G-body guys who is the best suspension manufacturer?

[Chevyfanaddict]

Just wondering what the G-body guys are using for suspension setups? I know there is Hotchkis, ridetech, and UMI out there but there is also quite a big difference in price between the two... And then theres eBay stuff (which is kinda scary). I plan on doing tube arms and coil-overs all around. Im building a '78 Malibu and plan on going full pro-touring with it. 18/20 Billet specialties and all the the handling goodies with a EFI L92 head LQ4 6.0L and maybe forced induction later down the road.

Also right now i can't afford to do the coil-overs and tube arms at the same time so i will do the tube arms first but will i be able to add the coil-overs to a coil spring application later?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/4FDB09A58440455A8A3531E84BEDA0AC_zps6ewl-1.jpg (http://s246.photobucket.com/user/co-brat/media/4FDB09A5-8440-455A-8A35-31E84BEDA0AC_zps6ewlunjn.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/B11110D741684771B994FA7D179B2ECE_zpswtp9-1.jpg (http://s246.photobucket.com/user/co-brat/media/B11110D7-4168-4771-B994-FA7D179B2ECE_zpswtp9gsqg.jpg.html)

[TheJDMan]

Stay away from ebay junk, you have no idea what you are getting in either fit or quality. Next, invest some time reading this thread and educate yourself on a well tuned G-body suspension setup. You can also use the search button to find many other G-body suspension threads. I would also point out that 20" wheels are generally considered to be too big for optimum performance, if performance is your goal.

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/98063-Need-a-little-help-figuring-something-out

[vintageracer]

All the different vendors parts are great. Don't believe it just ask em!

Who's the best? What's your goal with your car and what's your budget?

Steve is right. The search button is your friend for this type of information.

With a couple hours of research you should be able to find the answer to your question based upon the experiences of others before you. There are some VERY EXTENSIVE threads on G body cars.

Enjoy your search!

[71RS/SS396]

Detroit Speed also has kits for G-bodies. 20's are too big for theses cars imho.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Check out this thread if you haven't already.. it will be a good one to keep following. Lance has a mix of parts and so far is working well for him. It doesn't hurt that Ron is helping him out either!

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/116593-Lance-hamilton-and-ron-sutton-shaking-up-american-muscle

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Also, just remembered that Hellwig is now offering an off-the-shelf part number for a frame boxing kit for 78-87 G-Bodies. Item # 11104.

Here's the press release on it...

http://www.mediafire.com/view/kqtbejyc4p3q22t/Hellwig_11104_Press_Release.pdf

[BMR Sales]

Don't forget me! BMR makes a lot of Great G-Body Parts!

http://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=products&vehicleid=15

[SicMonte]

for all the info you need on what and what not to do....see my build thread.....it's about to get a big update...

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/67083-Project-SicMonte?highlight=sicmonte

[BMR Sales]

All the different vendors parts are great. Don't believe it just ask em!


I think we all will agree, when we say don't Buy Chinese Junk!

[81sleepinOLDS]

My front end is built almost entirely out of speedtech parts. They have tall spindles with zr1 corvette hubs built to utilize the corvette brakes. Definitely worth the money IMO

[Chevyfanaddict]

Im bringing this thread back from the dead! Took a little hiatus from working on this car but back into now and ready to buy some suspension. REALLY looking hard at Speedtech now. What dobyou guys think? What Vendors here can hook up the best price!?

[sik87gn]

All depends on how much work you want to do and how much you want to spend. If you are going coil-over you are going to want to extend the shock length in some way over the stock length in my opinion. RideTech and UMI both have lower control arms that allow the coilover to mount lower giving additional length, but these arms are not compatible with standard coil springs. I believe SpeedTech has a kit to extend the shock up top by modifying the frame by cutting and welding in a new upper mount (UMI may also be working on a similar product). UMI does offer a tubular A-arm kit that does offer either coil spring or coil over mounting but it does not give you the extended shock length that I would want.

What do you plan on doing as far as spindle/brakes go? Reuse existing with taller ball joints or go to an aftermarket spindle like the AFX that SpeedTech offers? This will be important as you'll need to make the part selections so they all work together today and in the future.

I've spoken with both RideTech and UMI recently and been happy with their customer service. I'd suggest calling and speaking to all the companies (UMI, SpeedTech, and RideTech and anyone else you are considering) and getting an idea of their thoughts based on your use and what you want out of the car. Ramey from UMI talked to me for at least a half hour about their different options and about their "Green Machine" when I called to ask some questions.

[killer69]

All depends on how much work you want to do and how much you want to spend. If you are going coil-over you are going to want to extend the shock length in some way over the stock length in my opinion. RideTech and UMI both have lower control arms that allow the coilover to mount lower giving additional length, but these arms are not compatible with standard coil springs. I believe SpeedTech has a kit to extend the shock up top by modifying the frame by cutting and welding in a new upper mount (UMI may also be working on a similar product). UMI does offer a tubular A-arm kit that does offer either coil spring or coil over mounting but it does not give you the extended shock length that I would want.

What do you plan on doing as far as spindle/brakes go? Reuse existing with taller ball joints or go to an aftermarket spindle like the AFX that SpeedTech offers? This will be important as you'll need to make the part selections so they all work together today and in the future.

I've spoken with both RideTech and UMI recently and been happy with their customer service. I'd suggest calling and speaking to all the companies (UMI, SpeedTech, and RideTech and anyone else you are considering) and getting an idea of their thoughts based on your use and what you want out of the car. Ramey from UMI talked to me for at least a half hour about their different options and about their "Green Machine" when I called to ask some questions.


All good and correct info here. our upper Chicane mount (the original to my knowledge) and installed on my 86 GN allows for a shock that is roughly 2" longer. our LCA is compatible with either a true coil over a bolt in coil over or conventional spring/shock so the door is wide open even for upgrading later. there is no other part on the market that fixes the geometry to the extent the ATS spindle does,