1971 Cutlass Ep 09 New Rear Axle & Performance Suspension

In this episode I install the freshly rebuilt Chevrolet 12 bolt A-body axle that was documented in this previous video:
   • How to Choose a GM Axle for Your Perf...  
As well as make several high performance upgrades to the suspension to handle the new 482 cubic inch Olds engine and 4L80E transmission that are being built.

0:42 - I elected to rebuild a pair of factory Olds 442 trailing arms rather than purchasing new lower control arms. I chose this because it saved me about $200-$300, would be just as strong as aftermarket, and looks more stock. I get the old bushings pressed out, the new shells pressed in, grind down and paint the trailing arms.
16:43 - Showing the new rear suspension parts (parts list with part numbers below)
18:07 - Removing the old upper & lower factory trailing arms and the shocks, clean up the frame and floor in the area of the axle, and paint it all with Rustoleum undercoating. This product really goes on more like a thick paint than undercoating. I wouldn't use it on a restoration, but I think it's ideal for what I'm doing.
23:43 - Showing the factory 442 boxed vs stock Cutlass LCAs. I decided to weld up the unboxed ends of the trailing arms to strengthen them further.
27:00 - Explaining stock vs grade 5 vs grade 8 bolts and hardware
30:17 - Stock vs UMI adjustable upper control arms
31:56 - Showing the UMI trailing arm braces and shock mount brace kits installed
34:27 - Demonstrating the difference between the QA1 double and single ajustable shocks
36:47 Showing everything installed!
42:33 - Outro & credits

Thank you Gary Wingfield at the Summit Racing retail store for the help!
Thank you to my engine builder "Smitty" Mark Smith for the guideance and mentoring!

I torqued the 1/2" trailing arm bolts to 90 ft lbs. I torqued the sway bar bolts to 25 ft lbs per the Summit instructions.

Summit Racing Equipment PARTS LIST:
- The correct kit is Energy Suspension Control Arm Bushing Sets 3.3132R
Control Arm Bushings, Rear, Polyurethane, Kit Red P/N: ENS-3-3132R (replace "R" with "G" in the part number for black) (Red is $121.13, black is $121.24/set of 8)
- UMI Performance Rear Adjustable Upper Control Arms 4037-B P/N: UPI-4037-B ($269.99/pr)
- QA1 Stocker Star double adjustable Shocks TD801 Part Number: QA1-TD801 ($593.90/pr)
- Summit Racing™ 1" diameter rear Sway Bars SUM-720208 P/N:: SUM-720208 ($179.99)
- UMI Performance Control Arm Reinforcement Brace Kit 4028-B P/N:: UPI-4028-B ($159.99)
- UMI Performance Shock Tower Brace 4058-B P/N:: UPI-4058-B ($159.99)
- Mevotech Supreme Coil Seats (for upper sprint seat) MK6203-2 P/N:: MEV-MK6203-2 ($8.58/pr)
- Hillco 1/2-20 UNF 4" long Grade 8 Hex Head Cap Screws HP8500F400 P/N: HFW-HP8500F400 ($11.98/for 4 bolts, for the back of the trailing arms)
- Hillco Grade 8 1/2" Flat Washers P/N: HP8SAE500 ($5.99/pack of 16)
- ARP 1/2-20 stainless Hex Nuts (for trailing arms) 400-8767 P/N: ARP-400-8767 ($5.99/set of 5)
- ARP 7/16-20 stainless Hex Nuts (for shocks) 400-8766 P/N: ARP-400-8766 ($5.29/set of 5)
- Hillco 7/16" ID Grade 2 Flat Washers HP2SAE440 P/N: HFW-HP2SAE440 ($599/pack of 30)
- Hillco 1/16" ID Grade 5 Split Lock Washers HP5LW440 P/N: HFW-HP5LW440 ($5.99/pack of 35)
- RESTOPARTS® Supplied Bump Stops C240939 P/N: OPG-C240939 ($21.99/pr)