Ok, I have searched all over for suspension upgrades and power steering box upgrades and everything on this site and just can't seem to get a straight forward answer. I currently have the body off of my 1970 El Camino that has a 350 small block in it. The one thing that I want to pay close attention to is the suspension and handling of the car. I want to be able to drive this car places and do the occasional stomp down and drag. I don't know what to get if I want to redo the entire car, because there are so many different kind of things.

Here is a list of things I'd like to get:
1. Front end rebuild (what brand and what)
2. Front end suspension (I would like a great handling car)
3. Box steering box (would the 98 Jeep GC be better than original)
4. Rear end suspension (what brand and what)
5. Body to frame mounts (original or the poly type?)

I am not sure what I can and cannot use to rebuild the suspension of the entire car and I know the knowledge of this site! Thanks again!!!

-Neil

On front end rebuild parts, I like to use Moog, which is available at most parts stores. On your front suspension, it is important to replace the 40 year old springs, upgrade the front sway bar, I used KYB shocks all the way around. On my gear box, I ordered a rebuilt one that came off of a Z28 Camaro, which is alot closer ratio, then the stock Chevelle. If I remember right I ordered it through Year One. On the rear suspension, I also replaced the springs, and ordered a complete Hotkiss kit which came with boxed control arms, connectors, and swaybar. The body mounts are just a matter of choice, I went with stock rubber ones. My car handles great, although I have never entered in any road races, but my friends that have driven the car and rode with me always comment on how well the car handles and rides. Oh on my front suspension components, I used all poly bushings in the A frames, and drag links. The Hotchkiss rear kit came with poly bushings installed, and also included grease fittings.

Hello
I just wanted to throw this out there for you for a suggestion that UMI Performance offers a variety of products that might be of interest for your build. We will soon have a few products available for the front suspension as well later on this summer. Below is a link to show you what all we have to offer!

http://www.umiperformance.com/abody

If you have any other question feel free to ask and I will be more than glad to help!
Thanks
Brad :D

hey thanks alot and does if I do get a different steering box, i don't need to get any different gears or anything for the front, right?

So far in my el camino I went with poly control arm bushings and put all new tierods drag link, idler arm, ect. on it. I went with energy suspension bushings and all the tierods and such from NAPA.

I dont know if you like low cars, but I went with stiffer front springs and circle track adjusters. they are around the price of hotchkis front ends and if you want to know more send me a message.

I also put a beefy front sway bar on it from summit racing, I think it is an inch and 1/4

As for the back, I have a stock chevelle sway bar I am bolting on and just got 175lb springs as well.


Don't know about rear end bushings. I think you can run poly on the lower control arms, but rubber in the upper control arms. Someone will chime in and let you know the do's and donts of it.



Matt

Hey there matt thanks alot and I sent you a pm