Your muscle car may be a living reminder of the glory days of speed, but it’s also a living reminder of the dark ages of handling. No matter how many cubic inches you have under that hood, if the car doesn’t handle well, you’re in for a white-knuckle ride. So, let’s discuss a few aftermarket suspension components that’ll keep that beast under control:
Shocks
Performance shocks are the single most important improvement you can add, and the easiest. Today’s shocks and coilovers are much more advanced than anything the factory could even dream of back then, which means that you can bolt modern technology right up to your ride. And, if you’re going for a serious drop, a set of shock extenders is a must.
Springs
Spring technology may not have advanced as much as shock design, but a new set of springs is just as important. Since springs only have so much “spring” in them, a new spring makes a world of difference. Plus, you can get a set of lowering springs that’ll drop your muscle machine to just the right height. Basically, nothing feels as good as a new set of coil springs out front and some fresh leaf springs out back.
Sway Bars
Just like springs, sway bars lose their “spring” over time. So a new sway bar affects the handling dramatically. And, aftermarket sway bars are usually made with a fatter diameter than the factory units, which lends even more stability to your ride.
Lowering Kits
When you lean toward the extreme, a lowering kit is for you. Not only do they deliver a massive improvement in handling, they give your ride a killer profile. From the aforementioned lowering springs and shock extenders, to drop spindles and an axle flip kit, there are a ton of options when it comes to dropping your ride. And, with big brand names like Eibach, Belltech and Edelbrock crafting muscle car lowering kits, you know you’re getting proven quality and design, too.