68 Cutlass Suspension Upgrades

[BerBer5985]

I am a new owner of a 1968 Cutlass and I've done a little research and it seems like rock auto is the best place to look for all the front end suspension bits. I'd like to do the whole front end at the same time because the car now handles like a boat, literally swaying all over the place and it needs an alignment like now other and bushings are worn all around, so might as well replace everything while I'm in there. Question I have is what shocks and springs to use all around? Right now, the car has air shocks in the back which could go as far as I'm concerned, but I would def say shocks are required all over as well as front end rebuild while I'm at it. Any recommendations on this?

[mugzilla]

Lots of variables . Will you race , show, 1/4 mi , ...

Fronts need to be matched to things like a.c. or no, ride height ?

I like progressive ratio rear springs, at $80 they are such a deal...

[mugzilla]

I use KYBs' and they seem to be popular ...

[BerBer5985]

It's just going to be a street rod for pleasure, but I'd still like it to handle well. I was planning on getting a front end rebuild kit from espo and then KYB GR-2 Shocks all around ditching the old air shocks in the rear with some kind of springs. Then get the steering box rebuilt for close ratio and swap the brakes out for disks using the front end conversion with 2" drop spindles. Any recommendations on tire size. Right now, there are 255/70 r15's rear and 225/7- r15's on the front. Eventually I'd like to drop a 455 in, but as for now, it's an olds 350 rocket with a/c removed.

[mugzilla]

The main thang is the spindle .

This seems right on to me ...

http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofsus.htm#Suspension

Use the front springs as they are probably factory matched , plus the 350 springs will rise nicely ...

There is a variable/quick ratio box ...

Do your tires rub, I'm thinking of going 15" ...

[BerBer5985]

Tires don't rub at all at stock height. The alignment is way off and so is camber but tires don't rub at all.

[mugzilla]

Then you should have plenty of tire ...

What kind of budget do you have ..?


I'd probably tighten up the front end first ...

[Lady72nRob71]

Might as well redo it all while it is apart. New Moog rubber bushings (stay away from the cheapo ones), ball joints, springs, quick ratio steery box, sway bar bushings, etc....
For stock-type replacement parts, Rockauto is great. They also carry lots of good brands - look for them. Returns are easy also.

From what I heard, the best in perfomance can be had with Bilstein shocks. Costly, but if you only do it once.......
Richard (gearhead78) used them on his car when he did a whole suspension upgrade - it handles better than my 97 Caddy sts...

Richard, did you get your "suspension upgrade in-a-nutshell" thread done yet?? There is demand for it now...
He also used a unique adjustable upper A-arm.

KYB and Edelbrock makes some good shocks also. I think the Monroes sensatracs are too mushy - I used them on my 86 and do not like them.

[gearheads78]

Originally Posted by Lady72nRob71

. ..

Richard, did you get your "suspension upgrade in-a-nutshell" thread done yet?? There is demand for it now...
He also used a unique adjustable upper A-arm.

.

done

[BerBer5985]

Here's the issue I'm having. I'm having a hard time trying to determine if I should replace every part in the front end while I have it apart for safe measure or if that's a waste of money and time if some of the parts are in good shape. My gut feeling is to save up enough to do it all at once and get all the parts swapped out all at once for safe measure. Any thoughts or am I going overboard?

[citcapp]

Your car is over 40 years old and everything has worn the same. I think you are on the right track to save the money and do a complete front rebuild in one shot, then your don't have to worry about what you didn't replace