I want to convert the rear suspension in my '69 Cutlass S to something closer to that found under a 4-4-2. I want to add boxed lower control arms and a rear sway bar and I'm wondering if I can use components for a 69-70 Chevelle. I ask because I get excellent pricing from the local Chevelle restoration business where I bought all the parts for my Chevelle restoration.

I am also replacing the original 2-series, open carrier, 12-bolt 'O'-style rear end with an identical '69 differential, but with 3.91 anti-spin. The entire rear is rebuilt and complete from backing plate to backing plate. I want to know if there any reason I can't use a rear drum rebuild kit (springs, brackets, shoes, etc.) for a Chevelle?

I appreciate any help, guys. Thanks!

Uncle Hulka

 

I found the answers I was looking for. I was pretty confident that all the brake and suspension components would work, but my Chevrolet parts cross-reference book did not list the Cutlass/4-4-2 as compatible.

Yes, they should work just fine.

 

Yeah, get a new book. All 1968-72 A-body suspension parts will interchange, and any aftermarket Chevelle parts will fit a Cutlass. Just be aware of the oval vs. round bushings on the front lower control arms when you get to those.

 

Thanks, Joe! Glad to know my instincts were right. And yes, I'm hip to the front lower control arm bushing shape(s) from when I replaced them on my '70 (Oval, in my case).

 

For the boxed rear control arms, why not just get a set of inserts and weld them into your OEM non boxed ones? Way cheaper and it's the same thing.

For the rear sway bar, check out Ground Up. They're a Chevy place but the rear sway bar they have is the same for Cutlass.

Hmm, I just looked there and they're having a combo sale - rear sway bar and boxed control arms for 229.00 Ground Up Suspension That's kind of hard to beat when it includes new bushings and already boxed arms.

 

Well that just happens to be where I am going, Allan! I have had really great experiences dealing with them and they're less than an hour away from me. Thanks for the tip, though. I appreciate it.