Topic: Strut Rods
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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I received the new strut rod bushings for my '69 the other day. They don't look anything like the old ones. Not only that, but the old ones are kinda tough to get out. I've been thinking of getting the adjustable ones, are they worth the money? My friend put poly sway bar bushings (the ones that attach to the frame) and they ovaled out after about 6 months, so I'm not real keen on poly stuff.
Thanks,
Matt
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I installed the VBP's 'Smart Strut Kit' on mine,the kit lowers the strut rod angle to a more nutral postion,less camber change with wheel travel,works great, I have poly through out the car, the only place the bushings distorted were the front sway bar links,alot of weight being transfered there,the complete kit goes for about I believe $200.+ includes everything

Fairfax, VA - USA
Joined: 8/26/2002
Posts: 38
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette Roadster, 427,12.25-1 comp ratio, 582 Hp, 4 sp., 3.36, Steeroids rack and pin. pwr strg, pwr bks, serp. pulleys, 1968 (Factory) L-88 Hood, Vette Br. suspension, Both tops, MSD ign.
Hello There MattK,
I have had my 1968 for almost 14 years now, in the first couple of years I replaced the bushings in the front and rear suspension. I also had both of my rear wheel bearings rebuilt so I had the swing arm assemblies done with the poly bushings as well. Every bushing on my car than can be poly is poly except the body mounts, other than the occasional squeaking they have worked great. I have not replaced any of them since I did the front and rear suspension overhaul. Quality poly bushings shouldn't wear out that fast. I have probably driven the car close to 10 thousand miles over the 14 years and I drive it hard using the big block for what it was meant for.
I replaced my strut rods at the same time as I did the suspension work.
The mechanic who did the 4 wheel alignment commented on how much easier it was to adjust the rear end with the new smart strut kit. He was a "SVO" Mustang owner and was impressed with all the hardware that Vette Brakes sold me for the suspension. After the work was complete the car handled like it was on rails, it took those long high speed turns without any funny stuff (that loose bushings provide) and the car was a shear pleasure to drive hard. Just ask a local AC Cobra owner here in northen Virginia how those "Old" vettes handle and run on the back sections of the "Virginia International Raceway"
I just finished the last major suspension changeover to my 1968. I installed the Power Rack and Pinion kit from Steeroids. It isn't as comfy as my '88 Vette but it sure handles like it...
Try the smart struts...they WORK..
Good luck
I have had my 1968 for almost 14 years now, in the first couple of years I replaced the bushings in the front and rear suspension. I also had both of my rear wheel bearings rebuilt so I had the swing arm assemblies done with the poly bushings as well. Every bushing on my car than can be poly is poly except the body mounts, other than the occasional squeaking they have worked great. I have not replaced any of them since I did the front and rear suspension overhaul. Quality poly bushings shouldn't wear out that fast. I have probably driven the car close to 10 thousand miles over the 14 years and I drive it hard using the big block for what it was meant for.
I replaced my strut rods at the same time as I did the suspension work.
The mechanic who did the 4 wheel alignment commented on how much easier it was to adjust the rear end with the new smart strut kit. He was a "SVO" Mustang owner and was impressed with all the hardware that Vette Brakes sold me for the suspension. After the work was complete the car handled like it was on rails, it took those long high speed turns without any funny stuff (that loose bushings provide) and the car was a shear pleasure to drive hard. Just ask a local AC Cobra owner here in northen Virginia how those "Old" vettes handle and run on the back sections of the "Virginia International Raceway"
I just finished the last major suspension changeover to my 1968. I installed the Power Rack and Pinion kit from Steeroids. It isn't as comfy as my '88 Vette but it sure handles like it...
Try the smart struts...they WORK..
Good luck
I rebuilt my suspension last summer with a VBP kit. Used poly bushings and the adjustable strut rods. The car handles so much better than it did before. One word of advice if you get the adjustable strut rods is to make sure that you really tighten the jam nuts. The shop that did my alignment neglected that and my rear passenger tilted inward severly.
1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's
(click to see a bigger version)
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's

(click to see a bigger version)
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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