When I re-did my suspension and brakes in 2001 on my '70 Chevelle, the total cost turned out to be around $1500, if I remember correctly. I converted from drum brakes to discs, using Hotchkis A-arms, Hotchkis springs (all 4 corners), Hotchkis tie-rod sleeves, eBay'd a 1.25" F-body sway bar, and used GM 12" brakes. I got the spindles from the boneyard and bought the rest of the parts new at the parts store (rotors, calipers, pads, hoses, caliper bolts, etc), and new Energy Suspension poly-bushings.
The handling improvement is quite dramatic. The Hotchkis springs also lowered the car a bit, at least 1, maybe 2 inches. I had a stock '72 El Camino at the time I did the swap and the differences between the stock setup and the Hotchkis are night & day. If you live in a place with a lot of rough roads, the stiff Hotchkis springs might get a little annoying. I *love* the handling of my car, but the rough ride is occasionally irritating. However, freeway on/off ramps have never been so fun! I don't know of anyone who has used lowering spindles, but I'd be interested in comparing the two, as the more compliant stock springs might be nicer if the car is mainly a cruiser. I like to push my car, so I'm willing to tolerate the stiff springs. -Dave -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Brad Waller Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 12:10 AM To: The Chevelle Mailing List Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] Which way of lowering is better? You can do the suspension piecemeal. I did the spindles first, then the A arms and springs a few years later, then the shocks and sway bar last. Cost is about the same if you get the 12" brake over the 11" F-body swap that I did (there was no 12" factory parts when I did mine), so you may as well go for the larger rotors. Or, you could go really big and use an aftermarket kit. I can be expensive, but if you can budget it out and make a plan, then it can be affordable. -Brad- On Sep 30, 2004, at 7:42 PM, Graham Wooden wrote: > Thanks Tim; I think those two systems would be great to have - to > achieve > the updated ride and handling that I am looking for. > Now it's time to figure out how much $$$ I have to put towards this; I > also > been trying to figure out ultimately what brake system (kit or > individual > pieces) to use as well. > > Thanks again, > > -Graham > > On 9/30/04 9:00 PM, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > wrote: > >> Graham, >> >> Personally, I would do the Global West/Hotchkis system, so that gives >> you the >> great ride, but do the drop spindles. It really doesnt effect the >> geometry of >> the suspension. I did the drop spindles when I did the disc >> brakes...although >> I only had that set up for about a 15 mile drive before I went and >> had the >> whole thing air bagged. So technically, the front of mine is dropped >> about 7-8 >> inches haha. But I can adjust it to whatever I want. Take care- >> >> Tim >> 66' Chevelle
