Big Al's Grand Suspension Plan

[BigAls87Z28]

Ok, Im finally breaking down and going to put some new suspension parts into the car.

Rear
Hotchkis Leaf springs w/ hardware
Bilstien HD shocks
Addco 1" rear sway powdercoated

Front
Eibach Springs Pro-Kit (cheaper through work then Summit)
Bilstien HD shocks
Addco 1 3/8" front sway powder coated
Pro-Touring or SteveR supplied aluminum sub frame bushings

Also:
Alston Bolt in (but will be welded) subframe connectors.
Edelbrock Tie Rod sleaves

I tried to mimic the Hotchkis TVS system. The sway bars are just as big, if not bigger, and powerder coated, I might be going with a different set of rear leafs, would would shave off a few more bucks, and Im deffinatly gunna go with the Bilstien HD shocks.
This would all be about 1000-1100 bucks. Im also going to pick up a set of LED tails, and put them in my Z21 Tail lights that I have spare in the trunk. Gunna shine them up and get them ready for the h0tness.

[ar0ck]

A dropped 72' will look P-I-M-P

[BigAls87Z28]

Its already dropped....this might actualy raise it a bit, especialy the rear. Gravity + 35 years = low rider.

[maroman88]

yes it surrree willl

[BonzoHansen]

You might be able to get the same results with cheaper rear springs.

[BigAls87Z28]

Scott, I was looking around but couldnt find anything lower then that. Im looking for a good touring suspension. Not autocross spec, but I want something that will be able to take a curvy road. I found these..

http://www.pro-touringf-body.com/Suspension_kits.html

The GT series leafs with the super duty shackles at the bottom. I asked about it on nasty to see any reaction about them, but so far nothing.

[SteveR]

Al, I have the bushings in a box never opened. They're the Comp Eng ones I was going to use but ended up with 2 sets. I'll find em tomorrow and let you know.

[BigAls87Z28]

Thanks man!

[BonzoHansen]

Scott, I was looking around but couldnt find anything lower then that. Im looking for a good touring suspension. Not autocross spec, but I want something that will be able to take a curvy road. I found these..

http://www.pro-touringf-body.com/Suspension_kits.html

The GT series leafs with the super duty shackles at the bottom. I asked about it on nasty to see any reaction about them, but so far nothing.

Those or really most any ~175-200 lb spring might work well. You could even call Detroit Eaton Spring or the guy on NastyZ28 internetautomart.

The GW busings or the ones from PTFB are better then the CE ones. The CE ones don't come with hardware (you WILL need new bolts), and IIRC, you still need part of the stock bushings, which are also likely beat.

I have an extra set of tie rod sleeves, but they basically bling.

[BigAls87Z28]

Hrm...well, I dont know what would be better, or what exactly is the major difference between the two?

[BonzoHansen]

http://pro-touringf-body.com/chassis_components.html

http://pro-touringf-body.com/sitebuilder/images/new_body_bushings-181x125.jpg

The problem is the company/guy can be a PITA to get a hold of. Don't order w/o talking to them.

The GW ones: (http://www.globalwest.net/1970-81%20Camaro-%20Firebird%20subframe%20connectors%20and%20body%2 0mounts%20from%20Global%20west..htm)
http://www.globalwest.net/800%20kit.jpg
Jegs, ATS (http://www.t56kit.com/main.html) carry them. I have these. Don’t order from GW, I have heard horror stories regarding their (lack of) customer service. And their instructions are el sucko. But those topics are detailed at NastyZ and Pro-Touring.

The CE ones:
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/cee-3027.jpg
The kit is a bit ‘sparse’ and IMO is an inferior design. Just like their subframe connectors. I guess 20 years ago that is all there was.


How is the rest of your suspension? Ball joints, control arm bushings, etc.?

[BigAls87Z28]

Ball joints show no movement, but they are ORIGINAL...or someone took the time to rivet them back in. I thought about possibly going with tublar in the future, but right now they seem to be ok. There is no movment and the bushings look ok in the arms. I have tossed it back and forth, do I remove the stock A arms and just press in new bushings and get new ball joints, or do I just spend a little more and get the tubulars and shave a little off the front end? I think that when the time comes, I will be going tubular.
Tie rod ends, inner and outer, look newish. Moog units, so Im happy with that.

My question though is about the leaf springs. Im ready to spend the money today, but Im not sure if there is a better/cheaper alternative to the Hotchkis leafs?

[WildBillyT]

http://pro-touringf-body.com/chassis_components.html

http://pro-touringf-body.com/sitebuilder/images/new_body_bushings-181x125.jpg

The problem is the company/guy can be a PITA to get a hold of. Don't order w/o talking to them.

The GW ones: (http://www.globalwest.net/1970-81%20Camaro-%20Firebird%20subframe%20connectors%20and%20body%2 0mounts%20from%20Global%20west..htm)
http://www.globalwest.net/800%20kit.jpg
Jegs, ATS (http://www.t56kit.com/main.html) carry them. I have these. Don’t order from GW, I have heard horror stories regarding their (lack of) customer service. And their instructions are el sucko. But those topics are detailed at NastyZ and Pro-Touring.

The CE ones:
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/cee-3027.jpg
The kit is a bit ‘sparse’ and IMO is an inferior design. Just like their subframe connectors. I guess 20 years ago that is all there was.


How is the rest of your suspension? Ball joints, control arm bushings, etc.?

The GW ones are nice, and they come with decent hardware. I'd go for those over the Competition Engineering ones. Also, stick with stock height mounts- don't go with the shorties.

[BigAls87Z28]

Ok, will do...but I need to know what leafs to go with!! Im ready to pull the trigger now and drop the dollar to get these things. I might just go with the Gen springs that have those super duty shackles. I just dont know if anyone has had any or heard any thing about them.

[BigAls87Z28]

Ok, well i placed the order for the first part
From Summit, Im getting
Front and rear sways...went 1 3/8ths front, 1 inch rear
Bilstien HD shocks front and rear
Tie Rod Sleeves from Edelbrock

Just sent an email to PTFB reguarding the Alston subframe connectors, aluminum frame bushings, and Gen GT-Spec rear leaf springs with super duty shackle kit.

The Eibach Springs Ill get from work, and have them installed there as well...maybe sneek the tie rod sleaves and shocks as well since Ill have the alignment done then.

[BonzoHansen]

WTH is your rush? Call that guy & talk to him & get the info. I know people at Pro-Touring & NastyZ have used his stuff in the past. Also, you can also do this in stages. For example, do the SFC & bushings first. Then do the sways or the rear leafs.

With f/e parts, if they are good, then leave them. Forget the tie rod sleeves, those old BFGs can't generate even 1% of the force it would take to bend the stockers. I replaced mine b/c my inners were loose and the adj sleeves are pretty banged up from years of alignments. That and I spend $$ too easy. :mrgreen:

I only bought the TVS because it was cheap ($700 after rebate). I would have just done rear springs & used my stock front springs, sway bars & poly bushings. Hell, I have the 1 1/8” solid OE setup here, with the new poly links & bushings. I got the bushings before I got the TVS setup (1 3/8” hollow). The 15” tires just can’t make use of some of this newer, better stuff. My hoops will be far & away my car’s Achilles’ heel. But the budget does not allow big wheels & tires right now.

[WildBillyT]

Ok, will do...but I need to know what leafs to go with!! Im ready to pull the trigger now and drop the dollar to get these things. I might just go with the Gen springs that have those super duty shackles. I just dont know if anyone has had any or heard any thing about them.

Heavy duty shackles? Sure, I had a pair, they are well worth the money. Go with a rubber bushing in the front of your springs and poly in the back, too.

[unstable bob gable]

BRICKA BRACKA! FIRECRACKA!
SIS! BOOM! BAH!
BIG AL'S SUSPENSION! BIG AL'S SUSPENSION!
RAH! RAH! RAH! :mrgreen:

[BigAls87Z28]

Thanks Bob for the chant!!

[BigAls87Z28]

Wow...why does Summit bother to offer 2 day shipping??!?!
They be here!! Well...parts of it.
front and rear shocks are here, edelbrock sleeves and rear sway came today. I have to paypal some cash over to protouringfbody for the leafs, subframe and bushings.
Anyone want to help me install those frame bushings?

[Savage_Messiah]

Wow...why does Summit bother to offer 2 day shipping??!?!
They be here!! Well...parts of it.
front and rear shocks are here, edelbrock sleeves and rear sway came today. I have to paypal some cash over to protouringfbody for the leafs, subframe and bushings.
Anyone want to help me install those frame bushings?

Yeah, everytime I ship ground with my stuff it usually gets here in 2-3 days anyway.... 2 day shipping is a gimmick

[BigAls87Z28]

Last order placed for the suspension...hopefuly get it this weekend?

[enRo]

A dropped 72' will look P-I-M-P

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h191/curion123/g306/pamelapk77/01.jpg

[BonzoHansen]

Now you have to install all that stuff. :)

[BigAls87Z28]

I hope the leafs arent that bad to replace. I might have to invest in some new hardware for the rear spring mounts. I hope that Protouring is a bit faster shipping things then I have heard.
I better invest in a lot of PB Blaster...

[BonzoHansen]

PBB FTW.

Did you get the shackle kit? That should have all the hardware - I got it all from hotchkis.

Where you doing this, at home or work?

[BigAls87Z28]

PBB FTW.

Did you get the shackle kit? That should have all the hardware - I got it all from hotchkis.

Where you doing this, at home or work?

Yeah, I got the Gen GT series leaf springs kit, and they come with the shackle kit and hardware. And yes, I will be doing it in my garage.

[BonzoHansen]

Got air tools? A bunch of jack stands?

[BigAls87Z28]

Got air tools? A bunch of jack stands?

Yes to both.

[BonzoHansen]

That is good. You'll need them. And a coil spring compressor, which you can 'rent' at advance auto :)

[BigAls87Z28]

That is good. You'll need them. And a coil spring compressor, which you can 'rent' at advance auto :)

Actualy, the coils Im getting done at work, since they are cheaper there then summit. And while they are there...and since they have to take out teh shocks and probably remove the swaybar...ill have that done as well. Maybe the tie rod sleeves....hrm
Oh yeah, and the Alignment.

[BonzoHansen]

That makes it easier.

[BigAls87Z28]

Aye, it does. I want to get the rear stuff done at the house, and if its possible, somehow get the subframe bushings in (gotta read that how to thing), and then get the front end stuff done at work.
Then Im gunna try to find a place where I can have the subframes welded up.

[WildBillyT]

Aye, it does. I want to get the rear stuff done at the house, and if its possible, somehow get the subframe bushings in (gotta read that how to thing), and then get the front end stuff done at work.
Then Im gunna try to find a place where I can have the subframes welded up.

Subframe bushings aren't hard. Do one side at a time and you should be fine. Worst case, you break a cage nut and you have to pull the carpet and attack the bolt from the top.

[BigAls87Z28]

Subframe bushings aren't hard. Do one side at a time and you should be fine. Worst case, you break a cage nut and you have to pull the carpet and attack the bolt from the top.

Dont jinx it. Im really clueless on even how to approach it. Im gunna have to go over Scott's house one day to see how it works.

[WildBillyT]

Dont jinx it. Im really clueless on even how to approach it. Im gunna have to go over Scott's house one day to see how it works.

Not trying to jinx it for you man, just trying to make sure you are prepared for the worst. :-? Make sure you Kroil or PB Blast the bolts for a few days ahead of time.

[BigAls87Z28]

Yeah, Im gunna start preping the rear shakle bolts tomorrow morning before I go to work.
Actualy...I might take it to work tomorrow...hrm..who knows.

[BigAls87Z28]

Ok, so yeah I took her to work the past 2 days. Hrm..I wonder how long it will take for PTFB to send the parts? I hope I get to see a UPS package on my door step some time between Monday and Tuesday.

[BonzoHansen]

I ended up having to drill out the upper LH shackle nut. Drilled a through the nut with 1/8" or so bit, then hit it with a chisel. Be prepared. A nut cracker would probably work too.

[JL8Jeff]

30+ year old leaf springs don't come out easy. On my 68 I had to sawzall the rear shackle bolts. On the front (rear) spring mounts I ended up snapping 2 out of 3 J clips and the bolts just spun so I had to hacksaw blade and drill out those bolts too. Definitely be prepared for the worst and put the car where it can be for a while if things get really tough. If you want a hand, just give a shout.

[BigAls87Z28]

I think the gf is gunna give me a hand...her first time with cars. Wish HER luck.

[Tru2Chevy]

I think the gf is gunna give me a hand...her first time with cars. Wish HER luck.

Tell her to have a wide variety of hammers ready :mrgreen:

- Justin

[BigAls87Z28]

Ahahahaha...yeah, she's gunna hear that story at some point...probably when Im taking out the drive shaft.
I soooo friggin hope that Brown drops 2 big boxes off tomorrow. I will be beyond excitement.

[Savage_Messiah]

PBB FTW.

QFMFT

[BigAls87Z28]

Update
UPS dropped off the Eibachs at work, and they lookin fine.
FedEx dropped off the subframes, and they look sweet!
Waiting on frame bushings, leaf springs, and front sway bar.
Sway shipped on the 13th, frame bushings went out yesterday with what I hope to be the leaf springs as well.

[BigAls87Z28]

Ok...everything else is here except the leaf springs. Even the leaf spring shakles are here. The big component, the leaf springs, have yet to arrive. Looks like Im gunna do the fronts first at work, then the rears.