I just got the body work finished and it's now at the painters, so I decided this was the time to fully redo the suspension on my 71elky. I decided to go with the centerdrive truckarm kit from HTH. As far as the front suspensionn goes though, I have no clue as to what I'm doing. I'm looking to make this handle awesome on the street, I'll be getting somewhere between 400-500hp to the rear wheels, with torque to match. So, what should I be looking for? As in, what parts. I know basic stuff like control arms, etc. But what about other stuff, that doesn't come stock that I should consider? Also, who should I buy from? I hear GlobalWest has the best products, but are overpriced.

Well, if you are going to be doing some aggressive driving, I'd suggest tightening up the suspension and making it quite a bit stiffer. If you are looking for better control arms, GW makes some nice ones and DSE makes some really nice ones, but those are expensive. I'd look at lowering the car a bit, stiffer springs, poly or some other 'hardened' bushing type, faster ratio steering box, wider front tires, bigger sway bars, new tie rod ends and such, etc. Then, you might want to seriously look into upgrading the braking system to bring it to spec.

So essentially, you're getting into a lot of money! Hope that helps give you some ideas...

Bill C.

I'm doing the HTH truckarm on my chevelle, and going with their front tubular a-arm setup, minus the brakes. I'm using their springs and the Carrera shocks they ship with the kits.

You can also use their front springs and shocks without their front kit. If you're going with their rear kit, I'd suggest also using their front springs at least, to have the same brand of spring on the front and the back. Another expense I didn't really consider to start with...all my steering linkage needs replaced, and the gearbox. I don't want to spend a ton of money on nice suspension and brakes, and have 34 year old worn out steering parts driving the whole thing. The HTH front kit also comes with new balljoints and bushings. I'm reusing the lower a-arms, and having them sandblasted and powdercoated to look nice. You won't have to worry about control arms with the HTH rear, you won't have upper control arms any more, and the lowers are replaced with the truckarms.

I'm also planning on 4-wheel discs and 17" wheels.

I thought about doing a piece-meal approach and going with GW front tubulars or something, but I decided I'd rather have 'matched' stuff front to rear. Check my website to see some pics. I don't have pics of the front suspension yet though, and I don't have any of it installed on the car yet.

One things for sure, it's alot of money!I know I want regret it when it's done, but be prepared to write some big checks.