[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by Ben M.

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.

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

Originally Posted by Ben M.

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...

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

Originally Posted by Ben M.

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.

"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.

[Ben M.]

Originally Posted by Schurkey

...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...).

[59safaricat]

Originally Posted by Ben M.

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 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.

Originally Posted by Ben M.

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...).

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