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I'm researching the replacement of the entire original rear suspension with a modern aftermarket solution. I'm only considering rear suspension kits, and I will do the deed myself. I've looked at three aftermarket kits so far, and others exist. This will be neither a casual nor inexpensive job, so I want to be settled with my decision before I place an order. To that end, I solicit information from those—and only those—who've completed this swap. Sooo...
C3 owners with actual experience retrofitting an aftermarket rear suspension, shade-tree or shop-install:
I request brand recommendation along with anecdotes, advisories, experiences, discoveries, "parts-not-included-but-needed", post-job performance reviews, etc, etc.
Love my Ridetech rear suspension. Only mod I have ever done that went as easily as it was supposed to. Their trailing arm is a work of art and very strong. I did have to modify the bore of the trailing arms, but only because I have 1480 rear axles. They may have fixed that by now. Their system comes with a new rear crossmember which both raised the diff slightly for better geometry, and lets the differential come out without dropping the crossmember. I believe another big advantage of Ridetech vs others, is the placement of the coilover behind the half shafts.
Last edited by 69ttop502; May 18, 2023 at 08:35 AM.
I installed the Van Steel kit on my ‘71 and it fit perfectly. Dan (owner) is incredibly responsive for questions and support in addition to very clear instructions. I picked them over Ridetech because the coil overs mount in the factory upper shock support (with included strengthening bracket) which positions the springs vertically.
as you can see from the picture, the T-arms are offset inward to allow for wider rear tires.
I also installed their Smart Strut kit which enables positioning the adjustable struts for the particular way the car will be driven.
Love my Ridetech rear suspension. Only mod I have ever done that went as easily as it was supposed to. Their trailing arm is a work of art and very strong. I did have to modify the bore of the trailing arms, but only because I have 1480 rear axles. They may have fixed that by now. Their system comes with a new rear crossmember which both raised the diff slightly for better geometry, and lets the differential come out without dropping the crossmember. I believe another big advantage of Ridetech vs others, is the placement of the coilover behind the half shafts.
Aftermarket Rear Suspension Experience
