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Drivetrain => Differentials, Axles & Brakes => Topic started by: sjfd04 on July 18, 2014, 07:22:32 PM

Title: NEW SUSPENSION
Post by: sjfd04 on July 18, 2014, 07:22:32 PM

Replaced upper and lower front control arms, added 1 1/4" front sway bar, replaced upper and lower rear control arms, all UMI Suspension.  Aligned front end to UMI recommended specs, handles much better.

Title: Re: NEW SUSPENSION
Post by: Buick65gs on February 01, 2016, 09:16:10 AM

How are the costs and quality compared to Hotchkiss?

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Title: Re: NEW SUSPENSION
Post by: sjfd04 on February 01, 2016, 09:30:07 AM

I would say about 25% cheaper, they are made here.  Overall, I'm real happy with everything I did.  Ride quality is great, not the typical ride you get from poly bushings.

Title: Thanks for sharing! (Re: NEW SUSPENSION)
Post by: elagache on February 01, 2016, 11:05:11 AM

Dear sjfd04, Larry, and mid-60s Buick road cruisers, . . .

Quote from: sjfd04 on July 18, 2014, 07:22:32 PM

Replaced upper and lower front control arms, added 1 1/4" front sway bar, replaced upper and lower rear control arms, all UMI Suspension.  Aligned front end to UMI recommended specs, handles much better.

Quote from: sjfd04 on February 01, 2016, 09:30:07 AM

I would say about 25% cheaper, they are made here.  Overall, I'm real happy with everything I did.  Ride quality is great, not the typical ride you get from poly bushings.

Thanks for sharing your experiences!  I'm all in favor of improved handling so long as you don't end up pounding your spine on every pothole in the road.  I've seen UMI products sold at places like eBay.  Good to know that there is vendor that has made in the USofA parts that are still easier on the wallet.

Thanks again, I've made a mental note of it!

Cheers, Edouard  :occasion14:

Title: Re: NEW SUSPENSION
Post by: Buick65gs on February 01, 2016, 11:39:25 AM

Not bad, looks like I might go with the complete front and rear stage 2 kit. Now for the drop spindles? Any clearance issues with 1 or 2 inch drop if I put headers on?

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Title: Re: NEW SUSPENSION
Post by: Loren At 65GS on February 01, 2016, 01:54:31 PM

Quote from: Buick65gs on February 01, 2016, 11:39:25 AM

Not bad, looks like I might go with the complete front and rear stage 2 kit. Now for the drop spindles? Any clearance issues with 1 or 2 inch drop if I put headers on?

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There have been many complaints with header clearance and stock ride height. I think you may add to the lack of clearance by lowering.

 Loren

Title: Re: NEW SUSPENSION
Post by: 66nailhead on February 01, 2016, 03:42:22 PM

With headers your going to drag them every. My 66 Gs hardtop has headers and I am also lowered in the front      I am running stock springs with one coil cut. She looks good but you'll have to drive careful on speed bumps, driveways  and even the crown in the road. It's a bummer they didn't make the headers fit closer to the floor of the car.


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Title: Re: NEW SUSPENSION
Post by: GS66 on February 01, 2016, 05:32:33 PM

I have headers on two of the 66's and have never rubbed. My cars are not lowered though, more stock height. Both cars have long tube headers. FWIW.

Title: Re: NEW SUSPENSION
Post by: tsollazo on February 02, 2016, 03:00:15 PM

Our 65 has no issues with headers at stock ride height (455 though). :thumbsup: