I have a 95 cutlass supreme with a rough/stiff rear suspension - thumps too. I 've replaced the rear struts with minor help. I suspect the leaf spring is not slidding or moving as it should. Does this sound right? If so, what are the names of the parts I need? I think (?) the parts are a boot over the end of the leaf string and a pad below that; the boot slides on the pad(?).

:confused:

Thank you,

You mean springs and spring seats/bearing plate.

Either ccould be bad, you didnt notice anything unusualy when replacing the struts ??

You mean springs and spring seats/bearing plate.
Maybe? The rear suspension is the single leaf running left to right - from wheel to wheel (I'd guess your aware of that).

No unusal wear or alignment noticed (for both the spring and tires). I'm at 125k.

Thier are springs under your Cutlass, the center part, wheel to wheel, would be the rear axle assembly.

Here is a pic of your rear suspension (http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/10/aa/c8/0900823d8010aac8/repairInfoPages.htm).

Here is a pic of your spings (http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/10/aa/d7/0900823d8010aad7/repairInfoPages.htm).
Notice the top picture, #2, 5, and 6 are prone to cracks/breaks.
Could be anything at 13 years old and 125k miles .

So to properly diagnose it would need to be properly diagnosed by a visual inspection.
Check out this link for more visuals on the rear suspension (http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/10/aa/c8/0900823d8010aac8/repairInfoPages.htm).

Good Hunting!