2nd gen front suspension upgrade

[badazz81z28]

BTW...someone will chime in here and say PTFB is the greatest thing since slice bread. FWIW, if all you have ever had was Shasta, you will never know how good Coke is.

I admit, I was the same way. Quality parts cost quality cash

[markss28]

Originally Posted by badazz81z28

Umm...Did you see my post? Hotchkis Arms are not out of your league


I have personal experience with PTFB. Don't waste your money. There was a time when I had their control arms and steering kit. The quality and the durability is not there when you compare them to the bigger names. I sold off all that junk and bought Hotchkis not that much later. I use to have side by side pictures of their arms compared to the Hotchkis. The Hotchkis tubing is larger, the bushing areas are larger, the welds are better and importantly, the ball joints didn't strip under torque.

There is a reason why DSE, Hotchkis, Speedtech, Global West are big names who are used by a lot of folks and proven on the track.

PTFB is nothing more than budget parts. You can't compare those to arms that are 100% tig welded, Chromoly Billet cross shafts, quality ball joints, and Delrin bushings.

Just saw your previous post about your suspension. Thank you so much for your thoughts on PTFB. I like to know as much as I can before I pull the trigger on any investment. I'll send you a PM with my number and hopefully this weekend we can talk about your suspension.

[Rod P]

Originally Posted by markss28

I guess I was hoping to upgrade to coilovers since that seems to be becoming the standard plus able to adjust height and ride by just turning a wrench or adjusting a knob is appealing as well.

This is all learning for me as I have no experience with any of these parts. I asked about PTFB primarily due to price. But once again I have no experience with them.

I would stay with the springs there isn't an advantage to having a coil over ONLY on the front....the main advantage is you can change spring rates but that doesn't matter because you cant change the back springs and therefore the car would be unbalanced,,,,you Idealy want coilovers on all four corners and that will require you to get rid of the leafs, and now the budget has tripled

dont shop price to upgrade, shop design and performance advantage

Originally Posted by markss28

I like to know as much as I can before I pull the trigger on any investment.

I under stand this...but the reason to upgrade is performance and handling...better bushings, ball joints, caster gains, quality materials if you cant get these answers from those selling you arms...then you don't want there arms, you already have arms with no performance gain

[markss28]

Great point Rod.

I dont want to just buy replacement just trying to find best bang for buck. How about ridetech control arms for 2nd gen? If I stay with my springs I will just upgrade my shocks. May also leave a little for sway bar. Thoughts?

[WSSix]

It's hard to beat a good spring/shock combination when you're just a street car. The only reason I went with coil overs is because I wanted the adjustability I did not need it though. I envision that I'll be making a lot of changes to my car through its life. I figured I'd do the coil overs and be done. You won't be making a mistake going with coil overs but if your budget is tight, stay with a good spring/ shock combo.

You can read through my build thread for more info on the car, what I've done, and why I've done the changes. I feel we are on similar paths. Buy quality parts the first time so that you don't have to spend more money and time replacing crap parts.

You can go with factory WS6 sway bars or aftermarket. These cars need bracing which is why I also said that originally.

[markss28]

WSSIX, you have a nice ride and I went through it pretty quick. I was thinking about the viking coilovers as well bc there are a few companies selling them on the cheap today.

I may just Ridetech control arms and coilovers as MCB is having a great deal on them.

Eventually Id like to do the 4link but Im about 3 months from that decision.

How do you like the 650lb spring rate? Seems a little high but once again I have no experience with this so just curious.

[Rod P]

Originally Posted by markss28

I may just Ridetech control arms and coilovers as MCB is having a great deal on them.

Eventually Id like to do the 4link but Im about 3 months from that decision.

How do you like the 650lb spring rate? Seems a little high but once again I have no experience with this so just curious.

with the ridetech setup I would order a 700 lb spring and the single adjust shock it will work great with the leaf rear

[WSSix]

Keep in mind I'm running an aluminum headed LT1 with a T56 so I'm much lighter than my original 403/auto combination. I also have 225lb mono leaf rear springs. So far the spring rate is fine. I've only street driven the car and am still getting the shocks dialed in but it's not jarring, bottoming out, or rubbing the fenders. We'll see how it goes when I start pushing it though. Swapping coil springs is easy so if I have to change then no big deal.

[markss28]

Well I pulled the trigger and ordered from MCB Ridetech control arms and coilovers. They had such great prices and Kim was so helpful I couldnt pass it up. Cant wait for them to come in.

MCB for the win!

[Rod P]

Originally Posted by markss28

Well I pulled the trigger and ordered from MCB Ridetech control arms and coilovers. They had such great prices and Kim was so helpful I couldnt pass it up. Cant wait for them to come in.

MCB for the win!

what spring did you order?