Lightweight Suspension Options for 2nd gen Fbody? - Lateral-g Forums

mikespeed95 · #1 07-10-2010, 02:27 AM

Hey guys,
Starting my 72 Camaro build, and pretty ignorant with domestic suspension companies, other than making my own QA1 stuff.

Does anyone make Aluminum spindles or control arms or subframes or anything for these? Or even lighter steel/chromoly?

I'm redoing the suspension anyways, so was wondering if I could shave some wieght.

Also does anyone have a budget friendly reccomendation for a rear end? I know someone is going to probably get their panties in a wad over this, but the best idea I've got so far is modify an Explorer rear end, they're cheap, strong, and have discs which saves some cash too..

Extremely open to ideas from more knowledgable people.

Vince@Meanstreets · #2 07-10-2010, 11:25 AM

Blake at Speed Tech has AFX spindles coming and I'd go 69 Cougar 9 inch for the rear.

Lightweight and budget are seldom used in the same conversation but a little here a little there will make a difference.
Vince

Cread01 · #3 07-10-2010, 01:04 PM

best bet would probably be to call speedtech. I think I read somewhere that there front frame is lighter than oem. They also are making the aluminum spindles so you might be able to get everything from them. as far as rear suspension if you went with a G-link or something similar it would be lighter than the leaf's with the right setup.

nothing wrong with the explorer rear axle. it's strong and has disc brakes. not sure how much stronger it would be than the 10 bolt but it'll work. another option would be to just build up the 10 bolt a bit and get a LS disc brake setup from a camaro or ta.

SLO_Z28 · #4 07-10-2010, 01:23 PM

If youre going to go with an aftermarket subframe DSE is the way to go. The stock setup is pretty close to optimal though, and I would keep the stock subframe, and get hotchkis springs front and rear, and either hotchkis or pro touring f body control arms upper and lower. If youre doing brakes on a budget Kore 3 has very reasonably priced C5 and C6 setups. The stock 10 bolt can handle a lot of power if built right, just stuff good axles and weld the tubes.

mikespeed95 · #5 07-10-2010, 01:53 PM

My 10 bolt is missing some pieces, and Exploder rearends are pretty cheap.

Was going to make control arms, and my own coilovers using QA1 stuff, but wanted to see what was out there too.

What are "AFX" and "DSE"? Not very familiar with brands on this stuff.

**clill** · #6 07-10-2010, 03:51 PM

Bill Howell might have some left over light weight control arms he is no longer using. :-)

LowchevyII · #7 07-10-2010, 06:26 PM

[QUOTE=
What are "AFX" and "DSE"? Not very familiar with brands on this stuff.[/QUOTE]

AFX is the spindle from Speedtech formerly made by ATS. AFX= A-body (chevelle) F-body (camaro) and X-body (nova).

DSE = detroit speed and engineering (www.detroitspeed.com)

Speedtech and DSE are both top notch for sure, but in terms of budget, not so much. youre getting what you pay for though.

coolwelder62 · #8 07-11-2010, 07:27 PM

I am building my own sub frame for a 2nd. gen that will uses light wt.# alum. c6 componets.I will post some photo's in a day or two. I like the 8.8 rears if you are on a budget.Use 2 short axles and you can center the pinion.Done it for a few customers.Good luck.

BMR Tech · #9 07-16-2010, 02:23 PM

I would keep your 10 bolt. All second gens except the 70 came with the 8.5" rear end which is almost as strong as a 12 bolt. You can put an Eaton True trac and axles in it and never have to worry about the rear.

Also, you can literally bolt-on a set of disc brakes from a late model 4th gen F-Body (93-02 Camaro and Firebird) for practically nothing. You can get them at the salvage yards and swap meets for about $100 and be able to buy replacement pads and rotors at any parts store.

coolwelder62 · #10 07-16-2010, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMR Tech

I would keep your 10 bolt. All second gens except the 70 came with the 8.5" rear end which is almost as strong as a 12 bolt. You can put an Eaton True trac and axles in it and never have to worry about the rear.

Also, you can literally bolt-on a set of disc brakes from a late model 4th gen F-Body (93-02 Camaro and Firebird) for practically nothing. You can get them at the salvage yards and swap meets for about $100 and be able to buy replacement pads and rotors at any parts store.

This is real good advice for some on a budget.