Understanding the Soul of Your Classic: The ’79 Trans Am Suspension
The iconic ’79 Trans Am. A legend on wheels. The growl of the engine, the bold styling, and the promise of untamed power. It’s a car that instantly evokes images of sun-drenched highways, roaring engines, and the freedom of the open road. Yet, let’s be honest: while the ’79 Trans Am delivers on the nostalgia and visual appeal, the original suspension, while functional for its time, often leaves much to be desired in terms of handling and overall driving experience. Bumps and curves can be less than enjoyable, and enthusiastic cornering can lead to excessive body roll, making you feel like you’re wrestling a wild horse.
The good news? You don’t have to settle for a driving experience that is merely “adequate”. With the right 79 trans am suspension kit, you can completely transform the way your classic muscle car handles, offering significant upgrades in performance, safety, and sheer driving pleasure. This guide dives deep into the world of suspension kits, helping you choose the perfect upgrade to revitalize your ’79 Trans Am and experience its true potential.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the upgrade options, let’s take a look under the hood, or rather, under the chassis, to understand the basics of the factory suspension system. This knowledge is the foundation for making informed decisions about where and how to improve.
The stock suspension on a ’79 Trans Am, typical of its era, relied on robust but somewhat basic components. In the front, you’ll find an independent suspension system featuring upper and lower control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers (or struts in some setups), a sway bar, and ball joints. The rear suspension typically consisted of leaf springs, which were designed to handle the car’s weight and provide a relatively comfortable ride, along with shock absorbers. Some models might have incorporated a rear sway bar or a Panhard bar for enhanced lateral stability.
Over time, however, these components can wear down, lose effectiveness, and suffer from the effects of age and use. The original springs might sag, leading to a lower ride height and a diminished ability to absorb bumps. The shock absorbers can lose their damping ability, resulting in a bouncy ride and decreased control. Bushings and ball joints can deteriorate, leading to looseness, clunking noises, and compromised handling. This is where the 79 trans am suspension kit truly shines.
Why Upgrade?
So, why should you even consider upgrading your ’79 Trans Am’s suspension? Well, for starters, imagine turning a corner with confidence, feeling the car firmly planted on the road. Picture yourself enjoying a smoother, more controlled ride, where bumps and imperfections in the road are absorbed with grace. Or maybe you want to take your Trans Am to the track! A well-chosen suspension upgrade significantly enhances the overall driving experience, giving you a new appreciation for the car’s classic charm and delivering a thrilling ride. Upgrading is not just about performance; it’s about maximizing the potential of your beloved muscle car, making it feel fresh, responsive, and truly enjoyable to drive in the modern era.
Exploring the World of Suspension Packages
The market offers a broad spectrum of 79 trans am suspension kit options, each designed to target specific driving styles, performance goals, and budgetary constraints. Let’s delve into the various types of kits available:
Complete Suspension Kits
One comprehensive approach is the Complete Suspension Kit. These kits are designed as a one-stop solution, offering a curated selection of components all working in harmony to deliver a balanced performance upgrade. They usually include springs, shocks (or coilovers in more advanced setups), bushings, sway bars, and, in some cases, control arms. Complete kits eliminate guesswork and provide a cohesive, tailored upgrade, typically enhancing all aspects of the vehicle’s handling. You’ll often find these kits offered by respected brands such as Hotchkis, UMI Performance, and Ridetech, each with specific performance characteristics.
Spring Kits
If you’re seeking to optimize your car’s ride height or improve handling without a full overhaul, consider Spring Kits. These kits come in various flavors. Coil spring kits for the front can lower the car, improve handling, and create a more aggressive stance. For the rear, the use of leaf spring kits is common, and again, offering a chance to lower the vehicle and improve its performance. Many spring kits come in different rate options, letting you choose a spring stiffness that suits your needs. Performance springs, which often have a higher spring rate, will decrease body roll and improve cornering performance, while lowering springs have aesthetic and performance benefits.
Shock and Strut Kits
The heart of a good suspension setup is its damping capabilities. Shock and Strut Kits are crucial for controlling the movement of your vehicle. Upgrading to modern shocks and struts can dramatically improve ride quality and handling. Options range from gas-charged shocks, which provide firmer control than the original oil-filled shocks, to adjustable shocks that allow you to fine-tune the damping characteristics to suit your driving style and road conditions.
Sway Bar Kits
Another valuable upgrade is the addition of Sway Bar Kits. Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, work to reduce body roll during cornering. A larger diameter sway bar will transfer the weight more evenly, reducing the car’s lean and improving its stability in turns. Adding a performance sway bar is a relatively easy upgrade that provides a significant improvement in handling.
Individual Component Upgrades
Finally, you have the option of choosing individual component upgrades. Consider the use of Control Arms, which are designed to optimize suspension geometry, improving handling and providing greater wheel control. These can be tubular, allowing for a lighter weight and increased strength, or cast for an original look. You can also explore the use of aftermarket Bushings, made from materials like polyurethane or delrin, which offer enhanced durability and performance compared to the stock rubber bushings. Upgrading Ball Joints will often be part of a complete upgrade, giving your suspension system added stability and control.
Choosing Your Upgrade: A Personalized Approach
Selecting the right 79 trans am suspension kit is a highly personal process. Your driving style, your budget, and your ultimate goals will all influence the best choice.
Know Your Driving Style
Begin by considering your driving habits. Are you primarily a weekend cruiser, or do you frequently drive on spirited roads? Do you have aspirations of taking your Trans Am to the track? Those who primarily enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride will want a kit that prioritizes ride quality. If you’re looking for maximum handling, look for kits with stiffer springs, shocks, and sway bars.
Budget Considerations
Next, establish a realistic budget. Suspension upgrades can range from a few hundred dollars for basic components to several thousand for high-end, fully adjustable coilover systems. Determine how much you’re willing to invest and then research the available options within that price range.
Ride Height Preference
Consider the ride height you want to achieve. Lowering your car can improve its appearance and handling, but it can also affect ride quality and ground clearance. Performance springs typically lower your car between one and two inches, but this can vary. Carefully research the effect on your intended uses before choosing.
Research is Key
Thorough research is vital. Read online reviews from other Trans Am owners. Compare product specifications and performance data. Check online forums and social media groups dedicated to the Trans Am community. These resources will often give you real-world insights.
It is also imperative to ensure that the kit you select is specifically designed for the 1979 Trans Am. Make sure that the components are compatible with your car’s existing setup and any modifications you might have already made.
Getting the Job Done: Installation Insights
The difficulty of installing a 79 trans am suspension kit varies depending on the kit itself and your existing mechanical skills. Many components can be installed by a reasonably competent home mechanic.
Tools of the Trade
The basic tools you’ll need include a jack and jack stands (safety first!), a set of wrenches and sockets, a spring compressor (if you’re working with coil springs), a torque wrench, and potentially a ball joint separator.
Installation Overview
While a detailed step-by-step guide is beyond the scope of this article, here’s an overview.
Front Suspension Installation
Front Suspension:
Begin by safely jacking up and securing the car with jack stands. Then, remove the old springs, shocks, and any existing control arms if you’re replacing them. Install the new components according to the kit instructions, ensuring that all bolts are properly torqued.
Rear Suspension Installation
Rear Suspension:
Repeat the jacking and securing process at the rear. Remove the old leaf springs (if applicable) and shocks. Install the new components according to the kit instructions, paying close attention to the alignment of the mounting points and the proper torque specifications.
Alignment is Critical
After installation, an alignment is absolutely critical. This will ensure that your wheels are properly aligned with each other and the road, preventing uneven tire wear and maximizing handling performance.
Always prioritize safety. Work in a well-lit, ventilated area. Wear appropriate safety glasses and gloves. If you are at all uncomfortable, or lacking in the necessary mechanical knowledge, it is best to have a professional mechanic handle the installation.
Brand Spotlights and Exemplary Kits
Here are a couple of example kits to give you an idea of what is available. These are just examples, and specific kit choices may vary based on your specific needs and preferences:
Hotchkis Sport Suspension System
Example Kit One: The Hotchkis Sport Suspension System. This is a complete system engineered for improved handling and ride quality. It generally includes performance springs, sport shocks, and a front and rear sway bar. The kit emphasizes a balanced approach, enhancing both street driving and occasional track use.
UMI Performance Suspension Package
Example Kit Two: The UMI Performance Suspension Package. This kit usually includes tubular control arms, springs, adjustable shocks, and sway bars. The emphasis is on providing precise handling and adjustability for enhanced track performance. It can be designed to give you a more aggressive look with a lowered stance.
Maintaining Your Enhanced Suspension
Once your new 79 trans am suspension kit is installed, proper maintenance is key to preserving its performance and longevity.
Regular Inspections
Regularly inspect your suspension components for wear and tear. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracked or worn bushings, leaking shocks, or loose connections.
Listen for Clues
Pay close attention to any unusual noises or vibrations while driving. These could indicate an issue with a particular component that requires attention.
Tire Pressure Checks
Check your tire pressure regularly. Properly inflated tires are crucial for optimal handling and ride quality.
Keep up with Alignments
Finally, have your car’s alignment checked periodically, especially after any significant suspension work or if you notice any unusual tire wear.
Conclusion: Take Your Ride to the Next Level
Upgrading the suspension on your ’79 Trans Am is more than just a performance enhancement; it’s a transformation. It allows you to experience your classic muscle car in a whole new way. From improved handling and reduced body roll to a smoother ride and a more exhilarating driving experience, the benefits are undeniable.
Choosing the right 79 trans am suspension kit requires careful consideration of your driving needs, budget, and performance goals. Research the available options, read reviews, and consult with fellow enthusiasts to make an informed decision.
So, don’t let your ’79 Trans Am’s factory suspension hold you back. Embrace the opportunity to unleash its true potential. The open road is waiting, and with a properly upgraded suspension, you can confidently command your classic muscle car and enjoy the ride like never before. Transform your Trans Am into a true driving machine!
