Possible to run Shockwaves with stock control arms?

[Wall]

I have shockwaves and all the associated air ride components except the control arms (and 4-link) for my 67 Firebird. I do plan on running the strong arms eventually but would like to get the car back on the road before the budget allows for the strong arms. Is it possible or acceptable to run the shockwaves on the stock control arms? I realize at the least I would have to at least get trunnions for the lower shock mounts and mount them on the top side of the control arm but wasn't sure if there are other issues that won't allow this to work.

[65 drop top]

The area where the stock shock bolts into the lower arm wasn't designed to carry the weight of the car. You may want to reinforce that area to help distribute the load.

[Wall]

I need to check my shock mounts on my subframe. I remember Bret posting that you should check the welds on your shock mounts and if they look questionable then re-weld them. I think he said they re-welded the stock shock mounts on Velocity (the orange Camaro) and they never had any issues.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Both guys posting above me are correct.

The biggest issues are that the factory lower control arms aren't built to support the load that a Shockwave or coilover will put on them and you're limited to a shorter stroke shock. If you were to hold off on the Strongarms for now and reinforced the stock lower control arms, the Strongarms are built to use a different shock due to the drop mount in the lower control arm, making the ride height different than what it should be. With the Strongarms and the longer shock, your ride quality will be much better as well. It would save you alot of time and work much better for you. Like you're is saying, it's not a bad idea to look at the upper shock mount. The factory welds weren't the greatest and have been seen to break loose over the years.

*Edit - I just re-read your post and saw that you already have the Shockwaves. Were they purchased for use with the Strongarms?

[Wall]

Thanks 65_drop_top and Josh, that does make sense about the shock mounts on the lower arms.


Josh, I purchased these Shockwaves used but I know they were being ran with Strongarms so I guess they are longer model. When I get the upper and lower Strongarms what are my options on spindles?

[Josh@Ridetech]

Not a problem at all!

These are the spindles that we run with the F body kits: http://www.ridetech.com/store/ridetech-spindles-pair.html

They're a tall A/F body disc brake spindle. With them being a tall spindle, we're improving the negative camber gain throughout the travel of the suspension.

[Wall]

Can you run stock spindles with the Stongarms?

[MonzaRacer]

From a strength point of view no, but a friend of mine bought them and we simply made a "ring" with mounting point in middle. It sits right where the spring does and if you plan right it works fine. We used same idea for buddy swapping in coil overs before buying control arms. We have made them from metal welded to round bar stock wound to same diameter as spring and fitted to spring pocket. The other one was 1/4" hot rolled 2" band steel wound same way. You cod even cut bottom off during and use it. I would recommend using 1/4" metal as we have seen 3/16" give a bit. Admittedly it was abused hard, I'd rather carry another 1/4lb over breaking parts. And make all edges smooth and burr free so eliminate stress risers.