Thread: 1969 Nova Rear End

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Hi to all -

Thanks to all for helping out with your advice so far.

I've got the front end rebuilt. It feels super with Duralast rubber bushings and AutoZone heavy duty gas shocks. Replaced the ball joints and will add a sway bar down the line.

Now its on to the rear end. It is now obviously weaker than the front. Especially on the drivers side.

Any suggestions are welcome.

I'm considering polyurethane bushings and either 3 or 5 leaf over mono replacement springs. My machinist says we can re-tone the mono leaf springs by hammering but I don't see the point if I have a few bucks to spend.

This is to be a Saturday night cruiser and would like to put the hammer to it occasionally but I have never been one to abuse a car. Certainly after all the work I will have put into it.

Any other suggestions to beef it up without overkill?

Thanks - Bert Boswell

I dont know what u have in mind, but extra leafs will raise it up and add stifness. But its better than a crutch like air shocks. Like the man told me do it till u get good at it. Only u know what u want out of it.

Replace the Monoleafs with the 5-Leaf Springs. I did it to my 72 Nova . I use it as a cruiser also. I also put Coil over shocks in the rear. The ride isn't that rough and with all of the potholes and dips in the roads in N.J. it helps.

Thanks Dave -

I wasn't sure if 5 leaf springs were too much.
I have'nt ever considered rear spring shocks.
What extra hardware is needed?

I thought the poly bushings would be good since there is more 'spring' in the rear than the front?

Potholes? - we got um here in the New Orleans area for sure.

I guess I forgot what 1969 technology was like.

Naww - I rode in plenty tight cars back then.
I thought it was about air-shocks - but obviously not.

Being my first project - I have a lot to learn!!!

BBos

New Orleans makes me hungry.

BBQ shrimp at Pascal's Manale.
Muffalettas at the Acme Oyster House on Iberville.
The Gumbo Shop on St Peter.