The chevelle suspension upgrade is complete and loving the results guys, the tubular A arms used were Spartan version and the tall spindles used where from 1994 Caprice with cross drilled and slotted 1LE camaro Rotors. I went with the steering box out of the 1994 Caprice, (Thanks Tony)but had to change the power steering pump because the psi on my original pump was only 950 psi. Overall the car handles like a mother especially doing corners, WOW! Just want to say thanks to all the people who help me with the conversion. I can't remeber all your names but Clandry, Tony, Art, and all you other guys thanks. The Chevelle is now a new car!

Another success story brought to you by:

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:D

Joe

Spawn22, what did you use for alignment specs? did you use the base specs that came with the arms or did you flip crosshaft over for a more negative camber?

MrABody the funny thing is I installed my cross shaft reverse, rather than taking dropping the whole spindle and all to reverse for more negative camber the alignment shop still got their angles with shims, I don't recall the camber, toe, caster but I will get that to you sometime soon. Before the car alignment the car had a +2 camber and the alignment was a mile off. Now the damn thing feels perfect, especially when cornering.

It's great to here everything worked out. I hope to get mine back together next week. I'm just waiting on the powdercoated lower a-arms. How much did the alignment guy have to space out the a-arms to get it aligned? Maybe I should reverse My crosshafts.

Tristian,

I believe that was a '96 Caprice, not that it should make a difference :D

Glad to hear it was the pump and not the box causing those steering issues...

If I make it this weekend (seems unlikely though, imagine that :rolleyes: ), we can dicuss it more and maybe go for a ride... I also want to check out the wheels up close...

And next time you are driving, think about potential bumpsteer, and let us know your opinion...

Sorry to disappoint anyone but I have not experienced any bump steer yet, and I went on the same roads that gave me problems before. Go figure! So for no negative aspects all positive and worth it.

Spawn22, how about a quick run down on what all you did. Did the tall spindles lower the front? I am considering the Global West upper and lower tubular A arms with the coilovers. Anyone used this setup?
Thanks
Steve graemlins/beers.gif

Steve I have not forgotten about your question I will get you that info but the question of alignment specs were asked earlier so here they are.

Camber 1- degree
Caster L) 4 1/2^0 4 degree R) 4 3/4^0 1 degree
Toein 1/8 inch

I am not sure what the number after ^0 represents, I will have to ask the alignment guy.

Could anyone post their alignment numbers with global west upper control arms?

Thanks!

Originally posted by Spawn22:
Sorry to disappoint anyone but I have not experienced any bump steer yet, and I went on the same roads that gave me problems before. Go figure! So for no negative aspects all positive and worth it. Ditto to what Tristan said. I used GW upper arms for my 12" b-body spindle convert and I haven't noticed any bumpsteer. Heck I've gone over some big bumps, rough as h*ll roads and car tracks like a dream. I've even taken my hands off the steering wheel (with no traffic in sight) when going over a variety of bumps. Still tracks straight.

Good to hear you got the brakes on Tristan. What's your next project?

MrAbody, I'm getting an alignment this weekend (finally). Hopefully the shop will get it close to what Global West recommends (I don't remember the specs off-hand). I'll post my specs ASAP.

Excuse my ignorance, but . . . the tubular A arms used were Spartan version . . . is this a manufacturer of tubular a-arms or something else?

Yes Spartan Tubular A arms are really similar to Hotckis Tubular A arms and about $100.00 cheaper!

I got my alignment today. Here is what they (Goodyear Service Center) could do for me:

Caster: (L) 4.38* (R) 4.88*
Camber: (L) -0.62* (R) -0.74*
Toe-in is 0.06"

The Global West Specs are:

Caster: (L) 4.50 (R) 5.0
Camber: (L) -0.05* (R) -0.05*
Toe-in at 3/32" or 0.09"

So for $45 they got pretty close to what I wanted. I think the guy told me he couldn't get the caster to what I wanted without going more negative on the camber. It tracks straight and steering wheel is centered so I'm happy. Haven't hit any twistly roads yet, but it feels a lot better smile.gif So there's a comparison.

Can You give us an update on the conversion, along with suggestions or changes for all of us who are thinking about doing it.

I am still concerened with the bumpsteer/ackerman issues some have had.

Hey everyone, this was in Chevy Hi-Performance. Jeff Smith rebuilt his suspension and suggested these alignment specs for "...all performance Chevelles. Should be better for spirited driving without wearing the tires out..."

Camber: 1/2 degree negative

Caster: 3 degrees to 4 degrees positive

Toe-In: 1/16 inch per side. (total of 1/8 inch)

Just thought I would pass it along. Haven't had a chance to try it out myself, but I am planning to.

-Curtis Hoovestol