[Chavo96]

A lot of good tips here with everyone's input. I recently installed QA-1 coil overs in rear. Love them for the great feel and the feature of ride height adjustability over standard coil springs and shocks. My '96 SS is lowered 2 inches all around. However, after the install I noticed the rear pinion operating angle had changed to 8 degrees down. As a result I needed to change out the rear upper control arms for adjustable ones (Spohn) to get the angle inside of 3 degrees and to match the front operating angle of tranny output shaft and driveshaft. I'd advise taking measurements of the operating angles at the tranny output shaft and rear pinion before and after the coil over install. You may or may not see an unfavorable change in the driveline. Check out these links for help.

Spicer Driveline Operating Angle Calculator

Measure the angles of each component in your drivetrain, then use the Spicer Driveline Operating Angle Calculator to find the operating angle of each u-joint in your drivetrain.

spicerparts.com

I also installed a frame-mounted sway bar that fits the Impala SS 94-96 perfectly.

1964-1972 GM A-Body 1” Tubular Rear Sway Bar - Chassis Mounted - UMI Performance Inc.

UMI’s A-body Pro-Tour style bar is a true multi purpose high performance rear sway bar. The chassis and differential housing

www.umiperformance.com

I also installed some relocation shock mounts which were essential for more clearance for the coil overs in order not to make contact with the sway bar. See pg. 30.

http://www.cachassisworks.com/attachments/catalogs/bg_101.pdf

As you can see, installing coil overs and a sway bar can lead to several other parts that will need to be modified in order to accomadate the new set up.

Mr. Sonuvah,

Thank you for the thorough information provided.

I’ve had my eyes on the QA1 Kit but felt that additional considerations (modifications/parts) would be needed for a proper set-up. You addressed a lot of my concerns that QA1 customer support couldn’t, and your exact set up is what I’ve been looking for.

If it is not too much to ask, I would like to reach out to you directly to go over a few things more in detail, let me know what works for you?

Respectfully,

Chave96

 

[sonuvah]

PM me or post your questions here if you desire. I'd be glad to help as much as possible. I've had so much help from others here it's the least I can do. Disclaimer: I'm no expert on suspension dynamics. I just got some good advice about which parts would firm up the rear end and did a lot of reading on my own. I'm super satisfied with the double adjustable coil overs, Spohn upper adjustable control arms, and UMI sway bar.

 

[scottdog]

My '96 SS has the QA-1 Coil over with the Track 1 level suspension throughout, adjustable shocks, Hotchkiss springs, police/taxi power steering, quad link rear , poly bushings. I didn't box the frame, but the improved handling response made it worthwhile.
I like it, handles well in the turns on country roads and highway, daily driver, but ready for autocross.