'69 Camaro Suspension

[Mongoose]

Winter is fast approching here and shortly it will be time to start the cold weather project.

The front end of my Camaro desperately needs rebuilding. There is a lot of play in the steering wheel, the front is sagging very close to the tires. The drivers front rubs in the wheel well on a sharp left turn.

I have had the car 8 years, and have added about 6,000 miles in that time. It is a 1969 RS/SS 396 (X-22) car. Not matching numbers, but it does have a 1990 454 crate motor that I have redone.

I'm sure it needs new coil springs and shocks with that big block setting on them 24-7, but I have never done front end work of any kind. I was wondering, is it within the ability of the average wrench twister to do this in his garage? Also, what should I have replaced when the job is done and can it be done for around $500.00?

I have not been here in about 4 months and it looks like the spammers and trolls have been kept out. GOOD JOB MODS!

[THEL78ISGREAT]

Yeah, really the only thing you will need that you probably dont have is a spring compresser, which you can get away without but I dont reccomend it because you can get hurt and its a pain in the neck. Its not too complicated, just some good common sense and good relatively basic tools is what is needed.

[WINGNUT]

Definately buy a spring compressor.......you don't want to wind up having a coil spring for an ear. The job shouldn't be too hard. Put the front on jack stands, chock the wheels, remove front wheels, compress spring, loosen and drop lower A-arm, remove shock/spring compress new shock/spring and install........then reverse process. I just re-did the front end of my truck this summer......it was surprisingly easy.

[Mongoose]

Thanks guys. I had another person tell me to buy/rent a spring compresser. He said getting the old tired springs out is easy, but getting the new ones in, is dangerous without one.

Should I pull the control arms out and put in new bushings if I'm that far along? How about tie rod ends and ball joints?

Also, the frame is tied and I have traction bars on my car, but I would like to have that '60's look of high in the back and low in the front. Do they still make air shocks for the back of my Camaro? Years ago I think Gabriel made "High Jackers". Are they still around?

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it. What a great site and great members.

[72Chero]

I think you can still get Air shocks, but anymore people are switching to the airbag system for the same effect. Now I didn't put air shocks on my Ranchero but to get the Rake look I went with a much larger tire on the back, I also have the wheel well room to do so, I have 285x75x15 on the back and 235x60x15 on the front. It has a good rake to it and the same desired effect. :D

[THEL78ISGREAT]

Thanks guys. I had another person tell me to buy/rent a spring compresser. He said getting the old tired springs out is easy, but getting the new ones in, is dangerous without one.

Should I pull the control arms out and put in new bushings if I'm that far along? How about tie rod ends and ball joints?

Also, the frame is tied and I have traction bars on my car, but I would like to have that '60's look of high in the back and low in the front. Do they still make air shocks for the back of my Camaro? Years ago I think Gabriel made "High Jackers". Are they still around?

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it. What a great site and great members.
I would replace that kind if I had the time and they were worn, just to make it easier and it sould improve the ride. You can still get air shocks, but I dont think the Hi Jackers are still around. A company might have taken the name though. You can probably find some originals on EBAY.

[Mongoose]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I am going to try it. If I get in trouble I can come here for help.

Oh by the way THEL78ISGREAT,.............The L78 IS great!

[THEL78ISGREAT]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I am going to try it. If I get in trouble I can come here for help.

Oh by the way THEL78ISGREAT,.............The L78 IS great!
YEAH!:D :D