[Amoasser711]

Hey Everyone. Brand new to the site. Ive always wanted a 71 chevelle and was finally able to grab one a few weeks back. Im looking to change the suspension, bushings, etc. The car will essentially be a weekend fun ride. Has a crate 350 small block in it now with vortec heads and a few other little things. Im going to run this for a few year but eventually swap a newer LS motor. That’s obviously down the road.

My question: because the car will be a street ride, whats the best suspension kit to go with? I want the ride to feel less “boaty/floaty” in the turns, and more hugging of the road. Its not a 1/4 mile vehicle but i do want to be able to get down and feel secure while doing it. Ive been researching and i think the UMI stage 2 kit with 2” lowering springs is going to be the result. Any experience with this kit? Pros & cons? Budget is roughly $3k.

thanks in advance.

 

[bry66]

I have UMI's stage 2 kit on my '66 and I'm real happy with it. It's pretty much exactly what you say you're looking for, and everything on it still feels as tight and responsive when you're driving as it did 5 years ago when I first installed it. I opted for the 1" lowering springs though, because prior to that I had 2" drop spindles and the front sat too low for me. It looked cool when the car was parked but my headers would scrape all the time. The UMI kit with standard height spindles and 1" lowering springs is the sweet spot IMO.

 

[DTepp]

I have UMI's stage 2 kit on my '66 and I'm real happy with it. It's pretty much exactly what you say you're looking for, and everything on it still feels as tight and responsive when you're driving as it did 5 years ago when I first installed it. I opted for the 1" lowering springs though, because prior to that I had 2" drop spindles and the front sat too low for me. It looked cool when the car was parked but my headers would scrape all the time. The UMI kit with standard height spindles and 1" lowering springs is the sweet spot IMO.

I am glad to hear you're happy with it. I just started the process of installing the exact same kit on my 68 drop top. I hope to have it done the weekend after next. I am installing a Borgeson 12.7:1 quick ratio steering box as well, so looking forward to seeing the results.

 

[smitty454]

2inch drop springs with umi control arms will drop it 2.5-3 inches in front. Its a BIG drop and you may experience tire rubbing.

Other than that the UMI kit is great.

 

[The Real Chris Brown]

I started with QA1 coil overs. Stock Mount Coil-Over Systems | QA1

Kept the stock control arms and sway bar. I can tweak the stance anytime I want and adjust the shocks for a more stiff or soft ride with the twist of the knobs on the shocks. I boxed the rear trailing arms myself with a welder and some metal.

Upgraded to QA1 tubular control arms about a year later. Nice improvement from stock.

About 6 months ago I swapped out my steering knuckles to the global west ones: A-body 1964-72 steering knuckle arms for correcting bumpsteer
Also my spindles. Went to Wilwood drop spindles: Wilwood Disc Brakes

This '66 RIPS now! Take it up canyon roads all the time. SO FUN! But, I can always raise the height and soften up the shocks anytime. Love having the adjustments available.

I swapped my 1969 C10 suspension out recently. Had drop springs and spindles. I went with all CPP suspension parts on my C10. Less expensive than QA1. Comes with Viking shocks. No complaints with their products either.

You've got TONS of options. But, I would invest in coil over shocks before anything else. You can always keep adding down the road.

 

[Amoasser711]

First off, thank you everyone for the responses. Lots of good information. With a $3k budget, is UMI stage 2 kit the best bang for my buck or would you all recommend something else?

 

[Jasons 69 Chevelle]

UMI full roto joints for the rear with a ridetech coil over kit. Umi lower front control arms with a ridetech coil over, spc upper control arms with a tall upper ball joint. Sway bars sized for intended use. Not sure on the prices anymore. Kits can be good also and a lot less aggravating if something doesn’t fit properly.

 

[motorhed65]

I have the stage 2 UMI. Car feels responsive and tight around corners. Make sure to pair it with a better than stock steering box.

 

[Amoasser711]

I have the stage 2 UMI. Car feels responsive and tight around corners. Make sure to pair it with a better than stock steering box.

Sounds good. Just curious, did you go with a 1 inch or 2 inch drop and how much did actually lower your vehicle? Preferably, I want to buy the 2” drop, but I don’t want that to equate to 3+ inches. Lastly, I am on the fence between going stage two or stage three. Not sure how much more of a benefit I would get with stage three and if it’s worth it for the type of driving I would be doing

 

[bry66]

First off, thank you everyone for the responses. Lots of good information. With a $3k budget, is UMI stage 2 kit the best bang for my buck or would you all recommend something else?

At the time I bought mine, I believe it was. Keep in mind there are only a handful of aftermarket A-arms that actually change the geometry of your suspension (UMI is one of them). The upper ball joint is repositioned ever so slightly to allow you to get more positive caster and a little more negative camber when you do your alignment. This translates into tighter and more responsive steering, and gives the front tires better grip while cornering. Some of the less expensive tubular A-arms keep the ball joints in their original locations, and do not provide any benefit over the stock A-arms except for being maybe a tiny bit stronger.

 

[Amoasser711]

At the time I bought mine, I believe it was. Keep in mind there are only a handful of aftermarket A-arms that actually change the geometry of your suspension (UMI is one of them). The upper ball joint is repositioned ever so slightly to allow you to get more positive caster and a little more negative camber when you do your alignment. This translates into tighter and more responsive steering, and gives the front tires better grip while cornering. Some of the less expensive tubular A-arms keep the ball joints in their original locations, and do not provide any benefit over the stock A-arms except for being maybe a tiny bit stronger.

Great information! Thank you for that. I ended up calling UMI shortly ago and their tech guy was really informative. I was debating between going stage 2 or stage 3 and based off what im looking to use my car for, stage 2 is the route to go. Stage 3, he stated, they dont care nearly as much about comfort and more so performance. With stage 2, its a healthy mix of both comfort AND performance. Since I dont plan on hitting the road courses every weekend, stage 2 is the route to go. Also, the 2" drop is best. I appreciate everyone's responses here. Now, if i could get this kit to shift faster than 4-5 weeks....lol

 

[motorhed65]

Sounds good. Just curious, did you go with a 1 inch or 2 inch drop and how much did actually lower your vehicle? Preferably, I want to buy the 2” drop, but I don’t want that to equate to 3+ inches. Lastly, I am on the fence between going stage two or stage three. Not sure how much more of a benefit I would get with stage three and if it’s worth it for the type of driving I would be doing

I purchased the 2” drop springs but I wanted my car lower so I added 2” drop spindles.

 

[styll_iye_rize]

Great information! Thank you for that. I ended up calling UMI shortly ago and their tech guy was really informative. I was debating between going stage 2 or stage 3 and based off what im looking to use my car for, stage 2 is the route to go. Stage 3, he stated, they dont care nearly as much about comfort and more so performance. With stage 2, its a healthy mix of both comfort AND performance. Since I dont plan on hitting the road courses every weekend, stage 2 is the route to go. Also, the 2" drop is best. I appreciate everyone's responses here. Now, if i could get this kit to shift faster than 4-5 weeks....lol

Hey Sir, how has your UMI Stage 2 been so far ? Im currently where you were a few months in regards to going Stage 2 or 3 or 1" or 2" drop. I want to go with the 2" drop but with the BBC 454 I know it will drop more than 2 inchs and dont want any header clearance issues. Ive got the facotry manifolds but looking at some mid section headers to avoid that.
My chevelle suspension is totally shot and its sitting low so its difficult to tell the stock height vs the lowered setup. Current wheels are 15/17 but want to do maybe a 17/18 or 18/19 wheel setup and didn't want the drop to affect clearance or header clearance

Thank you kindly !!!

70 chevelle

 

[RChurch]

69 Chevelle. Bought a UMI Stage 2 kit last year with a 1" drop. Added coilovers in the front and Jeep GC steering box. I love it! Rides firm but comfortable, handles like a new sports car. I'm running 18" wheels and have not had any ground clearance issues. I believe I paid around $3,200 for the kit, including the coilovers. I highly recommend UMI, but would reconsider the 2" drop.

 

[Hotwire]

Hey Sir, how has your UMI Stage 2 been so far ? Im currently where you were a few months in regards to going Stage 2 or 3 or 1" or 2" drop. I want to go with the 2" drop but with the BBC 454 I know it will drop more than 2 inchs and dont want any header clearance issues. Ive got the facotry manifolds but looking at some mid section headers to avoid that.
My chevelle suspension is totally shot and its sitting low so its difficult to tell the stock height vs the lowered setup. Current wheels are 15/17 but want to do maybe a 17/18 or 18/19 wheel setup and didn't want the drop to affect clearance or header clearance

Thank you kindly !!!

70 chevelle

If you have the factory assembly manual it tells you ride height from the rocker bottoms. This will help you determine where the car is sitting now. Contact umi about the drop springs, the rate is so high (stiff) it may not drop as much as you expect.

 

[mrpaticular]

When buying springs be prepared to be disappointed.
Rick

 

[styll_iye_rize]

69 Chevelle. Bought a UMI Stage 2 kit last year with a 1" drop. Added coilovers in the front and Jeep GC steering box. I love it! Rides firm but comfortable, handles like a new sports car. I'm running 18" wheels and have not had any ground clearance issues. I believe I paid around $3,200 for the kit, including the coilovers. I highly recommend UMI, but would reconsider the 2" drop.

I purchased the UMI stage 3 setup with front and rear braces as well due to the holiday discount which helped alot with cost...I have a set of hedmen midlength headers to avoid header clearance issues....

 

[Amoasser711]

Hey Sir, how has your UMI Stage 2 been so far ? Im currently where you were a few months in regards to going Stage 2 or 3 or 1" or 2" drop. I want to go with the 2" drop but with the BBC 454 I know it will drop more than 2 inchs and dont want any header clearance issues. Ive got the facotry manifolds but looking at some mid section headers to avoid that.
My chevelle suspension is totally shot and its sitting low so its difficult to tell the stock height vs the lowered setup. Current wheels are 15/17 but want to do maybe a 17/18 or 18/19 wheel setup and didn't want the drop to affect clearance or header clearance

Thank you kindly !!!

70 chevelle

Finally getting around to installing it now. Aside from getting the old stuff off, reassembly hasnt been bad until i just attempted to put the spindle/rotors back on and my driver side doesnt slide onto the bottom control arm without the shield behind the rotor rubbing the control arm pretty bad. Going to call UMI monday and get their advice. Their customer service is phenomenal.

 

[Alwhite00]

I purchased the 2” drop springs but I wanted my car lower so I added 2” drop spindles.

Any pictures?

 

[Hotwire]

I've heard a lot of people have the same problem. Some people pull the splash shields, others trim them. Pretty sure that'll be the advice you get from UMI.

Ever since I upgraded my brakes I haven't run shields and have 0 issues. Have driven in rain a couples times and haven't noticed a difference.

https://flic.kr/p/2m5srix