Strut rods
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 287
Likes: 69
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
Strut rods
Right now I am putting a new F41 rear spring in my 66 convertible and noticed the strut rod bushings look like they have seen better days. This car is basically all stock and used just for street use, but is lowered about 1'' from stock height. Do you think replacing the bushings or switching to adjustable strut rods with heim joints would be a better choice for a street driven car? It looks like the design of the stock strut rods bind where the bolts go through the bushings, and I have heard good things about the aftermarket ones. Who else has dealt with this issue?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,783
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GM used this design through the C3 era so rest assured it's a good bet for a street driven car you will be satisfied keeping the stock rubber bushings. They are very easy to replace, use some never seize on the bolts and make sure the inner bushings have the washer/caps that allow adjustment and always torque the adjustment bolts properly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6,569
Likes: 2,404
From: Redacted
Absolutely nothing wrong with the stock strut rods.....that being said, the adjustable rods with heim joints from either Global West or Van Steel make precise adjustments of the rear camber infinitely easier, and once they're locked down, there is zero chance of it changing over time.
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
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Why are you replacing the base rear spring with the HD spring? The ride rate doubles and also increases rear roll stiffness, which may cause the car to oversteer if front roll stiffness is not increased proportionally.
The base suspension, assuming all components are in good working order is very good, and modifying with stiffer springs will only yield a harsher ride, especially with typical rock hard compound, low speed rated "van tires" that most guys run. "Handling" is limited by tire grip, not the springs, anti-roll bars, or rubber bushings.
The OE strut rods can be rebushed and even straightened if they are bent. I bet there are plenty of other things you could spend the money on to improve your car.
Duke
