Complete Suspension Kits

Discussion in 'Chassis restoration' started by NoVA_69_GS350, Sep 17, 2021.

  1. NoVA_69_GS350

    NoVA_69_GS350 Well-Known Member

    Just curious to see if anyone has any experience with purchasing a complete suspension kit (i.e. QA1, CPP, Hotchkis, UMI, etc.)? I am getting close that step and I've seen a ton of posts regarding individual pieces, but no real review/experiences with whole kits. I know most of them have several levels within their packages, I'm looking to stay with springs, car will be mostly a cruiser but hopefully at the track every once in awhile. I know budget always plays into, I'm looking to to stay between 2k-4k. I'm gonna look at what i pulled off the car, not sure if stock sway bars are adequate or to upgrade. I'll look at front/rear controls arms, but assume everything is getting replaced.

    Thanks.
     
    Dano likes this.
  2. NoVA_69_GS350

    NoVA_69_GS350 Well-Known Member

    Nothing? Come on fellas, I know there's quite a bit of experience on here and someone has to have some input on this subject.
     
    Dano likes this.
  3. breakinbuick11

    breakinbuick11 Platinum Level Contributor

    I went with Ridetech’s stage 2 kit that included coil overs. I get staying with springs and a traditional shock and that kit has seemed to sky rocket in price (I paid $4400 in 2018). My question to you would be what your brake/wheel/tire setup will be. My car handles on rails but also has a big brake kit and 18” wheels on a 275 and 315 tire.

    If your looking to run a 15” wheel on stock discs in the front, then you can go with a UMI/BMR style control arm and sway bar setup and get a significant improvement in your cornering and handling ability.

    I would also upgrade your steering box if you haven’t already. I went with a Grand National box and used Lee’s power steering adapters to run stock hoses.
     
  4. NoVA_69_GS350

    NoVA_69_GS350 Well-Known Member

    @breakinbuick11 Thanks for the reply. Yeah, not sure I've really thought about the brake/wheel/tire setup yet. I think I'd more than likely stick with the 15" wheel setup on stock discs up front. Would all these kits be overkill for a stock 15" tire and be better for a larger diameter wheel?

    I did buy a new/rebuilt steering box from Carhex on here. I've got a ways until it gets installed.
     
  5. Oldskewl59

    Oldskewl59 Gold Level Contributor

    After doing the research that you are probably going through now, I realized I needed body bushings as much as anything. Then you can get the boxed lower control arms, new control arm bushings and a Gm 1" sway bar cheap, if you don't already have them. Good shocks make a big difference, but are not cheap. I think these things need done before you call Hotchkis. Like me, I am assuming a limited budget and a build over time. I went with UMI for the rear suspension.
     
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  6. breakinbuick11

    breakinbuick11 Platinum Level Contributor

    Good advice from oldskewl. I think it depends on what you want to do with the car. If you just want a solid driver that will handle well on a sweeping exit ramp, a good set of shocks/springs, new body bushings, 70-81 camaro/trans am front sway bar (1.25”), taller ball joints in the front, and boxed lower control arms with a 1” sway bar will go a long way. I believe you can run stock rotors on a stock style spindle with a UMI/BMR kit or classic industries style kit, but you should call the manufacturers and double check before ordering.
     
  7. BrianTrick

    BrianTrick Brian Trick

    I hand pick all of my suspension parts for each of my cars or customers’ cars. Plenty of companies make a large variety of parts,but each of them has certain parts I like better.
     
  8. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Global west,....none better,...and priced fair
     
  9. TheEternalDance

    TheEternalDance Well-Known Member

  10. Redmanf1

    Redmanf1 Gold Level Contributor

    I have been on the fence with this. Is it worthwhile going tubular upper, lower front and rear? I already had the 1.25 front and 1" rear sway bars and purchased Hotchkis springs and Bilstein shocks.
     
    Last edited: Oct 31, 2021
  11. Oldskewl59

    Oldskewl59 Gold Level Contributor

    If your just driving to a car show...no. If you are trying to keep up with a Corvette on a twisty road..yes. The big suspension companies have good videos on all of this for GM A body cars. Stock front suspension geometry is terrible. Stock shocks were terrible. Springs were tall and bouncy. The mods improve most of this in various ways. Don't forget about a quick turning ratio steering box. Is it worth it? Hmmmm.
     

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