Complete Guide to 1971 Nova Suspension Parts

Restoring or upgrading a 1971 Chevy Nova requires careful attention to the suspension. The suspension system determines how the car handles, rides, and performs, whether you're building a period-correct cruiser or a weekend autocrosser. This guide covers the essential suspension parts for both front and rear, explains what to look for when buying, and offers practical recommendations.

Front Suspension Components

The 1971 Nova uses a classic GM A-body front suspension with upper and lower control arms, coil springs, and a sway bar. Here are the key parts to consider.

Upper and Lower Control Arms

• Upper control arms typically come with ball joints. Original arms use rubber bushings that wear over time. For street use, rubber or polyurethane bushings are common. Polyurethane lasts longer but transfers more road noise.
• Lower control arms are stouter on the '71 Nova. Many aftermarket options are tubular steel, reducing weight and improving strength. Some include built-in caster and camber adjustment for alignment precision.
• Ball joints – Always replace these when overhauling the front suspension. Moog and AC Delco are reputable OE-style sources. For performance, consider heavy-duty joints with grease fittings.

Coil Springs

• Front coil springs come in various rates. Stock springs support the original weight. If you are installing a larger engine (like a big-block or LS swap), choose higher-rate springs. Many aftermarket brands offer progressive-rate springs that combine comfort with performance.
• Measuring – Know your spring diameter and free height before ordering. A 1971 Nova with a standard small-block typically uses 1.90-inch wire diameter springs. Check your current sag to decide if you need a 1-inch drop or stock height.

Sway Bars

• Original sway bars are about 7/8 inch. Upgrading to a 1-inch or 1.125-inch bar reduces body roll. Front sway bar kits include bushings, brackets, and end links. Polyurethane bushings improve responsiveness.
• For street performance, a 1-inch front bar pairs well with a 7/8-inch rear bar, if you upgrade the rear as well.

Steering Components

• Pitman arm and idler arm often wear on high-mileage Novas. Moog offers heavy-duty replacements.
• Outer tie rods and inner tie rods – These are common failure points. Replace in pairs. The factory design uses a relay rod assembly; make sure the center link is not bent or corroded.
• Steering box – A tight steering box improves feel. Rebuilding a stock box (with new seals and bearings) is cheaper than a quick-ratio conversion. For better response, consider a 12.7:1 ratio box from a later model Camaro or aftermarket unit.

Shock Absorbers

• Front shocks – For a stock restoration, oil-filled shocks like AC Delco work fine. For better control, gas-charged monoshocks (e.g., KYB Gas-A-Just) are a direct fit. Adjustable coilover shocks are popular for lowered cars but require modifications.
• Mounting – The 1971 Nova uses a stud-type top mount and a lower eye. Ensure replacement shocks have the correct extended and compressed lengths.

Rear Suspension Components

The 1971 Nova has a solid rear axle with leaf springs. The design is simple but has many wear items.

Leaf Springs

• Rear leaf springs are available as OE replacements or multi-leaf units for load capacity. A typical stock spring has 4 to 5 leaves. Aftermarket brands like Eaton Detroit Spring manufacture exact reproductions.
• Spring bushings – Replace the front eye bushing and the rear shackle bushings. Polyurethane versions reduce flex and improve stability.
• Shackles – Original shackles are stamped steel. For a modest lift, some enthusiasts use longer shackles, but this may change the pinion angle.

Shocks and Mounts

• Rear shocks – Again, gas shocks are recommended. You'll need the correct lower stud mount and upper frame mount. Many aftermarket shocks are adjustable to tune the ride.
• Multiple shock setups (like overload shocks) are not necessary for street use unless you carry heavy loads.

Rear Sway Bar

• Adding a rear sway bar dramatically reduces understeer. Factory Novas with a rear bar are rare. Aftermarket kits usually include a 3/4-inch or 7/8-inch bar, brackets, and bushings. Match the front bar size to keep balance.

Axle Housing and Control Arm (Panhard Rod or Track Bar)

• The 1971 Nova does not have a factory Panhard rod. Aftermarket bolt-on track bars are available to prevent lateral axle movement. This is most beneficial if you have upgraded springs or a lowered ride height.
• The upper and lower trailing arms (often called torque arms) are not part of the Nova design; the leaf springs themselves locate the axle. So you don't need those unless you convert to a 4-link.

Brakes and Wheels

While not strictly suspension, the brakes and wheels interact with how the suspension works. A 1971 Nova originally came with drum brakes on all four corners. Disc brake conversions are common.

• Front disc brake swap – Kits are available that use spindles from a 1970-81 Camaro with 11-inch rotors and dual-piston calipers. You'll need new brake hoses and proportioning valve.
• Wheels and tires – Tire width and offset affect handling. A 15x7-inch wheel with 225/60R15 tires fits without major modifications. Larger wheels require backspacing measurement.

Buying Tips and Quality Considerations

When shopping for suspension parts, focus on the following:

1. Brand reputation – MOOG, AC Delco, Energy Suspension, and QA1 are well-known. Avoid off-brand parts with vague specifications.
2. Material quality – Prefer forged or billet steel for steering and ball joints. Stamped steel is acceptable for original replacements.
3. Hardware – Many kits include bolts, washers, and nuts. Check if they are Grade 8 or higher for safety.
4. Return policy – Classic car parts often have a higher return rate due to fitment variations. Buy from suppliers with good support.

Where to Buy (Non-Marketplace Stores)

• Dedicated classic Chevy parts suppliers like Summit Racing, Jegs, Classic Industries, and OPGI offer a wide selection. They typically provide detailed fitment guides and compatibility charts.
• Local NAPA or Carquest stores can order many Moog parts. This is useful for core items like tie rods and ball joints.

Upgrades for Performance

If your goal is improved handling, here are the most effective upgrades in order of impact:

1. Polyurethane bushings everywhere – control arms, sway bars, leaf spring eyes. This eliminates slop.
2. Lowering springs – A 1-inch drop lowers the center of gravity. Combined with a good shock setup, it transforms cornering.
3. Front and rear sway bars – Get a matched set for neutral handling.
4. Better steering box – A faster ratio reduces steering effort and improves response.
5. Adjustable shocks – QA1 or Viking offers dampers that you can tune for street or track.

Installing Suspension Parts Yourself

Replacing control arms, springs, and shocks is intermediate-level work. You'll need basic hand tools, a floor jack, jack stands, and a spring compressor for the front coils. Always torque fasteners to factory specs (available in the Service Manual). If you attempt leaf springs, be aware they are heavy; an extra pair of hands helps.

For alignment, after any front suspension work, you must get a professional alignment. The 1971 Nova's caster and camber are adjustable via shims on the upper control arm. A shop can set it to factory or performance specs (typically 0.5° negative camber and 2-4° positive caster).

Final Recommendation

For a street-driven 1971 Nova, start with a full front-end rebuild kit that includes control arms, ball joints, tie rods, and sway bar bushings (MOOG or equivalent). Pair it with gas shocks (KYB or Bilstein) and a 1-inch front sway bar. For the rear, replace the leaf springs if they are sagging, and add a rear sway bar if you want flatter cornering. These changes will make your Nova handle like a modern car while keeping its classic feel. If you have the budget and plan to autocross, consider tubular control arms and adjustable coilovers, but for most drivers, the modest upgrade path is both reliable and cost-effective.