Started suspension
#1
Started suspension
So I started replacing my suspension today. Arms, springs, most all of it. I did order new ball joints and a new shaft rebuilt kit for the upper arms, but got one off and found out at some point they were replaced by a non standard unit that used a rubber bushing, so my shaft rebuild kit is useless. I called Laurel Mountain and they're gonna send me a whole upper arm kit and I'll just ship the unused ball joints and shafts back. I also got my template made for the arm drop, but didn't get around to drilling yet. I basically got everything off the passenger side, and got the lower arm replaced, just need to get the upper arms back on(when they get here) put the new springs on etc.
Oh well, won't be back on the road till next week since I now have to wait for a arms. It was pretty worn out though. The spring perch bushings were all tore up, and there was a bit of rubbing there, the control arm bushings were also shot, and the springs are all wore out.
Oh well, won't be back on the road till next week since I now have to wait for a arms. It was pretty worn out though. The spring perch bushings were all tore up, and there was a bit of rubbing there, the control arm bushings were also shot, and the springs are all wore out.
#3
My rear leaves are toast too. Basically I'm replacing rear springs, rear spring bushings, front and rear shocks, lower arms/bushings, upper arms/shafts/joints, front springs/perches, dropping a-arms....I think that's it.
#5
I'm sure it'll be WAY different. I've been struggling along with what it had, but it's finally gotten to where it just HAD to be done.
I'm using the Laurel Mountain 620 fronts and 5 leaf rears, with KYB's. It's gonna be stiff, but I prefer a stiff ride. And the guy there said that their 5 leaves aren't obnoxiously stiff, but gives it a feel like a new sports car, stiff without being too stiff as long as you don't expect a soft ride.
I'm using the Laurel Mountain 620 fronts and 5 leaf rears, with KYB's. It's gonna be stiff, but I prefer a stiff ride. And the guy there said that their 5 leaves aren't obnoxiously stiff, but gives it a feel like a new sports car, stiff without being too stiff as long as you don't expect a soft ride.
#7
It depends on what you want as far as performance. For an I6, it's not really a powerful car so it doesn't need a lot of suspension, just something to keep it stable, good performance and safety. Like 480-540 springs on the front, a 4 leaf in the rear, and then pick a shock depending on whether you want a stiffer or a softer ride. If you plan on doing a V8 swap later and driving it hard, you may want to select something more along those lines.
#8
I just finished replacing the 40 years old suspension system with Grab-A-Trak, shelby drop, and adding sub-frame connectors on my 68 Mustang a week ago. The car sure rides nice. The project photos are on my web site below signatue block.
Last edited by onehollywood; 07-13-2009 at 11:31 PM.
#10
i wanted to order full upper arms (including all bushings). but they were out, so I just got the bushings and balljoints. hope my arm is any good. should be a difference between day and night.
as for the shelby drop. I ordered the template together with that 17/32 drill bit. But actually for me being in Europe wasn't a smart idea, as i could easily use a 13.5mm drillbit i guess. Anyw ay I have the parts for 3 months already, but I'm still busy with the engine. I am so eager to hear the car without squeaking :-]
(17/32) inch = 13.49375 millimeters
Kalli
as for the shelby drop. I ordered the template together with that 17/32 drill bit. But actually for me being in Europe wasn't a smart idea, as i could easily use a 13.5mm drillbit i guess. Anyw ay I have the parts for 3 months already, but I'm still busy with the engine. I am so eager to hear the car without squeaking :-]
(17/32) inch = 13.49375 millimeters
Kalli