Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This video features a complete overhaul of the stock worn out and antequated design front suspension for a pro-touring style modern setup on my 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass S A-body wthout totally breaking the bank. Here is the parts list:
Energy Suspension 3.3168R polyurethane bushings
Proforged Ball Joints 101-10013
Replaced the LCA bolts with 4" long 1/2"-20 grade 8 bolts and locknuts
New backing plates
Summit Racing tubular upper control arms (second hand)
Proforged 0.500" Tall Upper Ball Joints 101-10016
QA1 Stocker Star Shocks TS505 single adjustable shocks
Restoparts CH25634 Control Arm cross shaft bolts
Classic Performance High Clearance Sway Bar 6481HCSBK-125
UMI Performance A-Body Frame Rail Braces 2654-B
UMI Performance Front Bump Steer Adjuster Kits 4060
0:29 The new parts shown
5:23 A quick review of the rear suspension upgrades
7:38 Identifying grade 5 vs grade 8 bolts
8:03 The start of the disassembly
10:23 The horrifying state of the stock rubber control arm bushings
10:59 Sanding down the stock lower control arms ("LCAs")
11:46 Pressing in the new bushing shells into the LCAs at the Makin' Bacon Ranch in Mogadore & an explanation of how to get the old bushings out
13:08 the finished LCAs
14:16 Disassebling the stock spindles to clean and repaint them
15:01 Sanding down and repainting the frame
15:30 the Summit Racing tubular UCAs compared to stock and the ball joint location difference
16:10 Using a radio control car to illustrate Caster, Camber, toe, the Ackerman Effect, and bump steer.
20:32 I don't think just changing the UCA alters the camber curve?
21:05 More frame cleaning & painting
22:38 Installing the LCAs
23:02 Showing the smooth action of the LCAs
23:19 Fastemer tip to upgrade the stock LCA to frame bolts with 1/2"-20 4" long grade 8 bolts & locknuts
24:30 Cleaning up the stock springs
25:16 Why am I re-using the stock springs?
27:13 Repainting the stock springs
27:25 Taking a look at the front suspension geometry and how the Caster changes through the suspension travel
29:22 Enlarging the hole in the LCA to fit the QA1 Stocker Star shocks
30:18 Using 5/16"-18 grade 8 bolts to attach the shocks to the A-arm instead of the supplied 3/8"-24 grade 5 bolts
31:12 Brake pad tip so they don't rattle
31:55 Showing all of the removed parts
31:59 Showing the design and weight of the CPP High Clearance Sway bar
35:28 Mounting the CPP High Clearance Sway Bar and explaining the supplied steel offset brackets
37:10 Showing the mounted UMI Frame Brace
37:43 A challenge with interference with the 275/40R18 tires and rims
40:08 New oil dipstick installed
40:54 A word of Caution when installing Sway Bars, especially on G-bodies
41:15 Showing the completed passenger side & a tip with the bump stops
42:03 A nice look around the finished result!
43:44 Driving to get the car aligned
44:53 First drive after getting it aligned... its like a NEW CAR!
45:20 Some in-car commentary of how it drives and handles!
47:23 The WOT 1-2 shift took me by surprise!
48:48 Some spirited driving ;-)
50:11 She stays flat in higher speed cornering
51:32 My thoughts on how it handles bumps and what surprises me most about the new suspension setup
52:14 Some closing thoughts & what I learned about alignment specs, as well as what the Pro Touring guys recommend to align the car to
54:06 What I was NOT happy with about the alignment (what you should ask)
55:24 My final thoughts on how it handled before vs now
56:17 Some National and local car shows for 2025
57:17 Outro with before & after shots
Music Credit: original music composed, performed, and produced by: Aq Xico @Gobah
Other related or referenced videos:
"1971 Cutlass Ep 09 New Rear Axle & Performance Suspension":
youtu.be/Jf4NHrIafT8?si=gmn0wHSHbz4MJPgF
"1971 Cutlass Ep 12 4L80E by Cyclone Transmission":
youtu.be/6oIh_StY7kI?si=g8Z_Xg10RyyzOWHH
"1971 Cutlass Ep 14 4L80E in a 1968-1972 GM A-body!":
youtu.be/-G4oDKb7Xwg?si=ve-rgphCglGbFkLo
"1971 Cutlass Ep 17 Holley TERMINATOR X MAX STEALTH Install!":
youtu.be/XidmosGTy1g?si=riSReYXMUbkKayJG
"1971 Cutlass Ep 21 EFI & 4L80E: 5 MISTAKES Installing them!":
youtu.be/0TSinN-YDAU?si=G9w4FbTo4ELfbWue
This video features a complete overhaul of the stock worn out and antequated design front suspension for a pro-touring style modern setup on my 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass S A-body wthout totally breaking the bank. Here is the parts list:
Energy Suspension 3.3168R polyurethane bushings
Proforged Ball Joints 101-10013
Replaced the LCA bolts with 4" long 1/2"-20 grade 8 bolts and locknuts
New backing plates
Summit Racing tubular upper control arms (second hand)
Proforged 0.500" Tall Upper Ball Joints 101-10016
QA1 Stocker Star Shocks TS505 single adjustable shocks
Restoparts CH25634 Control Arm cross shaft bolts
Classic Performance High Clearance Sway Bar 6481HCSBK-125
UMI Performance A-Body Frame Rail Braces 2654-B
UMI Performance Front Bump Steer Adjuster Kits 4060
0:29 The new parts shown
5:23 A quick review of the rear suspension upgrades
7:38 Identifying grade 5 vs grade 8 bolts
8:03 The start of the disassembly
10:23 The horrifying state of the stock rubber control arm bushings
10:59 Sanding down the stock lower control arms ("LCAs")
11:46 Pressing in the new bushing shells into the LCAs at the Makin' Bacon Ranch in Mogadore & an explanation of how to get the old bushings out
13:08 the finished LCAs
14:16 Disassebling the stock spindles to clean and repaint them
15:01 Sanding down and repainting the frame
15:30 the Summit Racing tubular UCAs compared to stock and the ball joint location difference
16:10 Using a radio control car to illustrate Caster, Camber, toe, the Ackerman Effect, and bump steer.
20:32 I don't think just changing the UCA alters the camber curve?
21:05 More frame cleaning & painting
22:38 Installing the LCAs
23:02 Showing the smooth action of the LCAs
23:19 Fastemer tip to upgrade the stock LCA to frame bolts with 1/2"-20 4" long grade 8 bolts & locknuts
24:30 Cleaning up the stock springs
25:16 Why am I re-using the stock springs?
27:13 Repainting the stock springs
27:25 Taking a look at the front suspension geometry and how the Caster changes through the suspension travel
29:22 Enlarging the hole in the LCA to fit the QA1 Stocker Star shocks
30:18 Using 5/16"-18 grade 8 bolts to attach the shocks to the A-arm instead of the supplied 3/8"-24 grade 5 bolts
31:12 Brake pad tip so they don't rattle
31:55 Showing all of the removed parts
31:59 Showing the design and weight of the CPP High Clearance Sway bar
35:28 Mounting the CPP High Clearance Sway Bar and explaining the supplied steel offset brackets
37:10 Showing the mounted UMI Frame Brace
37:43 A challenge with interference with the 275/40R18 tires and rims
40:08 New oil dipstick installed
40:54 A word of Caution when installing Sway Bars, especially on G-bodies
41:15 Showing the completed passenger side & a tip with the bump stops
42:03 A nice look around the finished result!
43:44 Driving to get the car aligned
44:53 First drive after getting it aligned... its like a NEW CAR!
45:20 Some in-car commentary of how it drives and handles!
47:23 The WOT 1-2 shift took me by surprise!
48:48 Some spirited driving ;-)
50:11 She stays flat in higher speed cornering
51:32 My thoughts on how it handles bumps and what surprises me most about the new suspension setup
52:14 Some closing thoughts & what I learned about alignment specs, as well as what the Pro Touring guys recommend to align the car to
54:06 What I was NOT happy with about the alignment (what you should ask)
55:24 My final thoughts on how it handled before vs now
56:17 Some National and local car shows for 2025
57:17 Outro with before & after shots
Music Credit: original music composed, performed, and produced by: Aq Xico @Gobah
Other related or referenced videos:
"1971 Cutlass Ep 09 New Rear Axle & Performance Suspension":
youtu.be/Jf4NHrIafT8?si=gmn0wHSHbz4MJPgF
"1971 Cutlass Ep 12 4L80E by Cyclone Transmission":
youtu.be/6oIh_StY7kI?si=g8Z_Xg10RyyzOWHH
"1971 Cutlass Ep 14 4L80E in a 1968-1972 GM A-body!":
youtu.be/-G4oDKb7Xwg?si=ve-rgphCglGbFkLo
"1971 Cutlass Ep 17 Holley TERMINATOR X MAX STEALTH Install!":
youtu.be/XidmosGTy1g?si=riSReYXMUbkKayJG
"1971 Cutlass Ep 21 EFI & 4L80E: 5 MISTAKES Installing them!":
youtu.be/0TSinN-YDAU?si=G9w4FbTo4ELfbWue
