Rear suspension upgrades
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 3
From: Austin, Tx
Car: 1992 Camaro Z-28
Engine: 355
Transmission: Custom 700-R4
Axle/Gears: Stock 4th gen
Rear suspension upgrades
I recently purchased a used 98-02 diff assembly from Hawks and I thought I would replace the LCAs and torque arm.
My question is concerning Spohn vs UMI, tubular vs square, adjustable vs fixed, and mild steel vs chrome moly. I have no ambitions of performing 3000 rpm clutch dumps with slicks or any other form of extreme driveline abuse. It's a fun street car, but it does have a procharged 355 with 700r4, so there is a need for strength.
I was thinking of going with mild steel, fixed, tubular LCAs and a mild steel adjustable panhard bar, and a mild steel adjustable torque arm mounted to the trans crossmember.
Any suggestions/thoughts?
Thanks,
Jamie
My question is concerning Spohn vs UMI, tubular vs square, adjustable vs fixed, and mild steel vs chrome moly. I have no ambitions of performing 3000 rpm clutch dumps with slicks or any other form of extreme driveline abuse. It's a fun street car, but it does have a procharged 355 with 700r4, so there is a need for strength.
I was thinking of going with mild steel, fixed, tubular LCAs and a mild steel adjustable panhard bar, and a mild steel adjustable torque arm mounted to the trans crossmember.
Any suggestions/thoughts?
Thanks,
Jamie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 476
Likes: 24
From: IL
Car: 91 TA / 91 Formula
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Rear suspension upgrades
I would make sure to go poly instead of rod end for a street car just for sound issues. Rod ends are loud. I have UMI on 2 cars and Founders on another and can tell no difference, so I would definitely consider them especially for the price savings. Adjustable is never a bad idea on LCAs though is not usually needed, but I think it is a must on a panhard bar.
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 20
From: PNW
Car: 91 Black Formula KR
Engine: 305 TPI R69/G92
Transmission: Astro A5-Pro 5.0-McCleod
Axle/Gears: US Gear 3.42 Eaton True Trac
Re: Rear suspension upgrades
The Founders 3 way poly joints for street are excellent! Have a set myself 
I'd get their panhard bar too...
As for torque arms... I've had a few and all seem to make noise...
A worthwhile investment was the poly bushing for the stock arm...
No noise, noticeable difference... once you switch the arm from stock, it's a bit louder..
At least from my experience...
Rafael

I'd get their panhard bar too...
As for torque arms... I've had a few and all seem to make noise...
A worthwhile investment was the poly bushing for the stock arm...
No noise, noticeable difference... once you switch the arm from stock, it's a bit louder..
At least from my experience...
Rafael
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 20
From: PNW
Car: 91 Black Formula KR
Engine: 305 TPI R69/G92
Transmission: Astro A5-Pro 5.0-McCleod
Axle/Gears: US Gear 3.42 Eaton True Trac
Re: Rear suspension upgrades
Oh, and weld in sub frame connectors are nice too
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,028
Likes: 78
From: Desert
Car: 1991 Z28 Vert
Engine: 383 single plane efi
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 8.8 with 3.73s
Re: Rear suspension upgrades
Otherwise:
Subframe connectors
Lower control arm relocation brackets (LCARBs)
Bushings or replacing the whole arm assembly(s)
Torque arm mounted on the tranny crossmember
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
Car: 1989 GTA Nighthawk
Engine: 389 CID TPI
Transmission: TCI 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.23
Re: Rear suspension upgrades
Putting the Torque arm to the transmission crossmember is a stronger place to mount, however it is louder as well. If you get the adjustable torque arm that attaches to the Transmission with a Poly bushing it is quieter. I know because I have had both and the solid mount makes a good bit of noise! I think everyone else covered everything quite well.
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