While installing the replacement...
While installing the replacement multi-leaf springs a few years back, we replaced the original t-shaped bolts with u-shaped bolts for additional security. The rear sway bar attaches to the axle under each spring perch, and is secured using the innermost u-bolts' threads.
Conclusion
Though our installation was drawn out over several weeks for various reasons-and some specialized equipment was required-it seems an installation such as ours, when working a few hours each night during the week, and several hours over a weekend, should take an average hobbyist around one week to complete.
After spending a number of miles enjoying our Firebird's new attitude, we've since looked back on the situation, wondering why we waited so long to address its suspension-related issues. While it's not likely that all vehicles will see such improvements, PST offers a wide range of affordable components that are sure to improve the ride and handling qualities of most any vintage Pontiac to some degree. There's no denying that our low-buck investment has paid huge dividends-and that's the exact combination we were after!
 With the rear sway bar and...  With the rear sway bar and drop-down links installed, we found that the assembly just cleared the exhaust tubing and transverse-mounted muffler. Once the vehicle was supporting its own weight, we crawled under to tighten all fasteners. Having the car on the ground when tightening the fasteners will ensure that none of the suspension components are preloaded. |  With the Firebird supporting...  With the Firebird supporting its own weight, we had a chance to bounce the front end a few times to ensure that the freshly-installed control arm bushings were properly located, and not binding in any way before we securely tightened all the bolts. |  You can see here the positive...  You can see here the positive effects PST's suspension components had on our Firebird. These photos were taken in the same location, and at the same speeds. The before-and-after photos (top and bottom, respectively), give a clear indication how much more functional our Firebird's stock-type suspension is. |
| Suggested Torque Specifications |
| Front Control Arms | Torque |
| Lower Control Arm Mounting Bolts | 80 lb-ft |
| Upper Control Arm Cross Shaft-to-Frame Bolts | 50 lb-ft |
| Upper Control Arm Cross Shaft End Bolts | 35 lb-ft |
| Front Sway Bar |
| Front Sway Bar Mounting Bracket Bolts | 15 lb-ft |
| Front Sway Bar End Links | 8 lb-ft |
| Shock Absorbers |
| Front and Rear Shock Absorber Upper Studs | 90 lb-in |
| Front Shock Absorber Lower Bolts | 20 lb-ft |
| Rear Shock Absorber Mounting Plate-to-Body Bolts | 40 lb-ft |
| Rear Shock Absorber Lower Studs | 45 lb-ft |
| Rear Suspension |
| Radius Rod Front and Rear Mounting Bolts | 80 lb-ft |
| Rear Sway Bar Leaf-Spring-Mounting-Plate-Bracket Bolts | 35 lb-ft |
| Rear Sway Bar Drop-Down Link Bracket-to-Frame Bolts | 15 lb-ft |
| Rear Sway Bar Drop-Down Link Upper Studs | 8 lb-ft |
| Rear Sway Bar Drop-Down Link-to-Sway Bar Bracket Bolts | 15 lb-ft |
 Not only did we pick up several...  Not only did we pick up several mph in a controlled testing session, the vehicle rides much better, absorbing harsh road imperfections with little passenger discomfort. |  These battle wounds are the...  These battle wounds are the result of the vehicle's suspension not working properly. Body flex during our initial testing session caused our Firebird's hood and fender (left), and door and quarter panel (right) to contact one another. |  The obscenities that followed...  The obscenities that followed didn't seem to change the need for a small amount of touch-up work. |
| Components Ordered For Our '67 Firebird Convertible |
| Part | Price |
| G-max 1.125 Performance front sway bar with Polygraphite bushings | $189 |
| G-max 0.875 Performance rear sway bar with Polygraphite bushings | $189 |
| Ground Zero front coil springs | $155 |
| Polygraphite control arm bushing set | $99 |
| KYB Gas-A-Just performance shocks | $159 |
| Polygraphite shock bushings | $10 |
| Polygraphite rear traction arm bushing set | $22 |
| Total | $823 |
| Further savings are available if components are purchased in a complete package. |