Northwest Nova

Introduction

The 1962 - 67 Chevy II suspension more or less uses unique parts not interchangeable with other GM vehicles.  Thankfully quality replacement components are available and good used GM parts common (NOS is not terribly hard to locate either).  Starting in 1968 GM went to a more standardized design with the Chevy II, one it shares with the F Body platform.  Use of a shared design and common components were carried through 1979.  Replacement parts like bushings, ball joints & tie rods are plentiful and inexpensive. It is not uncommon for your local parts house to have these items on the shelf.

We stock good used original GM suspension hard parts —control arms, strut rods, idler arms, etc.— predominately for the 1^st and 2^nd generation Chevy II.  Replacement serviceable parts outlined here – bushings, ball joints, tie rods, etc. – can be purchased from most reptuable parts stores. We occasionally have NOS or NORS replacement parts in stock.  Feel free to contact us regarding parts you are looking for, new or used. 

Finally, this is not a definitive nor exhaustive suspension parts reference meant for concourse restorations or similar high-end ventures.  This is a general reference for the average hobbyist covering the original main component part numbers, in relation to quality replacement parts currently on the market.  The old GM books can be confusing, contradictory and error prone, that will inevitably filter into here. They, like this, were compiled by humans.  This will be updated as new information is found and time permits.

 A Word On Hard Parts...

Basically all front suspension "hard part" components are now available reproduction—control arms, strut rods, steering knuckles, etc.  There is no lack of good used original GM suspension parts on the market.  If anything, there is actually a surplus of these parts with so many Chevy II owners converting to aftermarket suspension systems.  These parts have fallen in price and it is not unheard of to find them free on resources like Craigslist.  When it comes to something like suspension, we always recommend using American made parts.  Why pay more for an overseas reproduction, that may or may not have been manufactured correctly, when you can easily run the original GM stuff (and often cheaper!).

 Coil Spring Perches

USA made coil spring perches for the 1962 - 67 cars are available. They are much more expensive than the ones normally advertised by all the major retailers, but you get what you pay for.  If you just went USA made with all the components in your suspension rebuild, why then install a pair of overseas coil spring perches?  These are the ones we recommend.

–NOTE–  We only use Moog / TRW or comparable old stock parts when performing suspension work — no exceptions.  The replacement parts you see in full page ads in car magazines, or sold by some major suppliers, are often overseas junk. We have had premature failures of these parts on our own cars. Our professional customers will not order these parts.  Spend the money and purchase quality suspension components.

Sup. = Superseded – part replaced with a new part & part number. Part could be a new revised design or an existing one pulled from a different vehicle platform.  Part numbers are listed in the chronological order they were superseded in (when applicable). Final part number we found listed in green.
Dis. = Discontinued – part no longer available from GM.  Sometimes the part is still available, just with a superseded part number.
Early = part (and number) were used early in the vehicle or model production run.
??? = we have not confirmed the part number yet.
ID = Inner diameter
OD = Outer diameter
OL = Overall length
Dia. = Diameter

DISCLAIMER This information is provided as a courtesy to the Chevy II enthusiast.  It is your responsibility to verify the safety and efficacy of this information and your related repairs.  We are not in any way responsible for the success and / or safety of your vehicle repair.  Nor are we liable for any bodily harm or property damage, to you or others, caused by faulty repairs.  It should go without saying, but if you do not know what you are doing leave the engine, transmission & suspension work to experienced mechanics.