Ok, I have a 69 camaro (base), 10 bolt, 5-leaf spring setup. Now, I know the car is old and is a musclecar but should I be feeling the bumps as bad as I do? If I hit the smallest pothole or whatever the whole car rumbles and shakes. Are the shocks or springs bad? How do I check?

Second, there is alot of sqeaking in the rear-end. I was reading in another persons article about the same thing. How would I determine if I have rubber bushings or polueurthane or polygraphite or something else?

Third, how easy is it to replace these suspension parts (bushings, shocks, springs, etc...) I am no master mechanic, but I do most of my work on my car.

Thanks


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Tony Montemagni
1969 Camaro (base)
350/PG

I would start by changing the subframe bushings - it made a world of difference on my '69. Squeaking is a little harder to locate as it's metal to metal. Check you exhaust system hangers and the like for tightness as well as all bolts and fasteners.

Tony, Super Chevy put out an article on how to Replace stock multi leaf springs to Fiberglass Mono Leaf Springs. This should help in regards to your one question about installation. You can call then to buy a back issue (April 2001)

what kind of shocks are you running? I have KYBs and they are very stiff. I too am running 5-leafs out back.

I also agree about the subframe bushings... I just recently replaced my rotted rubber ones with solid aluminum bushings. Some people say that solid will cause a harsh ride... the ride is actually BETTER than with the rotted rubber ones. Less bumpy!

Replacing leaf springs isn't a tough job.

Im planning to replace my Gabriel Gasryder shocks to KYB or Edelbrocks IAS, but i wonder which one is best, IAS costs about $70 each and KyB $28 each. Kyb is alot cheaper. I have Hothkis 2" drop and 1,5" in rear and want stiffer shocks.

Which one should i buy, money/performance value?

if you want stiff... the KYBs are stiff. I use them and they are good. The Edelbrock's are more expensive because they are stiff in the corners, but will be more smooth when you hit a pothole or a bump because of some sort of switch valving mechanism. Bilstein shocks are the same way.

I've heard that Bilsteins are really the best shock to complement the Hotchkis suspension... and Hotchkis sells them. They are around $80 a piece though I think.

But i read that the KYB shocks in summit has a valvesystem that feels the road conditions and adjusts it self after it, thats the shocks for $27.95.

Do the work like that? If so they should be "like" the edelbrock shocks.?!

thanks