Need suspension for a 69 with a duramax diesel.
 

My car is finally coming together.. It's a 69 that I've owned for nine years. It's being completely restored at a place called Hoovers Hot Rods in Hartford, KY.. I'm in KY to deliver/buy more parts for it to get the build moving again.. So far it has all new body panels except for the trunk lid and roof, 06 LBZ duramax diesel, TCI race 4L85E trans with billet converter, 20x8.5 front wheels, and 22x11 rears with 305-30-22's. I also have solid body mounts, and subframe connectors from DSE but I don't know if we'll be using them.. I like the stock look, but the shop doing the build wants it on bags and big wheels for shows.. I'll probably get some rally wheels for normal driving..

My question is, who makes a great drag race style rear suspension with frame rails that retains the rear seat? I need toorder therear suspension, and a full cage this week.. I'm considering ordering a front subframe with suspension and steering as well while I'm at it. This car will see drag strip and street duty. I need to order it before I leave to go back to FL next week.. Any advice on suspension and how to make this car stiff to handle wheels up launches is very appreciated..

By the way, so far I'm leaning with a rear frame/ladder bar setup from Art Morrison just with bags instead of coil overs..

RE: Need suspension for a 69 with a duramax diesel.
 

a duramax? Nice. What's the torque that thing puts out?

RE: Need suspension for a 69 with a duramax diesel.
 

huh? you want to run a diesel AND 20" rims? that thing is going to be so damn heavy (I just want to see a pic of it fitted into the enginebay) that one little bump and those rims are going to be destroyed

you say you want to run steel rims for most driving and 20's for going to shows? what do you expect to run for racing? I wish I had your money???

RE: Need suspension for a 69 with a duramax diesel.
 

The dmax will produce 1,000 lb tq really easy.. I may go a little beyond that in the 12-1400 range at the wheels.. 1969SS, the dmax weighs 150-200 pounds more than an iron headed big block. If I replace the front subframe, that alone can drop a couple hundred pounds and increase strength.. As far as money, I'm 33 and just love racing.. This is pretty much my only hobby.. I've also had to wait 9 years to have the ability to complete the project..

RE: Need suspension for a 69 with a duramax diesel.
 

Detroit Speend and Engineering makes different 4 link kits for lighter and heavy duty applications that maintains the rear seat. They also make front ends for 1st gens.

RE: Need suspension for a 69 with a duramax diesel.
 

1k ft/lbs Q? I want to see a video when you are done.

RE: Need suspension for a 69 with a duramax diesel.
 

And I want to be your tire supplier :)

RE: Need suspension for a 69 with a duramax diesel.
 

Ok.. Tomorrow I plan to order a Chris Alston front subframe with Baer brakes.. For the rear, I'm a little undecided.. In the beginning of my research, I just figured a ladder bar kit with shockwaves. After reading some other forums, I'm confused.. I spoke to Prodigy Customs.. It's a high volume restoration shop here in FL. He said his camaro had been 9.20's with the G-bar setup. It just doesn't look like it would be that strong, but he seems to really like it. He carriesmost ofthe big name products and that's what he advised to go with. Another street friendly setup is the Hot Rods To Hell truck arm system.. They claim it can hold huge power and is very street and curve friendly. It looks to be stronger than the G-bar setup, but I'm a researching newbie.. So I'm not really one to say..

If anyone has experience or advice with the HTH truck arm or the G-bar in a car with big power, please let me know what you think.. I appreciate all advice..