Classic Engine Tech 1967 - 1981 Engine Related

Re-doing the suspension

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Old Oct 16, 2004 | 09:10 PM
  #1  
75 outlaw LT's Avatar
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From: Lawrenceville, GA
Re-doing the suspension

How much would it cost to re-do my suspension by replacing the shocks, springs, and leafs? And do I need a pro-shop to do this for me? I am conserned that the leafs are bad because the right-rear quarter panel is sitting correctly whil the rear-left panel is slumping down over the tire.
Old Oct 19, 2004 | 01:08 PM
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Z28SORR's Avatar
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

Do it yourself. Do a WEB search. Several companies make rebuild kits and performance upgrade kits for third gens.
one: http://www.performancesuspension.com/
VetteBrake used to make a really nice upgrade kit, but I can't find a site for them.
Old Oct 19, 2004 | 02:17 PM
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

Uh, wouldn't that be a 2nd gen???

The provided link shows less than $200 for new leafs. Not bad. Depending upon the condition of your current attachment pieces, you may have to spend a little more. But, it's a common hand tool type job (with appropriate jack, jack stand, etc., of course).

The front end is a little more complicated. You'll need some kind of press for the A-arm bushings. And an alignment afterwards. I had a shop do the bushings in the '57, the list of things they affected in a negative way was much longer than I would have liked. But, the bushing/alignment job itself was okay.

Well, there was the one bushing bolt/washer that came out, requiring the purchase of another full set of bushings to replace the lost poly. But other than that, the car drove fine.
Old Oct 19, 2004 | 08:16 PM
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75 outlaw LT's Avatar
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

Well, the front just got inspected and is perfect. Just the leafs in the back are 29 years old and need replacing.
Old Oct 20, 2004 | 08:59 AM
  #5  
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

Originally Posted by five7kid
Uh, wouldn't that be a 2nd gen???
I don't understand. Yes, this is the Classic Tech., it's a 75 Camaro, so that would make it a 2nd Gen.
Old Oct 20, 2004 | 05:13 PM
  #6  
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

Originally Posted by Z28SORR
Several companies make rebuild kits and performance upgrade kits for third gens.
Emphasis added.
Old Oct 21, 2004 | 12:13 PM
  #7  
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

Doh!!! *&^%$#@!!! This is what I get for not rereading my post.
Old Oct 22, 2004 | 12:53 AM
  #8  
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

Outlaw - I've done suspension on my buddy's 79 T/A, so its the same as your camaro. I thought it was a pain in the butt but you can do it. Heres what I suggest. Its easiest to drop the gas tank to gain access to the rear shackles. Get new shackles, bushings, u-bolts and bolts and nuts for everything. I think you can order a kit that has everything. I know Ace hardware and Home depot DONT have big enough u-bolts. If you do the front, have a nice big pry bar so you can pry the lower control arm down to get the spring to pop out. You shouldnt need a spring compressor but it looks scary. Take the control arms to a shop so they can install new bushings and ball joints. Any other Q's, PM me.
Old Oct 22, 2004 | 10:47 AM
  #9  
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

I just got my 67 back after having the suspension completely replaced. It wasn't cheap but then I also had everything powder coated and had the open 10-bolt converted to 3.73 posi. (I also put in a tremec and baer four wheel power disc brakes. ) You don't have to get as crazy as I did, but a complete suspension setup can range anywhere from $1500 to $3500 installed... it just depends on how crazy you get.

For pics of my setup, check out the link below. (Please note, I haven't had a chance to detail her yet. )
Old Oct 22, 2004 | 11:25 AM
  #10  
Z28SORR's Avatar
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

Originally Posted by bozobuttz
Outlaw - I've done suspension on my buddy's 79 T/A, so its the same as your camaro. I thought it was a pain in the butt but you can do it. Heres what I suggest. Its easiest to drop the gas tank to gain access to the rear shackles. Get new shackles, bushings, u-bolts and bolts and nuts for everything. I think you can order a kit that has everything. I know Ace hardware and Home depot DONT have big enough u-bolts. If you do the front, have a nice big pry bar so you can pry the lower control arm down to get the spring to pop out. You shouldnt need a spring compressor but it looks scary. Take the control arms to a shop so they can install new bushings and ball joints. Any other Q's, PM me.
I wonder if there was a change between years or cars? Did the 74 Z a while back and didn't have to touch the tank.
Old Oct 28, 2004 | 11:20 AM
  #11  
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

Finally found the WEB site: http://www.vbandp.com/
They have several excellent kits.
Old Oct 30, 2004 | 06:43 AM
  #12  
75 outlaw LT's Avatar
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

Thanks man, I'm probably ordering everything from there unless I find something cheaper. But the shocks I'm getting soon and doing those in my driveway. KYB Gas-A-Justs I believe. Does anyone have any reccomendations on how to do the procedure or anything I can mess up if I'm not careful? Or anything I can tweak a little to get some goods out of it?
Old Oct 30, 2004 | 11:01 AM
  #13  
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Re: Re-doing the suspension

Originally Posted by 75 outlaw LT
Thanks man, I'm probably ordering everything from there unless I find something cheaper. But the shocks I'm getting soon and doing those in my driveway. KYB Gas-A-Justs I believe. Does anyone have any reccomendations on how to do the procedure or anything I can mess up if I'm not careful? Or anything I can tweak a little to get some goods out of it?
Shocks are a piece of cake. Just unbolt the old ones and bolt uo the new ones. Just make sure you properly support the car on jack stands.
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