1966 Plymouth Belvedere Suspension Parts: A Complete Guide for Restoration and Upgrades

The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere is a classic Mopar that still turns heads today. Whether you're bringing one back to original condition or improving its handling, choosing the right suspension parts is critical. This guide covers the essential components for the front and rear suspension, steering linkage, and practical advice for buying and installing parts.

Overview of the 1966 Plymouth Belvedere Suspension

The 1966 Belvedere uses a traditional front torsion bar suspension with upper and lower control arms, and a rear leaf spring setup. This design was common for Chrysler products of the era and offers good durability and ride quality when in good condition. Over time, bushings wear, springs sag, and shocks lose their effectiveness. Replacing these parts restores the car's handling and safety.

Front Suspension Components

Torsion Bars

Torsion bars are the front springs on the Belvedere. They run from the lower control arm to a pivot point on the frame. Over decades, they can sag, reducing ride height and causing a harsh ride. Replacements are available in original-equivalent or heavy-duty rates. Heavy-duty bars (1.12" diameter recommended for performance) improve cornering without sacrificing much comfort.

Upper and Lower Control Arms

Control arms hold the spindle and allow up-and-down wheel movement. The upper control arm has a ball joint at the spindle and bushings at the frame. Lower control arms also have ball joints and a strut rod. Inspect bushings for cracking and ball joints for wear. Rebuild kits with new bushings, ball joints, and strut rod bushings save time. Moog and other quality brands offer direct-fit replacements.

Ball Joints

Worn ball joints cause looseness and uneven tire wear. The Belvedere uses two upper and two lower ball joints. They are pressed into the control arms. Many aftermarket joints are greasable, which extends their life.

Sway Bar (Anti-Roll Bar)

The front sway bar mounts to the lower control arms and frame. It reduces body roll. Stock bars are thin; upgrading to a thicker bar (1 inch or larger) significantly improves cornering. Energy Suspension and Addco make polyurethane bushings and links for a tighter feel.

Shocks (Front)

Front shocks are twin-tube hydraulic. For a stock ride, OEM-style shocks from Gabriel or Monroe work well. For better control, gas-charged shocks like KYB Gas-a-Just reduce fade. Adjustable shocks are also available for racing.

Steering Knuckles and Spindles

Knuckles connect the control arms and steering linkage. They rarely need replacement unless damaged. They are interchangeable between 1966-1970 B-bodies but verify fitment.

Rear Suspension Components

Leaf Springs

Rear leaf springs support the axle. Originals often sag, causing a tail-down stance. New springs are available in stock height or slightly lifted options. Standard sets have 4 leaves; heavy-duty versions have 5 or 6 leaves for towing or performance. Expect to replace spring bushings and shackles.

Rear Shocks

Rear shocks mount below the axle and to a crossmember. Stock replacements are fine for cruising. Pairing with new leaf springs restores ride height. For better handling, consider gas shocks. Bilstein and KYB are popular choices.

Rear Sway Bar (Optional)

Many 1966 Belvederes did not come with a rear sway bar. Adding one reduces understeer. Hellwig and Addco offer bolt-on kits that work with stock exhaust.

Steering Linkage

Pitman Arm and Idler Arm

The pitman arm connects the steering box to the center link. Idler arm supports the opposite side. These wear out, causing steering slop. Replace them as a pair. Moog offers rebuildable versions.

Tie Rods

Inner and outer tie rods connect the center link to the spindles. Worn tie rods cause wandering. Replace all four with quality units. Sleeved adjustment sleeves should be replaced if rusted.

Center Link

This is the bar between the pitman arm, idler arm, and tie rods. If it's bent or has worn holes, replace it. New center links are not expensive.

Steering Box

The steering box can leak or develop excessive lash. Rebuilding is possible, but a remanufactured box from Firm Feel or Redhead is a reliable upgrade. Faster ratio boxes improve response.

Upgrading vs. Stock Replacement: What to Choose

For a numbers-matching restoration, use OEM-style parts. Moog is a trusted brand for stock replacement. For improved handling, upgrade:

• Polyurethane control arm bushings (Energy Suspension)
• Heavy-duty torsion bars (1.12" or larger)
• Firm front sway bar (1" or larger)
• Bilstein shocks or KYB Gas-a-Just
• Add a rear sway bar
• Solid steering coupler instead of rubber rag joint

These changes make a noticeable difference without major modifications.

Finding Quality Parts

While not naming specific retailers, look for established manufacturers:

• Moog for steering and suspension components
• Energy Suspension for polyurethane bushings
• KYB, Gabriel, Monroe, Bilstein for shocks
• Eaton Detroit Spring for leaf springs
• PST (Performance Suspension Technology) for full rebuild kits
• Firm Feel for steering box restoration

Check online forums for recommended suppliers. Keep in mind that some parts are discontinued; NOS (New Old Stock) on eBay or from vintage parts stores can be options.

Installation Tips

• Always replace both sides (left/right) together.
• Use plenty of penetrating oil on bolts before removal.
• Torsion bars are under tension; remove them carefully.
• Torque all nuts to factory specs after lowering the car.
• Perform a professional alignment after any front suspension work.

Final Recommendation

For a 1966 Plymouth Belvedere that drives like new, replace all rubber bushings with polyurethane or high-quality rubber, replace ball joints and tie rods with Moog, install new KYB shocks, and consider a matching set of torsion bars and leaf springs. If you want modern handling, add a rear sway bar and upgrade the front sway bar. Avoid cheap parts, as they wear quickly and compromise safety. Invest in known brands and enjoy a classic that handles well.