Hello all, first post on here but I've been reading through some old threads quite a bit. I've been trying to research what I should do with the suspension on my 1987 Monte SS. I already picked up blazer spindles, rotors, and calipers to hopefully stop a bit better. While I'm taking the suspension apart to replace the spindles I figured its a great time to freshen everything up. The plan was to get moog lower control arms that come with new ball joints and bushings already installed (I don't have the tools necessary to install the lower bjs), the uppers I was planning to do myself since they are bolt in. I then came across some southside machine upper control arms for a great price that are supposed to improve the suspension geometry along with taller bjs. I couldn't find too much info on them though so I'm not sure if it's a good buy or not, if anyone with any experience or knowledge on them could share your thoughts that would be greatly appreciated, I'm also open to suggestions as well. The car will probably never make it to the track but will probably see some spirited driving on some back roads. My other project car is a Nissan 240sx so I do appreciate a car that handles well. Future plans for the car are a umi stage 1 suspension kit and an engine upgrade well down the road. Thanks in advance.
Could use some suspension guidance
- Thread starter gar732
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Hi and welcome.
You won't regret the tall ball joint change. I'd recommend both uppers and lowers, since you got it apart. The tall lowers will lower the car a little. Since you got it apart, the Moog 5658 springs worked well on my car to stiffen up the ride without being too harsh. Blazer brakes were a good choice!
You won't regret the tall ball joint change. I'd recommend both uppers and lowers, since you got it apart. The tall lowers will lower the car a little. Since you got it apart, the Moog 5658 springs worked well on my car to stiffen up the ride without being too harsh. Blazer brakes were a good choice!
Thanks, Can the taller bjs be used on the stock lower? The budget doesn't allow for the tubular lowers right now, I'm only considering the uppers because the price is so good. And if the tall bjs can't be used with the stock lowers can I still use the uppers with the stock lowers? I've read that you need the new upper control arms with a different mounting angle to use the taller bjs but couldn't find any info on mixing and matching with stock parts. I don't want to make things worse. By the way these are the control arms I'm thinking about getting http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=112320506535
Thanks for the links I'll do so reading today.
Tall lowers work fine in the stock Lower Arms. For tools, Autozone will loan you the tools you'd need to install the lower ball joints.
I have G-body parts upper arms with Proforged tall ball joints from summit on my T-type. An issue you can run into with smaller diameter but wider wheels is the arms can hit the wheels when they turn. 15/16X8 wheels can have an issue, but 18X8's should be fine.
I have G-body parts upper arms with Proforged tall ball joints from summit on my T-type. An issue you can run into with smaller diameter but wider wheels is the arms can hit the wheels when they turn. 15/16X8 wheels can have an issue, but 18X8's should be fine.
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I'm running 15x7 with 235/60/15 on the front with no issues.
Stock lowers are fine with tall ball joints, the upper need aftermarket arms, but the handling improvements are worth it.
Stock lowers are fine with tall ball joints, the upper need aftermarket arms, but the handling improvements are worth it.
I have the umi uppers with the taller ball joints wroth 17x8 with 4.5bs and used 1/2" spacers to clear the inside of the wheel lip. other wise it handles amazing.
I have all tubular front and rear with the exception of the front lowers, rear shock brace Hotchkis tuned bilstein shocks and eibach pro kit. I love the ride .
I have all tubular front and rear with the exception of the front lowers, rear shock brace Hotchkis tuned bilstein shocks and eibach pro kit. I love the ride .
Ok the upper arms are on their way, now I'm looking at ball joints. From what I've read many people have gone with 1/2" taller on both upper and lower. Southside machine sells 1" upper and 1/2" lowers and I've seen 1" lowers as an option as well. What's the best way to go and how do I make that determination? Also the ssm ball joints are $100 apiece where the proforged are half the price. Is their that big a difference? Sometimes I feel I over think this stuff, again this car will probably never see a track.
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