1968 Malibu Rearend, Suspension, And Brakes - Bottom's Up, Front To Back

We didn't add lube when we hauled the shiny new rearend out of the shop because it's easier to handle the assembly when it's dry, but we'll get to that as soon as we can.

Currie tells us that they do get tech line calls from customers who can't figure out why the rearend gears are so noisy right after they install them. That's because all the rearends are shipped dry.

The new rearend was installed in a very short time as all the brackets and perches are identical with a stock GM unit so there's nothing to guess about.

Then, it was off to Hotchkis to get all the high-performance suspension parts installed.

Here's the start of our TVS installation. Not only do these rearend components look better than the old parts, they perform about a million-percent better (that's just an educated guess).

Use generous amounts of white grease to ensure an easy fit, and a lack of squeaks.

Take the old locating arm out and put the new one in the same place. There is, by the way, a right and left side so before installing, read the directions (you do read the directions, don't you?).

Cory Bedortha attaches the sway bar brackets, and then hangs the rear sway bar. It's at this point that you will know if the right and left locating arms are installed correctly as the sway bar attaches to them.

The Bilstein gas shocks, already installed, are Sport models designed specifically for vehicles with (non-stock) performance suspensions.

Whichever end you're working on, be safe! Support everything, even if you don't have a rack and other tools as cool as Hotchkis. We're working with parts that contain springs and support lots of weight so avoid surprises and enjoy your car when the project is done.

Removal begins with shocks, spindles, and ball joints. The Hotchkis TVS kit doesn't come with new ball joints, so have a new set ready.

No use putting in all of these brand new high-performance parts and leaving the worn out ball joints in, right?