Safari Suspension...
 

So I'm in need of replacing the suspension my '73 Safari because it wobbles all over the road and grunts and groans in turns and stops so the 40 year old bushings likely could use some help. Is PST still the go-to for getting a decent kit for these cars? NAPA, O'reilly, etc all have various levels of "we can't get anything for that" and "it's really expensive for a single piece" no-name parts. I don't know if the "we can't get that" is because the computer says so or if they really don't make upper control arm bushings for a '73 big car anymore.

Polygraphite vs.rubber. Does it really matter on a big car that isn't going racing or twisting through the turns? If it's more durable and reliable, I'll spend the extra on poly provided it doesn't squeak and rattle going over every little bump like the Trans Am guys complain about...

When replacing the rubber and adding new shocks, are the coil springs usually replaced or do they tend to survive fairly well? The car sits perfectly level so it isn't sagging, just doesn't look like the original owner ever did anything to it.

On a big ol' wagon I'd just stick with rubber- as long as it's decent quality. If you can't get rubber bushings from a known brand, then I'd go poly... if they exist.

If it's still sitting at the proper ride height, I'd leave the springs. For shocks I'd go as low-tech as possible, avoiding the fancy pants high-pressure gas shocks so many seem to slap on everything. The beauty of having a big ol' wagon is that floating down the road smooth ride. :D

Goatless is dead on with his info. Use conventional rubber bushings and you'll enjoy a quiet, smooth riding wagon that won't need any additional attention. I checked Rare Parts and they list all suspension bushings on their site as available. Yes, they're on the expensive side but the parts are available and you won't find better quality anywhere else on the planet.

http://shop.rareparts.com/smtp/shopd...&%20COMPONENTS

I personally prefer a smooth ride, so I use standard Monroe-Matic shocks. They're as close as "stock" in operation that you'll find today and are reasonably priced to boot.

As far as springs go, check your ride height on level ground. I doubt it'll be close to spec since coil springs love to sag pretty quickly, but you may get lucky. There are several outfits that custom build coils springs in both stock and modified heights and spring rates.

Don't forget the body-to-frame bushings. I was astounded at the difference body bushings made on my El Camino--and that was AFTER rebuilding front and rear suspension.

http://www.chevelles.com/techref/body_bushings.html

Properly greased, properly installed, the Polyurethane will outlast rubber and give you more-precise handling in the process.

"Sitting perfectly level" probably just means that all the springs have worn evenly.

This is your project, not mine...but if I were selecting parts it would get stiffer, shorter springs all around. Same--or perhaps higher--ride height, but with more-responsive handling and higher load-carrying capacity.

Biggest problem I'm finding is no one actually makes rear springs for these wagons and front springs are only available from vendors I've never heard of, making me question if they're REALLY correct or not.

I'd love to replace the body bushings, but they aren't easy to come by either (I have to take them all out and measure them then order them...).

Have you found a source for rear leaf springs? I've owned 2 of these wagons (71 and a 76) and the rear leaf springs get rust between the leaves and de arch them frequently.

You may need to have a spring shop re arch them and rebuild and replace any broken leaves.

When these springs are in good shape these wagons can haul as much as most half ton pickup trucks.

One other thing, there was a factory option for dual exhaust on these wagons. Not many people know about it. My 76 Catalina Safari W/455 and I installed the dual system. Helped with power and a little with fuel mileage too. The exhaust is true duals back to the tailpipe and then both terminate into a common tailpipe with 2 pipes stacked on top of each other, flattened together into a 3 inch round, exiting on the drivers side. The spare tire well on the passenger side makes it impossible to have the right side exit on the right side.

I thoroughly enjoyed owning both wagons, little hard on fuel, but as much cargo capacity of a PU truck with a cap.

Many of these wagons met death in the hands of the demo derby jockeys. They bring a premium dollar even just a roller will sell for $1000. The leaf springs and HD chassis make them ideal demo candidates.

I had springs custom made for my '59 wagon. I think it was coilsprings.com that did the job, but I could be wrong since it was about 6-7 years ago. I can dig through my receipts if you're interested.

If I can find body bushings for my '59, your '73 should be cake.

Ok. Getting ready to order parts. Is Moog still a decent vendor? I can get everything I need from them, but if they've suffered from "hecho en Mexico\China" quality downslide syndrome yet still are overpriced, I'll pass.

It's item-by-item. Some part numbers are fine, others are Communist Crap. Still others are India--Brazil--Mexico--wherever they can source the cheapest item that sort-of meets spec.