Anybody know of anything that really works? I'm not looking to go crazy, but would like a nice upgrade to worn and old parts. Surfing around only leaves my head in a spin. What have you guys done?
It does not seem that there is much out there. It's interesting that there isn't much for '71 and up Impala/Chevy full size until you get into the mid 90's SS models. It seems surprising to me as I thought there would have been demand. I was thinking that if a Chevy full size had aftermarket parts, there might be a chance for an interchange, mainly on front end parts. As far as rear suspension parts, I believe the mid 90's Impala SS tubular uppers and lowers are a direct swap. The position of the lower's anti-roll bar mounting points, however, make it impossible to use a matching 90's anti-roll bar without modification. I did read a post here where someone used a truck frame shop to get a bar to fit Be careful in buying springs if you're looking to replace with stock. I bought the Moog springs specified in their catalog and the front end sits way too high. I did have a set of Bilstein shocks that were brand new and never installed on my '96 Impala SS that bolted right in and work well. I also contacted Ridetech to see if there was an expensive option of a whole different approach. They did not have an option in their catalog. There is, however, a guy of Facebook with a Ridetech set-up, so apparently it can be done. I believe Ridetech is more handling oriented as of late than just a way to lower your ride, but would want to confirm before shelling out big $. I'm all ears if you find anything else out!
Swell. Thanks Ken. I don't suppose tubular rear control arms would make a huge difference. I wonder if I sway bar back there would? How about brake options? TT
The brakes on these cars are pretty much as good as they get...you can lock them up all you want, but it's the momentum of 4500lbs keeping the car sliding forward. This is assuming your braking system is in good condition. Add a rear sway bar and box your rear control arms. Make sure all rubber front and back is good/new. Possibly find a thicker front sway bar.
I did buy Mark Savitske's How to Make Your Muscle Car Handle book and am giving it a read as I get time. It is filled with suspension theory, so at least there may be some options to make some improvements. I did buy a Mercury Maurauder bar at a dealer cheap. That bar mounts to the rear axle and then to the frame. Different set-up all together. I bought it before I bought the book, so it may end up being a garage decoration if it doesn't apply, especially if there's a balance problem with the front sway bar. I also plan to buy aftermarket rims of a larger diameter so lower profile tires can be mounted to keep stock height and to lessen sidewall roll and also have a wider rim for a wider contact patch, per Adam's comments. The stock rims are only 6" wide!
I got a 3.23 posi with a factory sway bar and upper and lower arms for my 73 . Put all new bushings in the arms and installed. 1000% improvement. Feels and handles GREAT. It was worth it. I was going to pull it out myself at a U-Pull-It near Scranton PA when the guy behind the counter said, "we can tourch it out for $15 ." I said OK and he told the guy doing the cutting To cut it where I wanted it. The guy cut the frame and left the control arms intact. I disassembled it at home , got all new sway bar mounting bolts and clips, Painted the arms with Bill Hirsch Miracle Paint and put it in.
Lou, There is a lot to be said for replacing worn out parts! I already did this on the front of my Riv and the change was dramatic. I also bought a faster ratio Cherokee steering box and a set of line adapters from http://lee-powersteering.com/rebuild-misc.htm. I believe the rag joint I bought was from a Chevy truck. If you search here, you'll find it. I have not installed the box yet.
I've gone to Summit racing for the 4- link bushings in poly....boxed the arms.PST has a complete front rebuild kit W/ rubber or polyp. Load assist bags work well to tune the rear suspension unless you want to do a bunch of cross- fit fabrication.If you need p/n's or further help....207-232-9239. Stephen Demo ; Everything Mechanical.:TU:
As mentioned above, make sure all the bushings / ball joints are good first. On my LeSabre I put KYB Gasb-a-justs on the front, poly sway bar bushings, and on the rear I welded plates to box the lower arms and bolted in a Buick rear swaybar. The KYBs really helped the ride, and the rear bar made a huge difference in the cornering - MUCH more neutral with less plowing. If you're thinking of new springs, call the very nice lady at Espy Springs and Things.
there are coil over conversion kits available for the front. Sway bars ,poly bushings, heavy rear springs, shocks, and bigger rims - wider tires.
I've been reading about coilovers. Are they actually worth it? Maybe I should just go with airbags. You know, since I'm dreaming. New tires, sway bar bushings upfront have already been done.
http://www.sandmandesigns.net/front-big-block-chevy-coilovers-1971-1976-impala-caprice/ http://www.ebay.com/itm/Viking-DBL-...fits=Model:Impala&hash=item4d1a44b791&vxp=mtr
Pardon my ignorance, but what's the appeal of coilovers? It seems like the height adjust-ability is the only benefit, but then you're locked in to buying a very $pecific shock absorber from then on. I'd think that some well-thought-out springs and good shocks would do the same for less money and more flexibility in the future. o No:
