sat before you purchased it and the general age of the parts - some may need replacing (i.e. shocks) or just some riding time (i.e. flat spotted tires) 4. Most owners have modified their Kats to their own comfort level...get with some and ride in their Kats to get a feel and appreciation for the mods, and more important the money you think you might need to punk down to get the same mod. 5. Attend the Kat events - regional or locally to keep up-to-date and meet some of these crazy people. JMO - MeanGene |
Drew POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Victorville, Ca |
posted 12-23-2014 03:38 PM
Fairly certain there is nothing wrong with your car, you have joined the club of the white knuckle rides. I cannot comment on the ride improvement of non-run flats but am intimately familiar with the sometimes scary tracking of road imperfections. More time behind the wheel = being more comfortable with it, it will go where you want to but it at times requires semi serious physical persuasion. It is a part of it's charm. |
robin POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:St Thomas Ontario Canada |
posted 12-23-2014 05:53 PM
http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum21/HTML/000046.html New tires |
JeraneW POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Hilton Head, South Carolina , USA |
posted 12-23-2014 07:03 PM
I always come back to this subject any time a new owner buys a Prowler. Be careful you do not scuff the nose when parking. I have owned my Kat since new and still run on my run flats. I think catfish and I are the only ones that like our old run flats. |
ed monahan POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA |
posted 12-23-2014 07:42 PM
I have a Prowler with the run-flats and a Prowler with regular tires. The difference is incredible and very noticeable, immediately. Last year I bought 97 with runflats that had been sitting awhile. I was shocked at the harsh ride for the first few miles. When the tires got warmed up, it helped a lot but I still replaced them shortly thereafter. It is like getting a totally diff. car. The runflats are great if you are concerned about a flat tire, otherwise they suck, in my opinion. I can handle a flat tire so it doesn't really concern me very much at all. Just my 2 cents. |
Efrem 72 POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Bellwood IL.60104 |
posted 12-24-2014 05:01 AM
Guess it all boils down to what your looking for...originality or ride and comfort...since my cat is a garage queen and I never drive it to notice how it rides other than a mile or two every couple of months.....I would go with originality the run flats.jmo |
Poor Richard POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Far Hills, New Jersey, USA |
posted 12-24-2014 06:58 AM
Start with new tires....made my cat purrfect. Also check that the recalls were completed. Enjoy! |
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Ivorydome Prowler Newbie From: |
posted 01-01-2015 02:31 PM
Thank you KriegsadmiralKriegsadmiral I do not know how old the tires are, maybe the previous owner never changed them but they sure look good. The treadings look very good. It is 1999 prowler |
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padroo POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Chesterton, IN, USA |
posted 01-01-2015 02:34 PM
Here is a link to Tirerack.com that tells you how to tell when your tires were made. Some places say they should be changed in 6 to 10 years. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11 |
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Ivorydome Prowler Newbie From: |
posted 01-01-2015 02:56 PM
Thank you all Alley Cat- It is a 1999 prowler CCJ- Are you referring to the front and rear struts/shocks leaking and being gassed out? Padroo-Thank you for the link. May I ask you where may I take the car to install the wonder bar after buying it. I live in MD Adacus- Padroo sent me a link for the tires and wonder bar. I will check it out. MeaneGene- I live in Rockville MD. Infact I have just recently moved there from Burtonsville MD. What a coincidence! How may you be of help? Do you have a place you recommend for a wonder bar installation in the area? Is the wonder bar a substitute for new struts or you simply suggest installing a wonder bar and new struts. Robin- Your advise is really handy. I have had one of my center caps broken by an auto technician while trying to take out the tires to figure out whats up. Is the link you forwarded to me legit? The gentleman makes those shocks right? Have they been tested on any prowler? Do you know? Those are shocks not struts right? Prowler uses struts i believe. |
alrtg POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Westminster, MD, USA |
posted 01-01-2015 03:31 PM
Ivorydome, Regarding where to take your car to accomplish maintenance and modifications (not oil changes). IF you are a "do it your self" type individual and you are looking for advice, input, and a possible helping hand then keep an eye out for the annual ECP (East Coast Posse) Maintenance session that typically takes place around Memorial Day weekend in Fallston Maryland. There are several Prowler owners that typically attend this event where we help one another work on whatever needs done. I have replaced window regulators, pulled my exhaust system off, repaired and reinstalled it, assisted with installation of a Wonder Bar as well as installed on on my own car along. I have been there when a front suspension was removed then later reinstalled after it was chromed. If you are a sociable individual that enjoys tinkering with your car (or not so much) and cruising with a group of other owners, this may appeal to you. Attendance at this gathering varies from year to year but a good time is always on hand. A spouse and/or enthusiast offspring often enjoy themselves as well. Keep an eye out for upcoming local events. There are several active owners in the area. I grew up in Rockville Maryland and later commuted there for work after moving north. |
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alrtg POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Westminster, MD, USA |
posted 01-01-2015 03:42 PM
If your car is a 1999, it has Koni Shocks on it, yes they have the springs wrapped around them. Even though they may be old and no longer available through traditional sources, Koni will (from what I understand) rebuild them for you. My Prowler is a 2000 and the shocks are fine. I replaced my original Run Flat tires in 2009 with another set from the 2008 batch made by Goodyear. Yes the Runflat tires especially at fifteen years old will wear well but ride like steel wheels especially on the roads you likely travel. In my opinion, I would suggest replacing the tires first and see haw that goes. If you are looking for further improvement after that, the Wonder Bar may be a good choice. The last resort I think would be the shocks/springs unless they are leaking. Did you purchase your car locally from a private owner, or maybe from Flemmings Garage on Rockville Pike This message has been edited by alrtg on 01-01-2015 at 03:43 PM |
or somewhere else? Just curious.All times are CT (US) Top of Page Previous Page |  Return to General Prowler Discussion next newest topic | next oldest topic |
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