Front suspension & steering
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 727
Likes: 113
From: Austin TX area
Front suspension & steering
78, looking for your opinion on my plan for the front end. Cost is not an issue, but I would not go with a complete ridetech system at over $6k. Another thing I didn’t like about ridetech, if you go with their True turn system for the front, you also have to purchase a brake conversion system to use the stock system.
Going nuts trying to determine what I will do with the front end. Originally I was thinking of replacing the upper and lower control arms with tubular ones. After reading and reading some more I think just rebuilding the control arms is the way to go. I purchased the car in 2006, I am sure the bushing were original and shot back then. I’ve never done anything with the front end since I’ve owned it. Therefore I really don’t know what it’s like to drive with new components. Since I will not race, track, autocross etc. I think just rebuilding the control arms would be fine. Below is a kit I am thinking of going with. Rubber or Poly?
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...&subgroup=3011
Since I want to lower the stance I am thinking of going with QA1 coil overs with single adjustable shocks. Link is below if you want to take a look. I felt this would be a good fit for what I want to do, lower the stance, not have to order special coil springs and they will fit into the stock control arms.
https://www.qa1.net/automotive/suspe...l-over-systems
In the back I have a composite spring (Vansteel) and KYB shocks. Not sure if that combo (KYB in the back, QA1 up front) will work. Since I can lower the rear by adjusting the spring I don’t see a need for coil overs or adjustable strut rods.
I will also replace the steering gearbox with a Borgeson steering gearbox. This will eliminate the leaky cylinder and have a better ratio. A rack and pinion just seem like over kill and much more complicated to install, although the manufactures say it’s bolt on, just looks like a lot more stuff to install and fail later.
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...p=3110&ID=3227
Thanks for looking and your advice, Bill
Going nuts trying to determine what I will do with the front end. Originally I was thinking of replacing the upper and lower control arms with tubular ones. After reading and reading some more I think just rebuilding the control arms is the way to go. I purchased the car in 2006, I am sure the bushing were original and shot back then. I’ve never done anything with the front end since I’ve owned it. Therefore I really don’t know what it’s like to drive with new components. Since I will not race, track, autocross etc. I think just rebuilding the control arms would be fine. Below is a kit I am thinking of going with. Rubber or Poly?
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...&subgroup=3011
Since I want to lower the stance I am thinking of going with QA1 coil overs with single adjustable shocks. Link is below if you want to take a look. I felt this would be a good fit for what I want to do, lower the stance, not have to order special coil springs and they will fit into the stock control arms.
https://www.qa1.net/automotive/suspe...l-over-systems
In the back I have a composite spring (Vansteel) and KYB shocks. Not sure if that combo (KYB in the back, QA1 up front) will work. Since I can lower the rear by adjusting the spring I don’t see a need for coil overs or adjustable strut rods.
I will also replace the steering gearbox with a Borgeson steering gearbox. This will eliminate the leaky cylinder and have a better ratio. A rack and pinion just seem like over kill and much more complicated to install, although the manufactures say it’s bolt on, just looks like a lot more stuff to install and fail later.
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...p=3110&ID=3227
Thanks for looking and your advice, Bill
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,352
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
Just go VanSteel and be done with. Matching shocks front rear is probably a good idea. Heim strut rods are a great idea. Borgeson conversion is popular, if you do it be sure to use the Ridetech support bracket.
Last edited by jim2527; Feb 2, 2020 at 04:17 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
My 6t8 has the VP&B dual mount suspension with Steeroids R&P with a Dragvette 6-link. It handles like it is on rails, in the city with the rough roads it has a harsh ride. the 69 has the composite rear spring at 330# rating, a 5/8 rear sway bar with offset trailing arms. Up front just a larger sway bar, new rubber control arm bushings and a spreader bar along with the Borg steer box. It has a nice ride and handles well. Monroe gas shocks at all 4 corners. T
Last edited by terrys6t8roadster; Feb 5, 2020 at 08:44 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 411
Likes: 232
From: central Florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared)
VanSteel has a Borgeson support bracket too. You can just get the whole kit from them now.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 727
Likes: 113
From: Austin TX area
Thanks all. Bill
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 4,449
From: Marlton NJ
Bill;
I like your combo choices! Thinking of doing pretty similar to my 72 and have 27 years of auto cross & -solo under my belt, but no more of that for me.
A few items you should consider.
I like your combo choices! Thinking of doing pretty similar to my 72 and have 27 years of auto cross & -solo under my belt, but no more of that for me.
A few items you should consider.
- Get the matching QA1 single adjustable shocks for the rear. Getting the damping similar front & rear really affects enjoyment.
- Go straight for metal heim jointed strut rods in the rear.Zero ride quality effect. The rubber ones take a huge beating in the C3 suspension design. You could get the rubber ones if you don't mind keeping a real close eye on them, and changing them somewhat often. When the rubber bushing gets loose, so does the rear of the car.
- You didn't say if you have the gymkhana sway bars on your 78 or not. The softer standard ones would give a better ride. The bigger ones tighten the steering response (a lot) but do toss the car a little more from side to side on one wheel bumps. I'd suggest trying which ever ones you have now, and then consider the others later if needed. You may have such a big improvement with the other changes that you are perfectly happy with them as-is.
- Keep your springs on the softer side.350-450 front & 330 rear composite for a great ride.
- Start the QA1s at about 2-3 clicks from soft, and adjust from there.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 727
Likes: 113
From: Austin TX area
Hi Leigh,
Thanks for the input. After thinking it over I also thought it would be a good idea to have QA1's all around. The strut rod are new moog and they are rubber. I am going to leave them on for now. I do not have the Gymkhana suspension/sway bar. The composite I have is 330.
Thanks for the advice on the setting for the QA1's.
Bill
Thanks for the input. After thinking it over I also thought it would be a good idea to have QA1's all around. The strut rod are new moog and they are rubber. I am going to leave them on for now. I do not have the Gymkhana suspension/sway bar. The composite I have is 330.
Thanks for the advice on the setting for the QA1's.
Bill
