Finally got around to installing the Viking hybrid coilovers I'd bought a while back. Breaking the front end apart on the B body is a job nobody enjoys, and I'd done it far too many times trying to find an optimum spring rate. Seems replacement springs are far too stiff these days, and it's rare anyone can find a set that will give that optimum ride and height that they are wanting. One good thing is I've become kind of good at doing it, and this gave a chance to have a good look at the aftermarket arm setup I'd installed a few years back. I also had a good look at the brakes, which are holding up great.

A relatively new solution to the problem is the hybrid coilover. A setup where the spring bears on the original upper spring pocket up top, and on an adjustable collar on the shock below. The shock lower mount now mounting to the inside or top of the lower control arm, in place of the bottom mount as with the stock shock. Admittedly, it's a pricey solution, but after hunting for years for that right spring, it's one I was ready to undertake.

The unit I chose is the Viking A225-TK550 - the 225 double adjustable model shock, with the 550 model spring, which is the small block spring. Chosen since I figure my aluminum enhanced BB is within 60 or so lbs of my last all iron SB, and I'm looking for some good compliance since riding rock hard for too long. This shock has 19 positions of compression and rebound, enough to give either a soft ride, or enhanced handling if so desired. They are very nicely finished pieces, and look very well made. Bought direct from Viking.

This setup comes with the two spanners, and a Torrington bearing to be placed between the spring and upper collar. Without it you'd get some serious galling between the two when adjusting the spring. Adjustment is always done with the wheels off the ground. As trying to do so compressed would place too much load on the bearing and collar when turning. That aside, the bearing and threads on the shock get a liberal coating of nickle based anti seize. Assembling it without would lead to galling during adjustment. Viking instruction are very clear on this!

So it's break open the front end. Brakes off, stabilizer links out. Outer Ties Rods off. Remove the old shock. Back the upper ball joint nut off a few threads. Blow with a hammer on the spindle at the taper until it pops. Place spring compressor inside the spring to take away some of the stored energy, jack under the arm, upper nut off, then a slow drop down of the arm. Pull the spring. Remove compressor. Repeat.

Tie the caliper up out of the way so as to not stress the line. Visible is the bonus of the aftermarket strut rod. The rod end allows you to drop the arm way down without having to disconnect it.

Here's where one minor modification takes place; the two shock nuts that are welded to the inside surface of the arm have to come off. They were just lightly tacked on to the GW arm. Zip wheel, then a light flap disking to smooth it out was all it took.

I should be noted here that while the hybrid coilovers can be used in conjunction with the stock lower arms, they MUST be strengthened at the old shock mounting points. Viking recommends that the material below the mount not be less than 3/16", which the GW arm is. I don't think it would be a big deal to fab a thick drilled plate then to be welded into the bottom of the stock arm. I've seen them pre made somewhere on line at some point. So it is done.

Installation of everything is the reverse of removal. The short spring makes it easy. Place the spring on the extended assembled shock, lift the rod up and through the upper mount hole and thread on the upper nut. It now will hang free. Clock the spring pigtail correctly into the upper mount. Bring up the arm until you can get the lower bolts in. Continue raising the arm up until the upper ball joint taper passes through the spindle. Thread on the nut. Tighten and pin everything. Make sure the spring is seated correctly up top. Adjust the collars on both shocks to the same height.

The Viking has a spherical joint in the lower mount. Comes with grade bolts to mount.

I kept the spring adjustment collars at the lowest to start. Went with 6 compression, 10 rebound on the knobs.

Sitting way low now! Too low, but it certainly looks cool. Can be driven, but now the alignment is off. Has gained what appears to be a excessive toe out condition. This is caused by a major change in camber acting on the steering arms. It's so different to drive, I can now see road in front of the hood, and when you step out of the car, it feels like a low-rider. I'll probably come up at least an inch to start. And it'll get my DIY driveway alignment as always. 

Comparing to before, it's now probably 3" lower!

The beauty now is I'll be able to fully adjust it to suit what I want. On the road, the difference in smoothness and compliance is huge, it finally might ride (just a little) like a big old GM was intend to. Another plus is it will now give me a proper level of camber adjustment. I could never get it completely out of excessive negative, owing to how low the upper arms sat, and I ran out of eccentric on the lower arm. The position will be much more normal now.

All in all, another good and relatively easy mod to make the car that much more adjustable, roadworthy and safe. 

Cheers, Mark