6spdmalibu
07-24-2009, 11:56 PM
Am contemplating fabricating a decoupled torque arm setup for my '81 Malibu.
A little about the rear suspension of the project.
Currently running Global West lower control arms, Del a lum bushing axle side and spherical bearings frame side. Stock rubber bushings and upper arms. Both tied together with Edelbrock braces. No sway bar. Eibach springs, and Edelbrock IAS shocks holding an 8.5" 3.42 posi rear end. With camaro disc brakes.
Now, I've driven this rear set up for 7 years. And have found the limitations of this setup, well.......it's time for an upgrade!
My idea is to fabricate a cross member just behind foot wells of the rear passengers.Where the torque arm pad pushes up and upper link mounts to. That will be braced back to the pinion stopper area for strength and rigidity. The frame area around the pinion stopper will also have to be notched for the brake arm. Will be fabricating a torque arm mount that is attached to the diff cover area using studs. If only I could find a GNX cover for a decent price. That would make the whole job just a little easier. Will also be fabricating new mounts for the frame and axle side. The torque arm will be mounted to the passenger side to help combat torque. Which brings me to a few questions.
Should I use the stock lower converging arm set up, or go parallel links? Will one work better with the decoupled torque arm setup? Will roll under steer be achieved with either? Are the stock length arms adequate length?
Also still not sure whether to use a panhard bar, or a watts with this set up.
Yeah, I realize that I could just throw some money at a few bolt ons to gain a little more performance. But it'll still be a bind laden, late 70's designed suspension. Thought about a satchell link rear suspension also. But the length of the upper arms would be to short for what the design calls for. As I'm trying to get a larger "sweet spot" in the articulation of the suspension.
Any comments, questions and answers would be appreciated.
Thanks, Jerry.
A little about the rear suspension of the project.
Currently running Global West lower control arms, Del a lum bushing axle side and spherical bearings frame side. Stock rubber bushings and upper arms. Both tied together with Edelbrock braces. No sway bar. Eibach springs, and Edelbrock IAS shocks holding an 8.5" 3.42 posi rear end. With camaro disc brakes.
Now, I've driven this rear set up for 7 years. And have found the limitations of this setup, well.......it's time for an upgrade!
My idea is to fabricate a cross member just behind foot wells of the rear passengers.Where the torque arm pad pushes up and upper link mounts to. That will be braced back to the pinion stopper area for strength and rigidity. The frame area around the pinion stopper will also have to be notched for the brake arm. Will be fabricating a torque arm mount that is attached to the diff cover area using studs. If only I could find a GNX cover for a decent price. That would make the whole job just a little easier. Will also be fabricating new mounts for the frame and axle side. The torque arm will be mounted to the passenger side to help combat torque. Which brings me to a few questions.
Should I use the stock lower converging arm set up, or go parallel links? Will one work better with the decoupled torque arm setup? Will roll under steer be achieved with either? Are the stock length arms adequate length?
Also still not sure whether to use a panhard bar, or a watts with this set up.
Yeah, I realize that I could just throw some money at a few bolt ons to gain a little more performance. But it'll still be a bind laden, late 70's designed suspension. Thought about a satchell link rear suspension also. But the length of the upper arms would be to short for what the design calls for. As I'm trying to get a larger "sweet spot" in the articulation of the suspension.
Any comments, questions and answers would be appreciated.
Thanks, Jerry.