Suspension Rebuild

Big Nasty

I'm thinking of upgrading the suspension on my Trans Am. It holds the road pretty well but I would like to get it set up to handle like a more modern car. There's already been considerable work done to it but I would like to make it better so will probably have to start over. At present she has new shocks all round and lowered and stiffened front springs. These cars were built to go fast in a straight line so original handling would have been very poor. The front springs are too short / stiff in my opinion as you can feel every bump but in fairness this was done to try and stiffen the car up. The rear leaf springs are in need of replacement too as they are a little spongey!

What would I have to do to get her handling like a more modern car, e.g. 3 series coupe?

galwaytt

MCMLXXV wrote: »

What would I have to do to get her handling like a more modern car, e.g. 3 series coupe?

.....er, trade it for a 3-series ?

No, seriously, the problem is that you're asking the car to do something that it was never designed to do, so there is no small thing, or even big thing that you can do it, to make it that good. Better than it is, possibly, but that good..........sorry, but no.

Progressive springs and efficient adjustable damper up front would help, but the leaf sprung axle is a lot harder............I don't know if there is such a thing, but if there's a link kit to replace the leaf springs, and again to use progressive springs and efficient dampers. Axle tramp and panhard rod (I'm presuming it has one) are also serious deficencies in live rear axle performance.

The sheer mass of the car, and sprung:unsprung weight ratio means, imho, that it's a steep hill you have to climb.

Me? for the truly ****e roads we now have, then tbh, I'd happily forego a bit of handling for comfort - which you're car should be good at.

Big Nasty

3er my ass!

Friend of mines Mustang is set up really, really well - in fact I should be asking him - similar weight and body mass and handles like a go-kart. Must see what he's done!

sudo911

John,

Try the wheels...... with the 18" wheels I had on the corvette beforehand the car was as flat as a pancake in corners, and I could easily throw her into a corner and a fast pace with pinpoint accuracy - but since I but on the old chromers and white letter radials she's more like a ferry!!

The Corvette also had new shocks and fiberglass spring upgrades... but the wheels sure do make a difference!

Not sure if the Boyd's would fit your car (cant imagine why not) but your more than welcome to take a spin down anytime and see how your car would handle on them.

Big Nasty

Feckin' chrome blings my ass!

Low profiles = rougher ride IMO, besides - I've fresh rubber on the way!

It's the suspension set up that's wrong, spongey rear and too hard at the front. She handles considerably well as it is for what she is but ya wanna try tearing through the Wicklow Mts after Al's 350 the way she's set up! :eek:

No easy task I tell's ya!

sudo911

Man, it's all about the bling! :rolleyes:

I thought I was going to get a smoother ride with the fatter tires, but didnt happen - I was actually surprised! Dont discount it till ya try it!

I thought on those backroads you would have been in front rather than sitting at the rear of the pack? Must be getting old with the drivin skills as well! :D

Were you not going with some aftermarket 20" wheels with the planned respray and upgrades - change your mind?

Big Nasty

When do you ever see me lagging behind dude? Not too often! I tell ya, Al's 'Stang is set up SO well it's unbelieveable! Ya know the road between Rathdrum and Laragh? Hard test on any car! Never mind the speed - you've got to see it in action on the the backroads to appreciate it - awesome!

The rims I showed ya were 18's but I was gonna get the same in 15's with fat ass tyres. I'm sticking with the slot wheels for now but have some BFG's en route. Should have them on the car for Sunday.