ne of the most innovative developments on the automotive aftermarket suspension scene was the introduction of coilover shock absorbers. Among the first to offer billet aluminum coilovers for street performance and drag racing was Aldan American. Forty years later they’re still producing quality products that are made entirely in the U.S.
The obvious advantage to coilovers is that wrapping the springs around the shock absorber makes an extremely compact suspension system, and there are other advantages as well. Tuning the suspension by altering the spring rate is simply a matter of swapping the replaceable coil springs. As coilover springs they are available in a wide range of spring rates, finding the right one for any application is easy, quick, and affordable. In addition, altering ride height is just a matter of turning the threaded adjuster on the shock absorber body.
While coilovers have commonly been found on sports cars, hot rods, and other cars with custom chassis for a long time, converting larger vehicles with essentially stock suspension to coilovers was difficult and expensive. However, now there is an easy-to-install, affordable method to incorporate all the advantages of coilover suspension in a variety of GM products, including 1964-1972 A-body cars (the example we’re showing here is a 1972 Chevelle but the installation procedure for the others is basically the same).
Aldan’s direct-fit line of Road Comp adjustable coilover kits are bolt-on, direct-fit suspension upgrades that will improve handling and ride quality and provide a stance up to 2 inches lower than stock.
To ensure accuracy and quality control, all Aldan shocks are made in-house. To provide the ultimate in strength, the shock bodies are machined from solid bars of 6061-T6 billet aluminum. For a long service life, Viton seals and O-rings are used throughout and the shocks’ shafts are heat treated and chromed to reduce friction, which also extends the life of the seals. If necessary, these shocks can be rebuilt, re-valved, or serviced, if desired.
While springs seem simple there are features to look for. Aldan springs are ground flat on both ends so they seat properly on the retainers at the top and bottom of the shock. To make suspension tuning easier Aldan labels their coils with the spring rate (the number of pounds it takes to compress the spring 1 inch). Of course, appearance is important, so Aldan offers springs in two finishes, long-lasting black powdercoat or polished hard chrome.
“The first thing that you should do before disassembling your car is to record the baseline measurement. The car should have a minimum of a half tank of gas, although full is best. Tire heights left and right must be the same and inflated equally to achieve an accurate measurement. Drive or roll the car on a level surface with the steering wheel straight ahead to settle the suspension. Record and save these measurements as oftentimes older cars are less than perfect. It is important to establish the baseline prior to modifications.
“If your car measures more than a ¼ inch variance, a couple of areas to look at first is are the tires the same diameter side to side? While the car is still on the ground, measure the distance from the suspension bumpstop and the frame. Aldan American’s technical department is available to answer questions during normal business hours if you have questions.”
Our Aldan coilover conversion kit came with single-adjustable front shocks (compression only) with double-adjustables (compression and rebound) in the rear. For an initial adjustment, it’s recommended to set the front shocks on the number 1 setting of 6 with the compression damping in the rear at 3 of 11. Turning both knobs clockwise increases the resistance of both functions.
To fine-tune the suspension, Nelson recommends adjusting one end of the car at a time, starting with compression damping up front. Find a stretch of road with a single event, like a dip in the pavement, then at 15-20 mph drive the car through it. Adjust the front damping until any bounce is eliminated, then do the same for the rear. With the compression damping adjusted, the rebound damping in the rear is next. Using the same section of road, adjust the rebound for the smoothest ride.
As Aldan’s coilover conversion kit is a direct bolt-in operation installation isn’t particularly complicated, however, the last step in the process is often overlooked—take the car to a shop and have the front end aligned. Then all that’s left to do is hit the road and enjoy your car’s updated suspension system—question asked, question answered.
Summit Racing
(800) 230-3030
summitracing.com