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Old 01-10-2025, 09:37 AM
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HWYSTR455 HWYSTR455 is offline
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I've ran the GW del-alum bushings in the leafs as long as I can remember, even when everyone was against anything but rubber (1980s). Hands-down one of the best upgrades on suspension I've ever done on a 2nd gen.

Nice to see the CAT5 shackle, that's a game-changer. Although the standard del-alum shackle kit is great, this is the cat's meow. I will probably switch over, and potentially swap leafs too.

I did the Herb Adams anti-squat mod way back when too, have the new(er) GW mounts that are much beefier than the OE I haven't installed yet, but looking forward to it.

Just to say, the GW frame connectors are the best out there for 2nd gens, will be switching to those too. I have some home made boxed connectors on there now that have done me well, but it's time to switch.

True too on the spring and shock rates with full-articulating suspensions, been saying this for years. It allows you to properly tune with springs and shocks. Much more granular and improved ride. When people switch, and complain, it's usually because it makes the shock quality scream in your face. Spring rate too.

I tell people I have 700# front springs on my 2nd gen and they stare me in the face thinking I'm crazy, but you would never know riding in it. That car is a go-kart, steer & throttle, goes where you tell it, and you get excellent feedback from the tires (which is the profound limiting factor).

GW is my go-to, Doug continues to raise the bar, true enthusiast/gearhead.

Finally getting that car back on the road, totally looking forward to it.


.

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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
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  #2  
Old 01-10-2025, 08:52 PM
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twilightTA twilightTA is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HWYSTR455 View Post
I've ran the GW del-alum bushings in the leafs as long as I can remember, even when everyone was against anything but rubber (1980s). Hands-down one of the best upgrades on suspension I've ever done on a 2nd gen.

Nice to see the CAT5 shackle, that's a game-changer. Although the standard del-alum shackle kit is great, this is the cat's meow. I will probably switch over, and potentially swap leafs too.

I did the Herb Adams anti-squat mod way back when too, have the new(er) GW mounts that are much beefier than the OE I haven't installed yet, but looking forward to it.

Just to say, the GW frame connectors are the best out there for 2nd gens, will be switching to those too. I have some home made boxed connectors on there now that have done me well, but it's time to switch.

True too on the spring and shock rates with full-articulating suspensions, been saying this for years. It allows you to properly tune with springs and shocks. Much more granular and improved ride. When people switch, and complain, it's usually because it makes the shock quality scream in your face. Spring rate too.

I tell people I have 700# front springs on my 2nd gen and they stare me in the face thinking I'm crazy, but you would never know riding in it. That car is a go-kart, steer & throttle, goes where you tell it, and you get excellent feedback from the tires (which is the profound limiting factor).

GW is my go-to, Doug continues to raise the bar, true enthusiast/gearhead.

Finally getting that car back on the road, totally looking forward to it.


.
Thanks - great info. I think you have me convinced on this one. I don't believe I'll be racing the car so just looking for improved street ride & handling, easier maintenance, and less squeaks. I don't think I need the cat5 for that, and I imagine I won't hit any concerns with binding up the front of the leaf spring with the GW bushing either.

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1977 Trans Am restomod with E-Rod LS3 and 4L70E.
  #3  
Old 01-10-2025, 09:56 PM
JLMounce JLMounce is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HWYSTR455 View Post
I've ran the GW del-alum bushings in the leafs as long as I can remember, even when everyone was against anything but rubber (1980s). Hands-down one of the best upgrades on suspension I've ever done on a 2nd gen.

Nice to see the CAT5 shackle, that's a game-changer. Although the standard del-alum shackle kit is great, this is the cat's meow. I will probably switch over, and potentially swap leafs too.

I did the Herb Adams anti-squat mod way back when too, have the new(er) GW mounts that are much beefier than the OE I haven't installed yet, but looking forward to it.

Just to say, the GW frame connectors are the best out there for 2nd gens, will be switching to those too. I have some home made boxed connectors on there now that have done me well, but it's time to switch.

True too on the spring and shock rates with full-articulating suspensions, been saying this for years. It allows you to properly tune with springs and shocks. Much more granular and improved ride. When people switch, and complain, it's usually because it makes the shock quality scream in your face. Spring rate too.

I tell people I have 700# front springs on my 2nd gen and they stare me in the face thinking I'm crazy, but you would never know riding in it. That car is a go-kart, steer & throttle, goes where you tell it, and you get excellent feedback from the tires (which is the profound limiting factor).

GW is my go-to, Doug continues to raise the bar, true enthusiast/gearhead.

Finally getting that car back on the road, totally looking forward to it.


.
It's funny that you say that about the 700 lb springs. I have 500 lb springs in the front and with delrin bushings in my arms, I feel that the car is still undersprung.

Case in point, I have my alignments and some fab stuff that I don't have tools and skill for done by a track performance shop that caters to BMW's and Porsche's. They said the same thing.

The shop manager's comments were specifically. "I like the direction you're going with this build, the suspension is too soft though."

Most people aren't aware that Pontiac used higher durometer rubber in their control arms to add wheel rate compared to the Chevy counterparts. It's one of the reasons that the Pontiac cars seemed to handle a bit better. That extra bind from the harder rubber was acting as a stiffer spring.

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1969 Pontiac Firebird
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  #4  
Old 01-11-2025, 11:49 AM
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HWYSTR455 HWYSTR455 is offline
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I have like 620# in the GTO, with the endura nose and the serp setup, I def need more spring. It bottoms on the LCA bumpers all the time.

I rose the front 1", and put 275/40 on it, just to keep from flattening the headers on every dip/bump. (Dougs are not cheap)

As soon as I have some time, going to bump up by 100# and see where I'm at.

It takes time, patience, and trial/error to dial a car in 'properly', some don't realize that and give up after the initial setup.


.

__________________
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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
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