Suspension starts

[pow3rwagon]

I'm needing a bit of guidance. First off my wagon if basically a Franken car. I am happy with the drivetrain for now and and the interior and appearance fixes/upgrades are in progress, but I need some suspension help. from what I can tell the front end is factory, but the rear is not. The control arms have been boxed by what look to be a person who had never welded before, there are air shocks installed, the springs don't look like wagon springs I've seen before and there is a sway bar bolted to the lower control arms. I am in the process of swapping out the steering shaft, but what should be my next steps in improving handling

 

[pontiacgp]

what kind of ride do you want?

 

[pow3rwagon]

I was just trying to get on and edit my post to address that. It's going to be a street car with some trips to the strip. I'm not looking for luxury just something that handles well on the street

 

[pontiacgp]

here's a list of moog springs that might help you

http://jeffd.50megs.com/Moog_Spring_Page.htm

 

[pow3rwagon]

That was quiet helpful thank you. I don't know if I want to go with the 5391's or the cc507(cargo spring). I want to give the wagon a small rake but don't know if using the cargo spring with a spring rate just under 160# will be to much or if using the 5391's will make the rear sit lower than I want

 

[xitabl442]

Energy Suspension makes coil spring isolators.

 

[MollytheOldsmobile]

I bought the Moog Cargo springs for my rear and it rides great. They just have a better resistance to the weight you put on the rear.
Didn't change the ride height at all.

 

[Longroof79]

I've had cargo coils in the rear for a number of years. It rides nicely, but definitely raises the rear of the car some. You can't beat them for loading the car down with people, camping gear, etc.
For the front, I'd either go with MOOG #5660's or #5658's. However, it won't lower your car much...maybe a 1/2".

Look into finding the factory body braces and performance swaybars, install a set of gas shocks, such as KYB Gas-adjusts or Bilsteins. Down the road, consider installing new body mounts.

First thing would be to rebuild the front end...new control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, center link, idler arm, etc.