Springs, Shocks, Control Arms, Sway Bars, ETC...

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

*Note: check the ISSF link. I'm sure I will update the ISSF link, and forget to update here.

http://www.impalassforum.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?p=2018178&posted=1#post2018178

Lowering Springs
​

First some information about the stock Springs/Suspension components.

There were Basically 4 types of springs used on the Caprice, Roadmaster, Fleetwood, & Impala SS sedans.
"FE1", The standard, soft springs. Which are notrious for sagging(certainly so on Roadmasters). They are considered floaty, and mushy by many. These suspensions also came with a small 28mm front sway bar, and no rear sway bar. They also came with rather mushy shocks.
"FE2", "F40", and ***(police RPO), The heavy duty suspension used on cars with the towing package, HD suspension package, or the "Fleet" cars, such as a livery R1P Fleetwood, or a Police 9C1/9C3 Caprice. A Taxi 9C6 Caprice. FE2/F40 were used on the tow pack cars, or the Livery Fleetwoods. Where as *** was used on the police cars. These springs are much stiffer, and tend to have a ride hieght that is higher than FE1 springs, or the Impala SS springs. There were slight load rating differences, such as the FE2 springs are one "step" stiffer than the 9C1 springs on GMs chart. These cars also got the large 30mm front sway bar, 26mm rear sway bar, and stiffer shocks. Some 9C1's had optional Bilstiens. The bushings int he control arms mat be stiffer. The body bushings are likely stiffer as well. These springs definatly ride a little stiffer than FE1 springs, but are not objectionaly stiff.
"FE4", the hd, sporty suspension on the Impala SS. Basically the same as a FE2, F40, 9C1 suspension, but the springs had a lowered ride height(more later, when I collect more info)

Wagons Info on wagons to come.








Aftermarket Springs


*Note: Drop is listed Front/Rear. These are sets. 2 fronts, 2 rears. Unless noted!!!




Vogtland: $225

http://www.vogtland-na.com/sportsprings.asp
http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...productId=1791


Suspension Techniques "ST": $250

http://www.stracing.com/speedbars.html
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

2"/2"(not sure from where)


Hotchkis: $275

http://www.hotchkis.net/9496_impala_...l_springs.html
http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...productId=1734

Caprice, 1.5/1.25. Impala SS, 1.25/1.0, Progressive


Eibach:

http://eibach.com/cgi-bin/htmlos.exe...02072200004189

Impala SS, 1.2"/1.0"


Eibach: $270

http://eibach.com/cgi-bin/htmlos.exe...11819800004189
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Caprice, 1.2"/1.2", Progressive.


Sprint: $310

http://www.sprintspring.com/p-70-car...nsion-kit.aspx

Caprice/Impala SS, 2.0/3.0,


Springs, Sold in pairs.



Global West: $140 - Fronts Only!

http://www.globalwest.net/IMPALA-SS_...NENETS_INC.htm
http://www.jegs.com/i/Global+West/459/S-81/10002/-1

Linear Rate, slight drop over Impala SS, Stiffer than stock.


Rustic Racing: $145 -Fronts only!

http://www.rusticracing.com/Springs/index.htm

Linear rate, Drop(check site), much stiffer than stock. 2 different stiffness available.


Rustic Racing: $495 - Rear Coilover kit!

http://www.rusticracing.com/Race/RearCoilOver.htm


QA1 Springs: $500-$700 - Rear Coilover kit!

http://www.umiperformance.com/produc...category_id=82

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

Shocks​

Did I get it right now?


*Note, Shocks are listed for the price each.


Monroe Senasatracs




Monroe Severe Service

Generally Considered the "Poor Mans Bilstiens". A very stiff, and overbuilt shock. Much heavier than standard Monroe shocks. Have shown very respectable results for a more inexpensive alternative to the higher end Bilstiens. I have used these on 5 cars now, and they are very nice for the price. On an FE1 car, they do make the ride firmer, which many consider a good thing, I sure do. On the FE2/9C1 cars, these shocks are not overly firm in my experience. I really like the way they ride, and the improvement over worn out stockers. These are much stiffer than the typical Sensatracs. Some that have used these, and the bilsteins say you will know these shocks are there. They are a bit rougher than the bilstiens, and may even be a bit stiffer. Or atleast seam stiffer. But also that, the bilstiens do there job, and do it a little more un noticed.


Front

http://catalog.monroe.com/monroe/pro...catalog=MONROE

550012, lifetime warranty


Rear

http://catalog.monroe.com/monroe/pro...catalog=MONROE

550013, lifetime warranty


Rear, Load Leveler:

http://catalog.monroe.com/monroe/pro...catalog=MONROE

550052, lifetime warranty. this has a helper spring on the otherwise 550013 shock.




Bilstein, "stiff", Sport shocks

These were originally intended for the 80's-1990 Caprices. They are considered to be stiffer than the Heavy Duty shocks.


Front

http://www.bilstein.com/mistore/prod...pany_id=100484

1104


Rear

http://www.bilstein.com/mistore/prod...pany_id=100484

0929



Bilstein, "Soft", Heavy Duty

These were originally intended for the 91-96 Caprices. They are considered to be softer than the Sport shocks. Many places claim the Sports to work better with the stock springs.


Front

http://www.bilstein.com/mistore/prod...pany_id=100484

1516


Rear

http://www.bilstein.com/mistore/prod...pany_id=100484

1517



Edelbrock IAS,

I know that a few members here have used them, and liked them. I have no info on how they compare the the Coveted Bilsteins.



Front: $85

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...ocks/car.shtml
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

3379, listed for 71-96 Cars


Rear: $85

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

3479, listed for 91-96 Cars


Rear: $85

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

34030. Listed for 71-90 Cars, these will fit, not sure of the difference in valving?




Hotckhis HPS 1000, revalved Bilstiens.

I would have to assume these would be stiffer than stock bilstiens, but I have no data on this. Bilstein will revalve a shock for $45 each, last I checked. Thats an option if you have some old Bilsteins.



Front $110

http://www.hotchkis.net/front_hps_10...781_fbody.html
http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...productId=1742

70010009


Rear $90

http://www.hotchkis.net/rear_hps_100..._agb_body.html
http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...productId=1743

71010009




Koni, single Adjustable


Front $110

http://www.koni-na.com/cat_search.cf...&submit=Search
http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...productId=1793

8040 1087, remove to compress & turn to adjust


Rear $110

http://www.koni-na.com/cat_search.cf...&submit=Search
http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...productId=1794

8040 1088, remove to compress & turn to adjust



QA1, single Adjustable


Front $150


http://qa1.thomasnet.com/item/chevro...=prod&filter=0
http://www.umiperformance.com/produc...em_id=88895205

TC1958P, knob adjustable, 12 settings


Rear $150

http://qa1.thomasnet.com/item/chevr...?&plpver=1001&origin=advsrch&by=prod&filter=0
http://www.umiperformance.com/produc...em_id=88895206

TC1661P, knob adjustable, 12 settings



QA1, Double Adjustable


Front $330


http://qa1.thomasnet.com/item/chevro...=prod&filter=0

DTC1958P, knob adjustable. Independant compression / rebound adjustment.


Rear $330

http://qa1.thomasnet.com/item/chevr...?&plpver=1001&origin=advsrch&by=prod&filter=0

TC1661P, knob adjustable. Independant compression / rebound adjustment.

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

Control Arms - Rears

Lowers




*Note, these may not be the Cheapest prices. Or the only place to get them. I tried to use the Factory site, and a place to order them if the Factory does not sell the directly. Or If the factory charges alot over other places you can find them.




The Stock Rear Control Arms, are stamped steel, with rubber bushings. Both the Lower Control Arms (LCA), and Upper Control Arms (UCA). The stock arms are cheap, and when held in your hand, you can actually flex them in a twisting motion. Also, the rubber bushings offer lots of flex, and isolate road vibrations from the frame. This gives a quiet, and smooth ride. Which is great for your average driver. But when you attmept to put high torque amounts to the ground, or go around a corner fast... Guess what? They Flex all over the place.

While drag racing, this can create wheel hop, and axle wrap. Same with cornering. Also with cornering, if you want to put a bigger sway bar on the rear, the stock arms just are not up for that kind of abuse.

It is debatable if Poly Bushing at both ends in the LCA is a good idea, due to suspension bind. But it is generally accepted that Poly bushings at both ends on the UCA will cause bind, and wear the bushings out in street use. This is why Many places offer LCA's, and UCA's with "Rod ends", which allow a twisting flex, but not a front to back flex.

Another cosmetic issue, is that when GM opened the wheel wells from the 91/92 Caprice, it left the wheel sitting off center of the opening. Sitting slightly too far forward. The problem is the body, not the suspension. But pushing the axle back via the suspension is cheaper and easier. there are Many extended LCA options. When you extend the LCA's, you need to extend the UCA's as well, in order to keep a proper pinion angle.

I hope this helps your Control arms choice.




Lower Control Arms, Rear - Stock Length & Adjustable Length



AcDelco: $50

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...umber=10289786

Stock GM replacement. Stamped Steel C channel, rubber bushings. These are the late style arms, that were part of a TSB. These would be the BARE minimum for using a STOCK rear sway bar. Comes with hardware. Definatly would be better than the 13+ year old stock units, or attempting to use a 91-95 Sway Bar mounting style. The Early Style mounting had cracked a few arms according to GM. The Early style arms don't have the holes in the top to use the Later Style mount hardware. An aftermarket Sway bar will Rip these apart. Please don't attempt it!


Spohn Performance: $180

http://www.spohn.net/shop/1978-1996-...-Bushings.html

Fixed, Poly Bushings, Greasable


UMI Performance: $190

http://www.umiperformance.com/3615?category_id=25

Fixed, Poly Bushings, Greasable. UMI may offer forum members a discount, since they are a forum vendor.


BMR Fabrication: $210

http://www.bmrfabrication.com/ImpalaSS.htm

Fixed, Poly Bushings, Greasable


Metco Motorsports: $270

http://www.metcomotorsports.com/proddetail.asp?pro d=MCA0001&cat=112

Fixed, Billet Aluminum,Poly Bushings, Greasable


Hotchkis: $290

http://www.hotchkis.net/7896_gm_bbod...ling_arms.html
http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...productId=1740

Fixed, Poly Bushings, Greasable


Global West Suspensions: $300

http://www.globalwest.net/IMPALA-SS_...NENETS_INC.htm
http://www.jegs.com/i/Global+West/459/TBC-12/10002/-1

Fixed, Del-a-lum Bushings & Rod Ends, Greasable.

*Note: Whats interesting to note, is that GWS suggests the use of STOCK upper control arms in order to not bind while articulating.



Rustic Racing: $350

http://www.rusticracing.com/Rear_Arms/index.htm

Adjustable, Poly Bushings & Rod Ends, Greasable. These are made by Currie. Curries site doesn't reflect this, but if you call them you can get a set. Unless Rustic pulls there act together, I would call Currie and skip Rustic.




Lower Control Arms, Rear - Extended Length & Adjustable Length



Spohn Performance: $180

http://www.spohn.net/shop/1978-1996-...ed-Length.html

Extended 3/4", Fixed, Poly Bushings, Greasable


UMI Performance: $200

http://www.umiperformance.com/3612?category_id=172

Extended 5/8", Adjustable, Poly Bushings, Greasable.


UMI Performance: $210

http://www.umiperformance.com/3614?category_id=172

Extended 5/8", Adjustable, Poly Bushings & Rod Ends, Greasable.


BMR Fabrication: $210

http://www.bmrfabrication.com/ImpalaSS.htm

Extended 3/4", Fixed, Poly Bushings, Greasable,


BMR Fabrication: $260

http://www.bmrfabrication.com/ImpalaSS.htm

Extended 3/4", Billet Aluminum, Fixed, Poly Bushings, Greasable,

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

Control Arms - Rears

Uppers






Upper Control Arms, Rear - Stock Length & Adjustable




Spohn Performance: $110

http://www.spohn.net/shop/1978-1996-...-Bushings.html

Stock, Fixed, Ploy Bushings, Greasable


Spohn Performance: $170

http://www.spohn.net/shop/1978-1996-...djustable.html

Stock, Adjustable, Ploy Bushings, Greasable


UMI Performance: $115

http://www.umiperformance.com/3616?category_id=26

Stock, Fixed, Poly Bushings, Greasable


BMR Fabrication: $150

http://www.bmrfabrication.com/ImpalaSS.htm

Stock, Fixed, Poly Bushings, Greasable


BMR Fabrication: $230

http://www.bmrfabrication.com/ImpalaSS.htm

Stock, Adjustable, Poly Bushings, Greasable


Hotchkis: $230

http://www.hotchkis.net/7896_gm_bbod...iling_arm.html
http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...productId=1737

Stock, Adjustable, Poly Bushings, Greasable


Metco Motorsports: $325

http://www.metcomotorsports.com/prod...p?prod=MUC0001

Stock, Adjustable, Poly Bushings, Greasable


Rustic Racing: $325

http://www.rusticracing.com/Rear_Arms/index.htm

Adjustable, Poly Bushings & Rod Ends, Greasable. These are made by Currie. Curries site doesn't reflect this, but if you call them you can get a set. Unless Rustic pulls there act together, I would call Currie and skip Rustic.




Upper Control Arms, Rear - Extended Length & Adjustable Length




BMR Fabrication: $150

http://www.bmrfabrication.com/ImpalaSS.htm

Extended, Poly Bushings, Greasable


BMR Fabrication: $230

http://www.bmrfabrication.com/ImpalaSS.htm

Extended, Adjustable, Poly Bushings, Greasable


Spohn Performance: $170

http://www.spohn.net/shop/1978-1996-...ed-Length.html

Extended 3/4", Adjustable, Poly Bushings, Greasable


UMI Performance: $170

http://www.umiperformance.com/3618?category_id=26

Adjustable, Poly Bushings, Greasable


UMI Performance: $190

http://www.umiperformance.com/3617?category_id=26

Adjustable, Poly Bushings & Rod Ends, Greasable

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

Sway bars




Front Sway Bars



BMR Fabrication: $190

http://www.bmrfabrication.com/ImpalaSS.htm

1.25"(1 1/4" / 32mm), Solid, B-body Style, and 2nd Gen F-body Style available. Not Suggested for Lowered use?


Spohn Performance: $200

http://www.spohn.net/shop/1978-1996-...rome-Moly.html

1.3125" (1 5/16"), Solid, B-body Style,


Hotchkis: $325

http://www.hotchkis.net/7896_gm_bbod...bar_sedan.html

1.4375" (1 7/16"), Hollow, B-body Style.




Rear Sway Bars





Spohn Performance: $230

http://www.spohn.net/shop/1978-1996-...rome-Moly.html

1.5", Solid, Straight Style.



BMR Fabrication: $230

http://www.bmrfabrication.com/ImpalaSS.htm

1.5", Solid, Straight Style.


Hotchkis: $300

http://www.hotchkis.net/7896_gm_bbod...bar_sedan.html

1.375" (1 3/8"), Hollow, Bent style.

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

Front End


Control Arms, Drop Spindles, "front end rebuild" parts, & Bump stops.


Bump Stops


AcDelco Stock:


AcDelco "ZQ8" I:


AcDelco "ZQ8" II:







Front Control Arms - Lower



Speedtech: $600

http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...productId=1750




Front Control Arms - Upper


Speedtech: $570


http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...productId=1751



Drop Spindles


Front end rebuild parts

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

Other Parts









Aift Bag, helper springs. "Drag Bags"



Airlift 1000's

*Note Airlifts are stuck inside of the rear coil springs. They cam be used to increase the load carry ability of the rear, raise a sagging rear, & stiffen the rear. They can also be used as a suspension tunning tool for drag racing launches. You can run the air lines so you can fill them independantly. Typically, the passengers side requires about 10PSI more to even things out on the launch.


Stock Springs. $80

http://www.airliftcompany.com/online_catalog.html
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

60755. For use with all stock springs, except the Impala SS springs.


Impala SS Springs. $80

http://www.airliftcompany.com/online_catalog.html
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

60786. For use with stock Impala SS springs.


Lowering Springs. $80

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

60798. For use with Springs: Hotchkis,


Hotchkis $110

http://www.hotchkis.net/air_bag_kit_1922_only.html
http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...productId=1741

60798. These are "Hotchkis" air bags. Pretty sure they are just airlift 1000's with the price jacked up.






Instant Center Brackets

* Note These lower your "instant center", to improve the force put on the rear tires.


UMI Performance: $70

http://www.umiperformance.com/produc...em_id=88895322

Weld on.


Metco Motorsports: $90

http://www.metcomotorsports.com/prod...p?prod=MIC0001

Weld on.



Drive Shaft Safety Loop

* Note. A good idea if you plan on drag racing, and launching hard. These will catch the Drive shaft in the event it snaps at the U-joint.


UMI Performance: $70

http://www.umiperformance.com/3625?category_id=176

Steel, bolt on.


Clear Image: $75

http://www.clearimageautomotive.com/Driveshaft S afety%20Loop.htm

Aluminum, bolt on.


Metco Motorsports: $90

http://www.metcomotorsports.com/prod...DL1000&cat=112

Steel, bolt on.



Anti Roll Bar (Drag Racing).



Tubular Trans Crossmember

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

ISSF - Forum Vendors



Power Performance Motorsports

http://www.powerperformancemotorspor...?categoryId=19

Control Arms, shocks, springs, front end rebuild parts, etc.


UMI Performance

http://www.umiperformance.com/bbody

Control Arms, shocks, IC brackets, Driveshaft loops, Rear coil overs



Clear Image Automotive.

http://www.clearimageautomotive.com/Products.htm

Control arms, shocks, springs, driveshaft loops

Tech Articles



Springs


Lowered cars pics.

http://www.impalassforum.com/vBullet...d.php?t=129235


Shocks



Here is a good read on the Bilstien shocks.

http://www.theherd.com/articles/bshocks.html



Sway bars


Here is a good read on Sway Bars for these cars.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vad...bardesign.html

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

post for room

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

post for room,,

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

post for room..

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

post for roomb

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

post for roombb

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

I will make it look pretty later.

 

[Sockadelic]

So much info.....

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

I never ended up making it pretty. I got lazy.