C3 suspension upgrade
 

Hey folks,
I am new to the forum but from what I have read so far, seems to be some very helpful and good humoured people here.

Just purchased a 75, all stock and would like to tighten up the old suspension. I have been looking at different kits on the market and would like some opinions from you guys and gals that have already done this.

- coils "or" transverse front leaf?
- Rack and pinion "or" box?
- Any suggestions on product that has been proven?

Any comments and opinions would be greatly appreciated on this long awaited new project.

Thank you :cool:

Welcome!
I have the mono leaf front and rear and love it.
The kit came from Ecklers but was developed by Vette Brakes.

It's an auto cross set up with adjustable ride height and spring responce on all four corners.
Pics of left rear, first (on left) shows ride height adjust the other shows spring responce adjust.
Handles like she's painted on the road!

I agree with Starship,the composite mono leaf are really good. He didn;t what rates he;s using I have the softest springs they make under my 79,complemented with the heaviest available anti-roll bars front and rear all parts came from Eckler's. This setup gives me a rather pleasant riding car that handles very well! I supplemented the suspension with a Steeroids rack and pinion. Not all that much difference but I got rid of that cylinder thing in the front centerlink.If you go with the monoleafs you'll need to put on new shocks,the rates on the old ones don't seem to work well with the monoleafs. Maybe Starship will tell us what he's using,I still have on the stockers and have some minor issues.

This is all the info I have on my suspension.
Note that the price is prob quite a bit higher than you'll see here.
I got my system a few years back.
I would think that if you contact Ecklers that they could give you specs.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o...1_HPIM0087.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o...2_HPIM0090.jpg

Hey guys,

Thanks for the replies and the knowledge.

Starship, I was looking at the exact same set up from Ecklers ($2800.00 now) thanks for letting me know how it feels on the road. How demanding was the install on this package? I'm pretty good at turning wrenches but it would be done on my back in the garage.

Would you happen to have a pic of the front end? I would like to see how this system looks in the car.

Thanks again

Here's the front spring responce set up and front ride height adjust.

The whole system is a bolt on. I replaced the complete rear swing arms assemblies and had the dif rebuilt at the same time. Also new u joints on the half shafts and drive shaft. Rebuilt the 3 sp manual tranny and over drive. So, my complete suspension system and drive train was starting out brand new. 454 was a complete rebuild too.
A little tricky removing the front coils and replacing the swing arms. Had to use a saws all to cut the bolts to remove the swing arms.
I feel it was well worth the hassle.

Front view with system installed.
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o...5_HPIM0075.jpg

Rear tire clearance.
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o...p/HPIM0398.jpg

Sounds like there has been quite a few hours spent on your project, I can't wait to get started on mine. I will keep you up to date with the build.




Thank you for the pics and advice.

I might pick your brain over the winter (if you don't mind) when I really dig onto this project.

Thanks again
Jeff

The instal of the suspension really didn't take all that much time. No mods, just unbolt the old and bolt up the new.
All the rest of the stuff is what clocked up the hours.

Love to hear and see details of your progress.

I'll be glad to give ya any pointers that I can.

Jeff75: There are coil-over options out there also.

When I was auto-crossing, I put the factory 1.125" bar in front and the 9/16" bar in back along w/ a set of adjustable Konis. Made the handling very close to neutral which meant you had to be careful if you're used to factory understeer that most, if not, all cars come from the factory with.