Dave\'s Hot Rod Shop     One of the first considerations when buying an independent front suspension package for your Hot Rod, Race Car, or Cruiser is to check the applications and see if a package is available for your particular car.  These packages are not a "one size fits all" item.  There are many differences in crossmembers, shock hats, coilver valving, and spring rates.

     Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.  Don't look at just the price, but what does this price include?  Does the package use stamped steel or tubular control arms?  Are the spindles quality forged units or a cast iron stocker that has been bead blasted?  Does the package include brake calipers, rotors, and the caliper adapters or is this all things you will have to purchase later?  Are the brake hoses and brake pads with the package or do you have to buy them seperately?

     What size brakes do you need?  Granted, the 12" brake rotors and four piston calipers look kewl, but do you need or want that much braking surface area?  My experience has been that the 9" front disc brakes when matched with a rear disc brake is more then adequate for safely stopping a vehicle that is 3,200 pounds or lighter.  Vehicles heavier then 3,200 pounds or equipped with drum brakes on the rear will stop much better with an 11" rotor and matching caliper on the front..  In my opinion there is not a lot of reason to invest hundreds of dollars extra in "look good" pieces for a fendered car.  Your money will be much better spent on quality components for the front and rear braking system that work well together.

     Ask questions before you send off your hard earned dollars.  Make sure the suspension package will fit your car.  I would suggest buying from someone who actually installs the packages they sell and not just a parts warehouse.  Buying from a huge parts warehouse may save you a few bucks, but when you have questions during the assembly or questions matching other components to this system do you want to talk to someone at the phone desk with only a catalog, or someone who spends time in the shop assembling the same package you are buying?

     In closing, don't be misled by the ad.  Study it carefully and make sure the package you are considering is right for your driving style, your application, and your intended usage.  Talk to the seller before you make the purchase, will they be there and able to answer your questions after the sale?   Buying an Independent Front Suspension Packages is just like buying anything else.  You are going to get what you pay for....