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General

From the first drive in the car it was apparent something had to be done to the suspension and steering. The car handled erratically and felt unsure. In addition it was a labor to take it through 'S' curves and frankly a bit scary. It had not been driven over 100 miles before the below renovations were performed.

Front Suspension

New KYB shocks were installed along with a front (1 1/8") sway bar. While this helped the car was still not easy to drive and unresponsive. Time to get serious. Vette Brakes & Products make a transverse mounted monoleaf spring arrangement. The version that includes a set of welded lighter A-Arms was selected and installed over one weekend. The upper A-Arm bushings were replaced at the same time. The results were good. The suspension can be adjusted for ride stiffness. Originally this was set to the second lightest setting. This was still a bit rough so eventually it was changed to the softest setting.

Rear Suspension

To get the rear in order the standard struts were replaced with smart struts from VB & P, plus an Addco (5/8") sway bar and new KYB shocks. This really made a big difference in the way the back handled. The original poly bushings on the sway bar were swapped out for rubber later. Even when well greased the poly bushings squeaked.

The Steering

All this new stuff and while the car felt much better it still was just not right. Time to take the final leap. A Steeriods rack and pinon steering system was ordered. It was quite a bit of labor to install. The mounting fit was not good. Whether it was the car or the kit I do not know. I would bet money on the car being bad as the frame work was simply atrocious. After getting it mounted it needed to be linked tot he steering column. This is very tight and requires some adjustment on the Hiem joint. I thought it was not working well until I got the joint set correctly. Once done I could turn the elevated wheels with one hand on the steering shaft joint. It was very smooth and turned easily. After hooking up all the necessary hydraulic goodies it was time for a ride. WOW!!!!!! This was it! This is what the car needed. I cannot say how much the other improvements contributed to the package but the results were just terrific.

Other

Just to help V B & P's bottom line a shock tower spreader bar was purchased. Though little was expected I was surprised to find the front end felt much tighter. Possibly it is my imagination but I think not.