Spring/bushing replacement?
 

Hey guys,

I've got front suspension issues on my '68 GTO convertible. I need to replace the springs/shocks (stock height) and maybe change out front bushings. The front suspension is dangerous if you're not careful. Eventually I'd like to do something like a Hotchkiss TVS kit but finances being what they are that's not practical.

Can you guys give me some suggestions as far as springs/shocks/bushings? Ideally I'd like to spend in the $500 range and would like to have something that I don't have to throw away if I decide to thoroughly overhaul the suspension in the future. By then I'll have won the lottery and it won't matter I guess.

what are you wanting to do, lower the car, stock ride height, better handling through the corners, firmer ride, etc etc...???

I'd love to improve the handling as much as possible. If I could maintain roughly the stock ride height that would be good but I'm not opposed to a 1" drop if I have to do it.

Right now the front suspension is spongy and dangerous. For the short term I'd like to resolve that. I'm not certain if it's a shock or a spring issue and unfortunately I'm nowhere near the car.

I was looking at something from this company:

http://www.scandc.com/products.htm

They appear to have a good reputation elsewhere and their products seem to address inherent issues with stock suspension geometry. Anybody have any experience with them?

I bought my stuff here. http://www.performancesuspension.com/
They can sell you OEM (Moog, TRW etc) type stuff right on up to as racy as you want to get. And they'll discuss it with you so you get what you want.

If you are looking to keep it under $500, I think you may be looking at stock replacement parts or close to it.

I don't know about the company that you linked to, but their products seem to be similar to the other guys in the suspension business. IOW's $500 cannot even get you an upper set of of C/A's.

Moog replacement bushings all around, and a decent set of shocks and (lowering) springs would do wonders for a car with a tired suspension. And it should meet your budget target as well.

If you are serious about really improving handling over stock Marcus at SCandC can get you set up with what you need, but it wouldn't be $500 more like $1500.

I've got a steel hood and I'm running a 455 instead of a 400, which I know are roughly the same size/weight. Would I get big block or small block springs?

Is there a resource online that gives good instructions on how to replace the bushings/springs? I've not done this before and I want to make sure that I do it correctly.

I'm serious but unfortunately my wallet is much less serious about it than I am. I'm planning on putting around $1500 into the suspension in the future but for now I'm just looking to minimize my chances of death.

If you are extremely limited in funds, put on a good set of shocks and either cut your front springs about 1/2 a coil and get shorter springs for the rear or get a matched set of springs based on the weight of your car that will put at the ride height you want. When you can afford it, redo the suspension and sway bar bushings and body mounts.

The shocks and springs will give you an immediate improvement in ride and handling and the new bushings will fine tune it even more.

JMO, Stewart

That sounds like a good idea. Any suggestions on shocks? I'd do a search of the forum but every time I search the site times out.

Just replaced my shocks and bushings in my 68 firebird with Moog bushings and Edelbrock IAS shocks (kept the original springs). Made a HUGE difference in handling and ride comfort. Not spongy at all now, but the car needs springs as it still sits 1/2" lower on passenger side.

I'm sure it can be done cheaper, but I spent about $350 for bushings and shocks. Not too difficult a task, but turned into a "might as well change this while I'm at it" deal (rotors, wheel bearings, pads, powder coat control arms, steering linkage/gearbox).

Don't forget the cost of new alignment as well.
Hope this helps, Justin