Hello, I have a 1973 Grand Prix with the factory 400 block it had in it, the car is all original and I am trying to slowly restore it even though it is over all in great shape, however, my front drivers side is far lower then my right passenger side when it sits and rides. What could be the problem? would I need to change the front shocks or is this an issue with the strut? I am not sure about front end suspensions on 1970's Grand prix and there isnt much information on the net that provides an illustrative guide.
1973 grand prix front end question
- Thread starter IBmikmaq
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BrandonHall10
Solving problems
Front springs are coils, right?
I could be way off base, just thinking out loud... It's possible that the springs are just tired. Especially if they're the 43 year old originals.
I could be way off base, just thinking out loud... It's possible that the springs are just tired. Especially if they're the 43 year old originals.
Front end has coil springs. They are worn out, and that's quite common. Replace the pair and you should be okay.
Make sure you double-check the part when it gets ordered - some springs are very "universal" and don't ride all that great - the factory had tons of different springs depending on your engine, whether you had A/C, any kind of heavy-duty or hi-po suspension, etc. Aftermarket might not have so many options, but several times I've had to re-replace coil springs.
Avoid "heavy duty" because that really just means "too stiff" - it will ride like a truck and probably sit too high.
-Bob C.
Make sure you double-check the part when it gets ordered - some springs are very "universal" and don't ride all that great - the factory had tons of different springs depending on your engine, whether you had A/C, any kind of heavy-duty or hi-po suspension, etc. Aftermarket might not have so many options, but several times I've had to re-replace coil springs.
Avoid "heavy duty" because that really just means "too stiff" - it will ride like a truck and probably sit too high.
-Bob C.
idrivejunk
New member
I've had some experience with that 73-77 GM G-body platform. The layout of the whole suspension is pretty much a direct grab from the A-body (LeMans, Malibu) a carryover from the previous generations all the way back to 1964 A-body. Dimensions and materials vary, but the layout is same. Don't say strut, lol! I have a 69 GP and a 72 currently, and had a 75 GP and 76 el Camino, all of which are the same basic design. 73-up just went to disc brakes, and taller spindles for improved handling. So if you look for illustrative guides, just search Chevelle or Malibu, or Monte Carlo instead. I can probably dig up some sort of pic of the suspension, theres a few books here. What do you want to see?
There are things to look out for aside from springs, concerning ride height. The Grand Prixs that generation often suffer from sagging of the engine crossmember of the frame for example, which twists the rails and affects camber by letting the upper control arm mounts move inward. Its a simple fix but happens in a frame shop. The sagging can be uneven, so measuring equipment is needed to correct that.
The frame or a control arm could be bent, a bushing or ball joint may have worn out (lower control arms are worst), or your alignment shims may have fallen out of one side. 73-up frames are built lighter than previous years and even the older models tend to crack. A thorough visual inspection of the suspension and frame is your best bet, but there are several points that you kinda gotta know how to check. I start at wheel bearings and ball joints, and the inspection routine is basically the same for this car as with any pre-rack and pinion era car or truck.
Bob is right about springs. If you have any other specific questions as you get farther into it, post again and continue be patient.
There are things to look out for aside from springs, concerning ride height. The Grand Prixs that generation often suffer from sagging of the engine crossmember of the frame for example, which twists the rails and affects camber by letting the upper control arm mounts move inward. Its a simple fix but happens in a frame shop. The sagging can be uneven, so measuring equipment is needed to correct that.
The frame or a control arm could be bent, a bushing or ball joint may have worn out (lower control arms are worst), or your alignment shims may have fallen out of one side. 73-up frames are built lighter than previous years and even the older models tend to crack. A thorough visual inspection of the suspension and frame is your best bet, but there are several points that you kinda gotta know how to check. I start at wheel bearings and ball joints, and the inspection routine is basically the same for this car as with any pre-rack and pinion era car or truck.
Bob is right about springs. If you have any other specific questions as you get farther into it, post again and continue be patient.