Suspension!

[John Grunwald]

Hey guys!
So im looking to do a big suspension upgrade... right now im running a little over 400hp at the wheels from a 331 stroker set up in my 69 coupe
im looking to redo the rear suspension to suit my bipolar needs hahaha
atm i have an 8.8 in there from an explorer and im looking to do a maybe a 4 link or 3 link?
I want to be able to launch with out wheel hop and i really wanna stiffen up the rear
ive looked at caltracs and they seem great but i also wanna run autocross once in a while so im looking for something that can handle and stick any suggestions?
also are there any suggestions on some steering upgrades im running stock manual and its sloppy as hell i need to replace the tie rod ends and then the front suspension will be completly new (Bushings, control arms, etc.)
I have around 2 grand saved at the moment so money is a factor hahaha

 

[SoCalCruising]

On a budget ...
4-leaf reverse-eye springs
Del-alum bushings
5/8 or 3/4 rear sway bar
Cal Tracs
That would be my advice for both straight line and curvy line driving.

 

[65FBE2]

If you don't mind a stiff ride. I used Maier racing 160lb race rear leafs with heavy duty shackle kit. The springs are 4.5 leaf with the extra half leaf in the front. it acts as a traction bar and will eliminate any wheel hop. Biliestein rear shocks and a Fays2 watts link. No traction device at all. I would not use a rear sway bar unless you go softer on the springs. It is simple not needed with the watts link. That is a killer rear suspension and stays under budget. You can get the springs and shocks first and it's pretty dam good like that, then buy the watts link when you get ready to start auto crossing or tracking the car. The Watts link doesn't seem like it would make much difference but believe me it completely changes the car in the corners. This is a killer and inexpensive race or autocross suspension for the rear. Up front you should look into a rebuilt steering box. Get a power steering box as it is 16:1 and a lot faster reacting than the standard 22:1 manual box. This is what Ford and Shelby did with the GT package. They just used a power box on a manual steering car. They had a different part number due to a change of preload on the worm gear but pretty much the same.

 

[Total Control Products]

John, if you're looking at doing a 4-link system we offer a great triangulated system that has been proven at the drag strip and on the autocross. Our g-Link system has spherical pivots and will handle power levels in excess of what you currently have. It's a straight-forward install and will work with your stock rear-end housing.

Systems with polyurethane bushings and coilovers (g-Bar) start at $1798. The g-Link version starts at $2139. There is more info and a list of options here: http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/gBar.html

 

[Badscotts68]

John, if you're looking at doing a 4-link system we offer a great triangulated system that has been proven at the drag strip and on the autocross. Our g-Link system has spherical pivots and will handle power levels in excess of what you currently have. It's a straight-forward install and will work with your stock rear-end housing.

Systems with polyurethane bushings and coilovers (g-Bar) start at $1798. The g-Link version starts at $2139. There is more info and a list of options here: http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/gBar.html

I'm waiting for the shop the finish the entire TCP system, front, and rear. Great stuff, but its a budget killer.

 

[rbohm]

John, if you're looking at doing a 4-link system we offer a great triangulated system that has been proven at the drag strip and on the autocross. Our g-Link system has spherical pivots and will handle power levels in excess of what you currently have. It's a straight-forward install and will work with your stock rear-end housing.

Systems with polyurethane bushings and coilovers (g-Bar) start at $1798. The g-Link version starts at $2139. There is more info and a list of options here: http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/gBar.html

if you are going all out, then this is the suspension to get. TCI makes some great stuff.