How to Have Your Car's Suspension Overhauled

If you own a classic American muscle car from the '50s or '60s, or an older vehicle that first appeared on the streets in the '30s and '40s, your car may be in need of a suspension overhaul.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Suspension Parts

1. Determine what year your vehicle is. The parts you'll need to do the overhaul depend on the vehicle and its age. If you have a muscle car from the '50s or '60s, there are a lot of manufacturers that specialize in restoration parts for cars such as Camaros, Mustangs, 55 Chevys, etc. If you own a '30s or '40s vehicle, there are aftermarket companies that make upgrade parts and even a few companies that can get original equipment.

2. Read automobile magazines that specialize in your car's make and year. Suppliers of suspension parts usually advertise in these magazines or are mentioned in articles.

3. Select companies that specialize in your vehicle. Check their Web sites. Ask them about warranties and guarantees.

4. Select a company that you feel comfortable with.

5. Ask the company to recommend a shop that specializes in alignment and front-end work. Also check with friends who may have had their cars' suspensions overhauled. Go to car shows and ask participants where they got their suspension work done and contact car clubs for recommendations.

6. Select a shop that you feel most comfortable with and have them check out your car to determine what parts are needed.

7. Buy the products you need and have the work done by the shop you've selected.

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[spartanic]

on 4/30/2009 This suspension guide is a good read: http://www.garage411.com/Suspension

on 1/4/2006 #1 DO NOT support the axle with the jack stands. This just raises the rear wheels off the ground. The shock absorbers stay compressed about one half of the length that they travel up and down.

#2 DO: Jack the car up, place the frame rails on the jack stands. Or place the jacking points on the underside of the frame on a unibody car. These are the points which you are directed to use, when changing a flat tire.

Now the whole rear end of the car is suspended in the air, the rear axle is hanging down, and the shock absorbers are extended. When you remove the bolts connecting them to the attachment points, it is easy to dislodge them, as you have a lot of room above the axle, and you can close down the shock absorber with hand pressure, to shorten it.

NOTE: You can not do this with McPherson Struts, which is the most common method of proving shock absorption for the front wheels of most cars, and the rear wheels of some cars.

on 11/22/2005 First you must support the rear end of you car at the rear axle, with jack stands. Once securely supported, remove the shock absorbers, upper mouting, nuts and bolts. Then remove the lower mouting nuts and bolts. Remove the shock, then reverse.