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Chevy Nova Suspension - Let's Right this Nova Ship

Get your '68-'74 Nova to Handle Like a Track Star With Some Dynamite Suspension Upgrades

Photography by Nick Licata
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    Next up, Corey removes the lower A-arm. Two bolts, and out.
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    The Hotchkis lower tubular A-arms come with an aluminum shim foradditional ride height adjustability between a quarter to a half inch.We didn't use the shim, as this car has no A/C and relies on small-blockpower. The weight of a big-block may require a little more height,putting the shim to good use.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    The Hotchkis lower tubular A-arms come with an aluminum shim foradditional ride height adj
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    The kit also comes with polyurethane rotating spring pockets for properand easy spring placement. A very useful feature, especially when a cutspring is used. If not properly fitted, a cut spring will make unwantednoise and won't function properly.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    The kit also comes with polyurethane rotating spring pockets for properand easy spring pla
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    Although the new Hotchkis sway bar won't be bolted in just yet, Coreygets it into the "ready" position.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    Although the new Hotchkis sway bar won't be bolted in just yet, Coreygets it into the "rea
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    With the supplied polyurethane bushings, you'll need to applynon-lithium grease (special silicone based lube is included in the kit).This will ensure the sway bar functions to its full potential and keepsthe ride quiet--even under high-stress situations. As a footnote, don'tuse standard grease, as over time it will dry out the bushings.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    With the supplied polyurethane bushings, you'll need to applynon-lithium grease (special s
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    The Hotchkis 1 1/8-inch sway bar easily bolts into the stock location ofthe factory piece.
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    The lower tubular A-arms utilize Delrin bushings for smooth performance.They get the same treatment with the non-lithium grease.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    The lower tubular A-arms utilize Delrin bushings for smooth performance.They get the same
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    Next up, Corey slides in the lower A-arms. They come with ball jointsand polyurethane bumpstops preinstalled and ready to go. As an addedbenefit of the Delrin bushings, the A-arms can be tightened down whilethe car is in the air. Unlike stock A-arms with rubber bushings, there'sno need to wait until the car is under its own weight at ride height.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    Next up, Corey slides in the lower A-arms. They come with ball jointsand polyurethane bump
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    As mentioned earlier, Cory chose to put in the bottom spring pocketwithout the aluminum shim, as the front of our Nova is relatively light.Corey's experience tells him the stance will be just what we're lookingfor.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    As mentioned earlier, Cory chose to put in the bottom spring pocketwithout the aluminum sh
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    Next up, the 2-inch lowering springs went in. Having the car's rideheight lower to the ground provides better handling and steeringresponse. The precision-wound springs will give the car a firm, but notharsh ride. Also, the car will take on a more aggressive stance. Therotating spring pockets make clocking the springs much easier thanstock--another time saver.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    Next up, the 2-inch lowering springs went in. Having the car's rideheight lower to the gro
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    Next, Corey removed the stock upper A-arms. If you were doing a brakejob, you would remove upper and lower A-arms at the same time.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    Next, Corey removed the stock upper A-arms. If you were doing a brakejob, you would remove
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    The Hotchkis upper A-arms come with a billet 4130 cross-shaft thatallows more negative camber, and the offset bolt insets provide morepositive caster without having to stack unattractive shims. Just likethe lower A-arms, the uppers are also equipped with Delrin bushings forsmooth, responsive driveability.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    The Hotchkis upper A-arms come with a billet 4130 cross-shaft thatallows more negative cam
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    With new Hotchkis tubular A-arms bolted in place, the Hotchkis/Bilsteingas shocks were next to be installed. These are built to Hotchkis' specsfor this application and spring rate.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    With new Hotchkis tubular A-arms bolted in place, the Hotchkis/Bilsteingas shocks were nex
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    With the upper and lower A-arms installed, it was time to remove thepitman arm.
  • 1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    You may have to use a wedge and some persuasion to get the pitman armremoved from the steering box.
    1972 Chevy Nova Hotchkis Suspension Installation
    You may have to use a wedge and some persuasion to get the pitman armremoved from the stee
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