Hey all,
Joined the forums here recently and thought I'd throw something out there. I am completely rebuilding a 69 SS396. This will definatly not be a trailer queen, so there will be plently of customizing. I have the front end off, sandblasted and painted, so next on the list is suspension (and replacing the stock front discs)

That being said all the research that I have come up with has lead me to beleive that lowing the front by 2" is best done by springs or adjustable coilovers. The resons being two-fold.

1) Stock geometry on a 1st gen camaro sucks. So by lowering via springs, you actually force the suspension into a better part of the not-so-good suspension curves that would remain stock if I did drop spindles.

2) I plan on going with 17x8" rims in the front and 17x9.5" in the rear. There are multiple complaints with either having to severely limiting the backspacing on the rimsor gamble withthe steering componentsrubbing on the rims when going with drop spindles.

I have a bit of time before I punch the go button on this, but wanted to hear what you know first hand first.

Peace.

 

you are gonna have to do mods to the inner fenders NO MATTER WHAT if you drop it in any way and put a wheel that big on the car. You would have fender rub issues at stock height on the front end anyway with that size wheel. These vars were not designed for a wheel that big, and modification will be necessary no matter what with a big wheel. I ru a 15" rim and have issues because of tire diameter, and with a wheel your size, even a lower profile tire will have issues

 

I've got 17X8 front and 17X9.5 American Racing Torque Thrust II wheels with P245/40/17 and P275/40/17, respectively on my '69. QA-1 coil overs on the front. I am pleased with this set up but get some inner wheel well rub in the back when I go obliquely up an incline. May have to adjust to P255/45/17 on the back.

 

Very nice ride by-the-way ADW1969.
SS396, I have cut the coils on my '69 to lower it, but only took out one loop which amounts to about 2". I have heard that drop spindles change not only the rim offset, but the camber as well, depending on the brand you choose. The look of ADW1969's ride looks pretty sweet, so if that's what you what, listen him. I might go that way too. It seems to sit real nice.

ADW1969, what back-spacing did you get on your rims?

 

I agree ADW1969's ride looks sweet with a nice stance. Did you lower the rear at all? If so what route did you go, I'm seriosly considering a 4 bar setup with adjustable coilovers all the way around, but I'll probably cut from the big block springs. As for a little sheet metal work on the fender wells, time and a welder are 2 things I do have.
Now if I could just win the lottery for the rest...

 

I bought the car about two years ago with traction bars. When I removed the bars and replaced them with the stock leaf spring mounts and changed the shocks, it settled down in back nicely. I have not done anything deliberately to adjust the ride height in the back.

 

jonnyNITRO, I am trying to get the back-spacing information for you. I'm not ignoring your question.

 

ADW1969, I called to get a price on QA1 coilovers for the front and the guy said that I needed lower control arms to make them work, did you make any mods to put yours in? At 630 for just the lowers, I might be spending some quality time with the welder again.

 

take that idea of drop spindles and throw that away.

 

No modifications. My mechanic in Venice, CA put them in for me. I don't think he would mind if you give him a call and ask him about installation details. (310) 822-3227. Ask for William.