Thread: GM X-Body Suspension

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I've rebuilt my Nova suspension with stock parts.
Now it sit 2-3 inches high on one side.

1st - I'm questioning whether the upper control arm bushings and struts were pressed in properly.

Is there an alignment procedure to ensure the struts are at exactly the same angle on both sides before pressing the bushings in?

Right now, one side (upper control arm) looks higher than the other.

2nd - all rear leaf bushings and shackes are loosened, or is bushing alignment before tightening part of the leveling procedure?

Thanks Bert -

I believe I have miss matched spring rate rear leafs.

In an earlier leaf srping post I thought I might starting over.

When I jack up the low rear side with lossened eye bolts, everything gets a lot better.



Bert

I've rebuilt my Nova suspension with stock parts.
Now it sit 2-3 inches high on one side.

1st - I'm questioning whether the upper control arm bushings and struts were pressed in properly.

Is there an alignment procedure to ensure the struts are at exactly the same angle on both sides before pressing the bushings in?
These front suspensions are coilspring over shock w/ upper and lower control arms. I am confused by your use of the term "strut"...
There is no orientation required for bushing install.

Right now, one side (upper control arm) looks higher than the other.
Did you torque the upper cross shaft nuts and lower bushing bolts before setting the car on the ground? This will "lock" the bushings and may cause height differences like you are having.

2nd - all rear leaf bushings and shackes are loosened, or is bushing alignment before tightening part of the leveling procedure?
Bushing alignment is not an issue

I believe I have miss matched spring rate rear leafs.
Are the springs brand new? If not, one or more leafs in the pack could be broken unless they are mono's...

When I jack up the low rear side with lossened eye bolts, everything gets a lot better.
That makes since...

>>strut
I'm referring to the upper control arm cross shaft. Since that bar fits into the bushing in notches 'like a spline' I thought it could be at an incorrect angle when pressed in.

>> torqued bushing bolts
I did tignten the front lowers before dropping to the ground.
I will loosen them again after dealing with the rear springs.

I converted from mono to multi.
The rear springs are brand new (more like NOS) from Scott's Chevy Parts. I went for low price ($129/pair). That was bad decision on my part.

Worked on the rear last - so I'm gonna fix that first.
It sat OK untill I did the leaf springs.

I posted a couple pictures.
Thanks for the reply - Bert