Well I finally got to drive the 74 for the first time since installing the suspension components from VB&P. Over the winter and up until a few weeks ago I installed the front monoleaf conversion with the offset upper control arms and all new tie rod ends. I also installed a pair of Van Steel's new offset trailing arms that I got under the group purchase. To top it off I installed the heavy duty front and rear sway bars. This morning I took the car in for 4 new BFG Radial TAs in 255x60x15 and had the car aligned to VB&P's specifications. What a difference! I took the car on the highway and took it up to about 75 mph. No shake or shimmy and you could take your hands off the wheel for miles and still track straight. I assume this is because of the greater caster setting that the offset arms allow. The steering also felt lighter and more precise no doubt due to the new ball joints. Over bumps and dips the car didn't porpoise but was well controlled without being harsh. I have the front spring set to the second from the softest setting. My rear spring is a TRW 340 lb. fiberglass spring and I have KYB shocks all the way around. I took a few off ramps and turns briskly and where the old suspension would wallow and lean the car now tracked flat and was easily controlled. I'm very happy with the outcome of the project and would recommend the conversion to those that would like a little more adjustability in their front suspension. I have the front height set 1 inch lower than the rear and it seems to work well. The only negative is that I think I lost a little turning circle. It seems as though I can't get the wheels to turn as much as they used to. This may be because of the stops on the lower arms or it may be just my imagination but it does seem to be a less tighter turning radius. I'll be taking it out on a few confidence runs in the near future and if I find any problems I'll post them.

 

I'm with you on your evaluation!!! :yesnod: :thumbs:

 

If you have the typical VB 1 1/8 front and 3/4 rear bars, be advised that this induces oversteer under certain conditions. Breakaway will be quick.
IMHO, a 5/8 rear bar is better for this setup.

Also, if you have not done so, replace your idler arm for a tighterfront end.

 

Sounds like something I really want to do, It's on my future mods list.

BTW, I wonder why we never see any more posts about the coilovers?????

Van Steel :confused:

 

IMO, C/O are overkill unless you plan on autocrossing. They seem to be a better fit on a C4 suspension. I will be using the VB monoleaf in my next C3. Good review of the suspension. Haven't seen one on that setup in a while. :thumbs:

 

Good thought. I had replaced the idler arm a while back and it's still tight. When I did the conversion the tie rod ends felt tight and wouldn't move very well so I replaced them "while I was at it". :lol:

 

If given the choice between coilovers or in this case semicoilovers and the mono spring I would choose the semi coilovers.
To me the mono spring is a step backwards. You are tieing the two sides together and harmonics travel from one side to the other.
If nothing else you are also screwing up a nice jacking point with the mono spring.
I personally run full coilovers on all 4 corners.

 

Norval,

When are you going to market your 4 corner kit????

I would like to volunteer as a tester. :thumbs: :steering:

 

Norval, do you have coil-overs? If so, lets see some pics! I want to install them on mine too. Bilsteins with 5-link rear and some tubular arms in front!

 

Guys I have true coilovers on all 4 corners but it was a long way from bolt on. It involved lots of cutting, fabricating/machining and alot of welding. It took me months to do it right. The shocks and springs run me $1500 but it is truely totally adjustable.
No one can market a kit for bolt on. Both my front spring pockets were cut out and new plates welded in to look stock and also with new mounts
Double click on picture to enlarge

 

Norval, looks great! Thanks for the pics.