Chevy El Camino Rear Bushings, Shocks, Springs & Sway Bar Upgrade - The End Result

Either way we tossed them and replaced them with a new set of PST springs. The rear coils are rated at 135 lb/in and proudly made right here in the USA. Although our coils are powedercoated gray (prototype), the production pieces will be black.

With a bit of white grease applied to the outside of the PST bushing body, we were able to install them into each ear of the freshly painted rearend. Note: if the clearances between the bushing and ear seem too tight, leave the bushings in the freezer for a bit. Meanwhile, heat the ear with a torch. The heat will expand the ear while the freezer will shrink the bushing.

Our next order of business was wrangling the rearend back into place. Once there, we first installed the lower arms to the rearend. Then we installed the upper arms to the rear crossmember under the Elco. After that it was only a matter of using a hydraulic jack to lift the rearend into place and locking the bolts and fasteners down with a 3/4-inch socket and wrench.

PST's 1-inch solid antiroll bar was installed next. All we had to do was line the bar up with the lower rear trailing arms. Then, using the supplied hardware we bolted the bar in with a 5/8-inch socket and wrench. To ensure a snug fit we also installed a set of shims on either side of the rollbar to center it. Note: only tighten the sway bar at ride height and under load.

Finally, a fresh set of KYB shocks were installed. While these aren't high-performance items, they will certainly absorb any bumps and potholes and give our Elco a comfortable ride. To finish the job, we locked the top mount down with the original hardware and a 1/2-inch wrench and socket. For the bottom we fastened the shock with a 3/4-inch wrench.

Our Elco is definitely on its way. Keep in mind all the components were torqued at ride height and under load. As of now we've completely rebuilt the front and rear suspension with all-new PST components. Our rear will not only track better on the road with new bushings, shocks, and springs but should be able to plant the tires at the dragstrip.