I am thinking of getting a complete suspension rebuild on my 82 Trans Am. I am thinking of using sphon lower control arms, relocation brackets, and a pan hard bar I am not lowering the car should I get adjustable lower control arms and pan hard bar or isn't it nessececary for a stock height? Is PST or what ever (on the back of car craft) good kits for the front end? I am putting together the 455 that I have to put in and have never done suspension mods so what should I do other than this if anything? It will be done over time but I want something that will help launch and reduce wheel hop. I was just going to put a ssm kit on the rear but have since decided that the loss of streetability will not be worht it so sudjustions are appreciated. Thanks James

 

PST makes a good kit. I just used it to redo my front suspension and it comes with all the bushings you'll need including the OUTER tie rods. You'll have to reuse or buy new INNER tie rods and adjusting sleeves.

You don't need adjustable LCA's or Panhard if you're keeping the car at the stock height. If you lower it, then you'll NEED the adjustable panhard rod to get the alignment back in order and the adjustable LCA's are suggested but not necessary. LCA relocation brackets help alot to reduce wheel hop at any ride height but are almost necessary on a lowered vehicle. IMHO, I didn't notice a night/day difference when I put on my Spohn panhard, an improvement but I don't have a pavement pounding engine either.

As far as springs, shocks and struts go, everybody has an opinion. I replaced my FE1 soft ride suspension springs with WS6 springs, the struts went to KYB AGX's which I'm liking, very nice damping, and the shocks are KYB Gas-a-Just's which are handling the job nicely as well. These are probably the middle grounds as far as performance and handling. They also don't cost a fortune, nor are they terribly cheap. I've heard good things about Koni's and Eibach but expect to pay more and sacrifice ride quality.

 

I was wondering how well Hotchkis is compared to sphon (LCA and panhard) also, any opinions on them? Also is there any negative effects as to sphons lower control arms, and panhard bar? Thanks in advance, James