Get Control: Upgrading Suspension & Steering on Your Classic Ride

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Get Control: Upgrading Suspension & Steering on Your Classic Ride

 

So your classic looks killer—but drives like a wet noodle? Let’s talk about one of the biggest upgrades you can make without pulling the engine: fixing that floaty, vague steering feel.

If you're here from the video—welcome! We touched on caster real quick, but now let’s dig deeper into what makes your ride handle like it’s on rails instead of roller skates.

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What’s Steering Caster—And Why Should You Care?

Caster is the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side. Positive caster helps your wheels self-center, improves straight-line stability, and gives you that modern, planted steering feel.

Classic cars? Most were built with little to no caster—because bias-ply tires and slow speeds didn’t need it. But add wider radials and highway cruising? You’ll want at least 3–5 degrees of positive caster—even more with power steering.

Symptoms of Poor Caster/Steering Geometry:

• Wandering on the highway

• Poor return-to-center after turns

• Sloppy or delayed steering feel

• Fatigue from constantly correcting the wheel

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Suspension & Steering Upgrades That Actually Make a Difference

Here’s where you bring that old-school ride into the 21st century:

Upgrade	Benefit	Affiliate Pick
Tubular Upper Control Arms	Adds built-in caster, lighter and stronger	UMI Performance
Adjustable Strut Rods	Fine-tunes caster/camber	Global West
Coilover Conversion Kits	Dials in ride height + handling	QA1 Suspension
Modern Steering Boxes	Tighter ratio and better feel	Borgeson Saginaw Swap
Sway Bars & End Links	Reduces body roll	Hotchkis Kit

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Recommendations by Vehicle Type

GM A-Body (Chevelle, GTO, Cutlass):

• UMI or QA1 control arm kits

• Borgeson 600 box swap

• Add sway bars front and rear

Ford Mustang (’65–’73):

• Global West adjustable arms

• Roller spring perches

• Borgeson or EPAS steering upgrades

Mopar B-Body (Charger, Road Runner):

• QA1 tubular K-member and control arms

• PST adjustable strut rods

• Bilstein shocks or coilovers

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Real-World Results: My 1966 Impala Convertible

Before upgrades, it was all over the place. After switching to tubular control arms, setting 4° caster, and a new sway bar? Night and day difference. Took the grandkids for a cruise, and I wasn’t white-knuckling the wheel.

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Tools You’ll Need

Tool	Purpose	Link
Digital Angle Finder	Measure caster at home	Tool Link
Torque Wrench	Proper suspension torque	Tool Link
Alignment Gauge	Basic DIY alignment	Tool Link

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Ready to Fix That Floaty Steering?

Here’s what to do next:

1. Watch the video (above)

2. Choose parts for your ride

3. Download my free Caster Setup Guide 

4. Email me for custom help: Troy@VtwinsToV8s.com

Want a driving classic that actually feels good? It all starts with suspension and steering.

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