what would you think of a rear coil over conversion for a chevelle type chassie

[wickedridz]

what do you guys think of an adjustable rear coil over kit that would pretty much bolt in the rear of any coil spring rear suspension gm car ie: chevelle, monte carlo, olds ect....

[Blown353]

A good idea, but it will need frame reinforcements and will need the pickup points on the rear end moved inboard so the coilovers are in a more vertical position-- in the stock setup the shocks are leaned way over, especially when lowered, which adversely affects spring rate and linearity of the setup and also places much more load than needed on the frame as it now has two force components to deal with and also has to deal with a much heavier spring because of the less than ideal coilover angle.

Also, the frame mounts will need reinforcement. Stock, the spring sits in a nest close to the frame rail on one side and the crossmember; when you bolt the coilover where the shock was you put all the load way out on the largely unsupported corner of the spring perch & shock mount. I have seen many wagons and Elky's with air shocks that when loaded down break the spring perch and shock mount off the frame because of the increase in load way out on the unsupported portion.

Just some words of advice. Good idea, but won't be a bolt in if you want it done right.

[nitrorocket]

It would work if the upper mount was designed to distribute the load evenly like the spring, but shift the upper shock mount just a tad toward the frame rail itself, even a 1/2" would probably be adequate. This is actually something I was looking over for a conversion myself this winter, but I never looked to far into yet. Other things to do!

[wickedridz]

what kind of car and body style nitro?

[wickedridz]

i have a 69 wagon as my test bed so your input of body type and car would be helpfull

[wickedridz]

thank you blown for the input. i am not trying to reinvent the wheel just develop a cool workable alternative to whats available today for under a grand that also can be done with most common hand tools found in the local home depot. not everybody can afford the $ 90.00 per hour average being charged these days.