Team, I have a 68 BB coupe which will be torn down for a complete rebuild in the next 6 months. My questions relate to upgrading the suspension. Underneath is bone stock with a 10-bolt rear and Mono leafs. Rear is tired and saggy, so much so, that I have had to remove the spare wheel from the trunk just to stop the tire rub!

The car will be a cruiser, that I would like to sit low and handle well. It will see very limited 1/4 mile action. I have done a search on the forums regarding 4-link vs Leafs vs Air Bags and it appears that there is many differing opinions as to what is best. What is your advice given that I am starting with a "blank canvas"? Advice would be appreciated on upgrading the front suspension as well. Are tubular A-arms worth the upgrade? Should I go coil-overs on the front?

Look forward to the team's wisdom!

My Hotchkis 3-leafs are very nice and are much cheaper than the above. If I was you I'd look up the guldstrand mod and save yourself the money on tubular a-arms. As far as shocks, I went with Bilsteins and the ride and handling is great.

I'd probably second David on the Hotchkis 3-leafs. I have a set that will be going on my 67. As for the 10 bolt, you might try to locate a good 8.5 or get a 12bolt. It appears that you are looking to go with more of a protouring approach and many have done the coilovers and tubluars. I'm going down the guldstrand mod path...

How hard is it to get parts downunder?


My Hotchkis 3-leafs are very nice and are much cheaper than the above. If I was you I'd look up the guldstrand mod and save yourself the money on tubular a-arms. As far as shocks, I went with Bilsteins and the ride and handling is great.

David, you from Cinci???

Nope I'm from the Lima area, but get down to Dayton a few times a month for parts :)

As far as my car goes, its now in pieces parts. I went to replace the body mounts and broke a bolt. Next thing I new I was off to Dayton to pick up a floor and inner and outer rockers. Maybe my suspension will actually work the way its supposed to when its done

I like the idea of air bags under a first gen. But this is ur car, and we all have opinions on parts that we have use and given advise. I have to decide how u want to car to act and the purpose of this vehicle. Coilover are nice I have them all the way around but I have a prostreet car. And as for subframe I have a tubular which I have pics just click link in signature. Remember its ur car. Do what with u want. Build how u want it. Whisper* do coilovers all the way around with tubular a arms lol

Thanks for the feedback so far guys.

Whilst I understand that it is my decision what modifcations I make to the car, it is always invaluable to hear from people who have been in a similar situation so I can learn from the successes and failures of others. For what it's worth, I could describe the direction of the rebuild as "mild" pro-touring.

Buck, being down under just adds to the challenge of my rebuild. In fact, I just got back from the USA with a suitcase full of smaller parts. Don't take for granted how lucky you all are to have such an amazing aftermarket that caters to our passion. I don't suppose any of you own a shipping company that can arrange cheap shipping?

One more question. I want to start with getting the all the front end and bushes/mounts re-done. Any recommendations as to who supplies good, complete rebuild kits?

I'd use del-a-lum control arm busings and solid subframe bushings, both from global-west. You can order from Tyler at ATS http://www.t56kit.com/main.html
ATS also has Howe rebuildable ball joints and moog replacement parts for the rest.

For mild pro-touring, in addition to the del-a-lum bushings, I'd add the Hotchkis TVS Kit with the revalved Bilstein shocks minus the rear sway bar. And do the Guldstrand Mod. in the front. Add to your list subframe connectors (global west or hotchkis) Don't forget a modern spec wheel alignment.

If you decide to go with coil overs, don't just get the bolt in kit. The spring rates are too low. Look at a kit like ATS offers.

If you want to go a little more 'hardcore' then add ATS 'AFX' Spindles and Speed-tech or Globalwest UCAs. Don't worry too much about tubular LCAs, as they don't affect geometry and don't save weight.

Don't forget about an upgraded steering box some guys use 3rd gen stuff or you can get a box from Lee or ATS or DSE.

You'll need good set of tires and wheels. Don't consider anything smaller than 17" because you'll limit your brake options.

Use the search feature here on all the parts I listed, there's some great threads here and also search over at http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/index.php
There's a ton of good information over at David Pozzi's site (he's a suspension guru here) http://www.pozziracing.com/

Don't forget to come back and ask questions.

Complete TVS kit here and love it. I also have the 3 leaf.

I'd use del-a-lum control arm busings and solid subframe bushings, both from global-west. You can order from Tyler at ATS http://www.t56kit.com/main.html
ATS also has Howe rebuildable ball joints and moog replacement parts for the rest.

For mild pro-touring, in addition to the del-a-lum bushings, I'd add the Hotchkis TVS Kit with the revalved Bilstein shocks minus the rear sway bar. And do the Guldstrand Mod. in the front. Add to your list subframe connectors (global west or hotchkis) Don't forget a modern spec wheel alignment.

If you decide to go with coil overs, don't just get the bolt in kit. The spring rates are too low. Look at a kit like ATS offers.

If you want to go a little more 'hardcore' then add ATS 'AFX' Spindles and Speed-tech or Globalwest UCAs. Don't worry too much about tubular LCAs, as they don't affect geometry and don't save weight.

Don't forget about an upgraded steering box some guys use 3rd gen stuff or you can get a box from Lee or ATS or DSE.

You'll need good set of tires and wheels. Don't consider anything smaller than 17" because you'll limit your brake options.

Use the search feature here on all the parts I listed, there's some great threads here and also search over at http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/index.php
There's a ton of good information over at David Pozzi's site (he's a suspension guru here) http://www.pozziracing.com/

Don't forget to come back and ask questions.
What he said!! Another option is buy the ATS spring adjusters and AFCO coil springs from Tyler, which is much cheaper than a true coil over spring setup.

ATS does not make the spring adjusters anymore...:(

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/3389,157_Adjustable-Hidden-Spring-Shim.html
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/163,158_Tru-Coil-Trademark-Front-Racing-Springs-5andquot;-x-95andquot;.html
Take a look some good parts here.
and look at this too http://www.geocities.com/casanoc/
Larry

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/3389,157_Adjustable-Hidden-Spring-Shim.html
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/163,158_Tru-Coil-Trademark-Front-Racing-Springs-5andquot;-x-95andquot;.html
Take a look some good parts here.
and look at this too http://www.geocities.com/casanoc/
Larry

Hey Larry,
Did you use those? I've heard they won't fit as easy as the old landrum or ats adjusters... any further info?

Hi Steve
put one set on a freands car.
had to cut the adjustable hidden spring shim to get them to fit in the old spring buckets and play with the hight to get it right.
yes it a pane in the @ss but we got it down to about 30 to 45 min.
Larry

Aussie ,you are getting a lot of good reply's for your note's, I am going the direction of mild pro touring, I have just completed the Hotchkis T V S kit complete 3 leafs 2in drop coils F & R sway's ,shocks(bilstein w kit) and all hardware(some say no need for r sway bar), and speed tech upper A's, no lowers(B. C. Canada co. cheaper shipping???)Good Luck and Happy Motoring