68 Camaro rear suspension advice/guidance
 

I have a 68 Camaro that I mini tubbed and I need to make a decision on rear suspension. It has an LS motor and 6 speed. The front suspension is stock front sub with a few mods. The car will be 95% street driven. I have the offset shackles and leafs but the leafs are very close to the inside of the tires. The car is being built now so there are no issues with cutting, grinding and welding. I was going to go with the G-link, nice set up and they are local, until I saw a few photos of some frame rails. But DSE will be at Pleasanton on the 24th and 25th so I can pick it up there.

I would like input on 3 rear suspensions choices.
1. Offset shackles and leafs.
2. Alston G-link
3. DSE Quadralink

Concerns are:
1. Is it worth the approximately $ 2,800.00 to get rid of the leafs. Do 4 link cars really ride that much better?
2. Exhaust clearance issues with the upper links or panhard bar
3. BIGGEST concern is that I have seen the frame pics of Todd's "Payback" and Ironworks Camaros. I understand both cars don't have the G-link but both have the cradle. I have not seen any issues with the Quadralink.

Any comments/advise would be appreciated

Hey Guy, Actually mine has the old G Bar and Rodger's car has the G Link. I'm not sold on the design of the G link as it's missing the front cradle cross bar that the old style used for bracing. So you go from loading both frame rails to one. Mine was some small cracks that were easily repair, Rodger had to do some real frame repair. Peronsally, I'd reinforce either set up just to be safe.

With all that being said, I'd opt for a Quadralink or Speedtech set up. I know guys with leaf springs and they are perfectly happy with the ride and performance.

My previous 68 had the Air Bar 4 link and my current 68 has the drop leafs and offset shackles.

Yes, the ride quality is much better on the street with the 4 link. If you value the softer ride on the street highly, maybe the $2800 is worth it to you.

If you value the performance aspect highly and the soft ride is a nice bonus, then maybe you're better off with the leafs and spending the dough elsewhere. Leafs can get it done on the track. Mary Pozzi proved that for years with her leaf rear.

I would consider a torque arm as well as they are an easier install as well than the Q-Link.

At RTTC this weekend I was lucky enough to ride in just about every setup. Great way to see what's what. All the cars performed great and I have to say it's hard to pick one that's "better" than the rest. Having said that, I think that Speedtech has a great setup and it's user friendly. To top it off they are great people to do business with or to just hang out with.

As always it comes down to what you feel is best for you.

For the price, I love the adjustability of of the G-Link, I personally wouldn't want to drop that much cash and have adjustment limited to just ride height, if that. That's what allowed me to justify the extra couple hundred of the G-link over the G-bar. I particularly liked the lack of cutting and minimal welding needed for the G-Link (if it were to be unmodified). The only downside as Todd mentioned was the lack of front cradle/crossbar for the UCA's, so I did this...

http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachment...972-nova-3.jpg

That being said, I haven't driven it yet (hoping within a couple weeks) but I have a feeling it'll be a drastic improvement over the stiff drop leafs that were previously in it. Oh and adjustable links (either upper, lower, or both) make it so nice for adjusting pinion angle exactly.

Looks perfect Joe.

Or go with the AME rear clip and increase the body's stiffness above any other option...

The ridetech bolt in 4 link has the crossmember that you are looking for. http://www.ridetech.com/store/1967-1...rd-airbar.html

Also has heim joint option and offset lower bats to clear a 335 tire. Completely compatible with mini tubs, DSE or otherwise.

Hey guy,
I'm not a big fan of off set shackles. IMO(and I'm no expert)but I feel bringing the leafs in board will only allow more roll which is why I tried so hard and fit 315's without moving them. Probably not a bad thing for auto-x events but I dont feel that condition would be favorable in a road course environment. The two other options are proven set ups and to be honest I think are equal.

If I were in your shoes I would probably look into building a 3 link set up. You have the welding and fabrication skills and ultimately I think this option would probably save you some coin in the end.

Thanks for the info Todd

I looked at the Speedtech torque arm but I already have my exhaust, frame connectors and I am running a 8.5" 10 bolt and their setup is for a 12 bolt.

Thank you for the picture of the upper front support you put in. I like the adjustability of the G-link also.

Thank you for the link Bret

I could fabricate something but all of the hard work is done with these proven systems. I looked at Scott Mocks rear stuff that was on Kevin's (I think that was his name) camaro and thought about building a modified version of that system. With that being said I have been collecting parts and working on the car for 5 years now and you saw my progress so I want it done and driving. With 2 kids under 5 its hard to get garage time so reinventing the wheel just isn't going to happen.


Thank you guys for all of your responses