How to Find the Best Price on Suspension Parts for Your 1979 Camaro

Restoring or upgrading a 1979 Camaro’s suspension is a rewarding project, but costs can add up quickly. Whether you’re aiming for a smooth daily driver or a corner-carving muscle car, finding the best price on suspension parts without sacrificing quality is key. This guide will help you understand the parts you need, where to look for deals, and how to make smart buying decisions.

What Suspension Parts Does a 1979 Camaro Need?

The 1979 Camaro shares its F-body platform with the Firebird, and its suspension system includes several key components that wear out over time. Depending on your goals, you may need a full overhaul or just a few upgrades.

Front Suspension Components

• Control arms – Upper and lower arms connect the frame to the steering knuckle. Worn bushings cause sloppy handling.
• Ball joints – These allow the control arms to pivot. Replace if there’s play or clunking.
• Coil springs – Original springs sag over time, lowering ride height and reducing stability.
• Shocks – Standard for 1979 are twin-tube hydraulic shocks; consider gas-charged for better damping.
• Sway bar – The factory front bar is small; aftermarket bars reduce body roll.
• Steering components – Tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm, and center link should be inspected for wear.

Rear Suspension Components

• Leaf springs – The 1979 Camaro uses multi-leaf rear springs. They can sag or break, affecting ride height and handling.
• Shocks – Rear shocks are separate from the leaf springs.
• Control arms – If your car has a traction bar setup, bushings may need replacement.
• Sway bar – Rear sway bars are optional but help reduce understeer.

Additional Parts

• Bushings – Polyurethane or rubber bushings for control arms, sway bars, and leaf springs.
• Strut rods – Front strut rods with bushings connect the lower control arm to the frame.
• Hardware – Bolts, nuts, and spacers often need replacement after removal.

Where to Find the Best Prices

Getting the best price means shopping smart, not just buying the cheapest part. Here are effective strategies.

Compare Brand Options

• Economy brands – Parts from brands like Raybestos, AC Delco, or Duralast are budget-friendly and acceptable for daily driving.
• Performance brands – Companies like Hotchkis, Eibach, Bilstein, and Moog offer higher quality for better handling. Prices are higher but often worth it.
• OEM replacements – If you want factory specs, brands like ACDelco or Delphi are good choices. They may cost more than economy but less than full race parts.

Look for Sales and Clearance

• Many specialty retailers run seasonal sales (spring, fall, holiday weekends). Sign up for newsletters to get alerts.
• Check clearance sections on websites. Last season’s colors or overstock can be 20-30% off.

Buy Complete Kits vs. Individual Parts

• Suspension kits (e.g., front end rebuild kit, coil spring and shock kit) often cost less than buying each part separately.
• However, if you only need one or two items, a kit may not save money. Calculate total needed.

Consider Used or Refurbished Parts

• For salvageable parts like control arms or knuckles, you can find good deals at junkyards or private sellers. But avoid used ball joints, bushings, or springs that are worn.
• Some parts like shocks and leaf springs are not worth buying used due to wear and safety.

Negotiate with Local Shops

• Independent auto parts stores or performance shops may offer discounts if you buy multiple items. Ask about cash discounts or package deals.

How to Evaluate Part Quality and Fit

Price isn’t everything—a cheap part that doesn’t fit or fails quickly costs more in the long run. Use these tips to ensure quality.

Check Part Numbers and Application

• Always verify the part number fits a 1979 Camaro (often same as 1978-1981). Check with a printed catalog or online lookup tool.
• Some parts vary by engine size or option (e.g., F41 suspension, Z28). Note your car’s RPO codes.

Read Specifications Carefully

• Spring rates, shock lengths, and bushing materials affect performance and ride. For example, a 2-inch drop spring will change geometry.
• Polyurethane bushings last longer but transmit more vibration. Rubber is quieter but wears faster.

Look for Warranties

• Many premium brands offer limited lifetime warranties. Economy parts may have only a 1-year warranty. Factor in replacement cost if it fails.

Avoid Counterfeit or No-Name Parts

• Stick with known brands from reputable retailers. Extremely low prices from unknown sellers may be counterfeit or poor quality.

Types of Suspension Upgrades and Their Costs

Depending on your goal, different upgrades offer different value.

Restoration to Stock

• Cost: $300–$800 for a full front end rebuild (control arms, ball joints, bushings, shocks). Rear leaf springs add $150–$300.
• Best deal: Economy brand kits from Moog or Raybestos. Expect 70,000–100,000 miles of service.

Handling Improvements

• Cost: $500–$1,500 for matched springs, shocks, sway bars, and bushings.
• Best price: Buy a complete handling kit from brands like Eibach or Hotchkis. Often cheaper than piecemeal.

Lowering or Ride Height Adjustments

• Cost: $200–$600 for coil springs or drop spindles. Add shocks ($150–$400).
• Best price: Look for spring and shock combo deals. Measure existing ride height to avoid buying the wrong drop.

Track/Auto Cross

• Cost: $1,000–$3,000 for adjustable coilovers, sway bars, and poly bushings.
• Best price: Save by buying a full coilover setup (e.g., QA1 or Viking) rather than separate springs and shocks.

Final Recommendation: How to Secure the Best Price

Start by listing all the parts you need. Then use these steps:

1. Check specialty retailers – Look at Summit Racing, Jegs, and RockAuto. Compare prices across all three. RockAuto often has lower prices but higher shipping; factor that in.
2. Apply coupon codes – Search online for coupon codes before checkout. Many sites have 5-10% off for first orders or holiday discounts.
3. Buy during holiday sales – Memorial Day, July 4th, Black Friday, and New Year often see deep discounts on suspension parts.
4. Consider buying a full kit – If replacing multiple front end parts, a kit can save 15-20% over individual purchases.
5. Don’t forget shipping – Free shipping thresholds (e.g., over $100) can tilt the balance. Calculate total cost including tax and shipping.

By understanding what you need, comparing brands, and timing your purchase, you can find the best price on suspension parts for your 1979 Camaro without compromising reliability. Remember, the cheapest part isn’t always the best deal—quality and correct fitment save you time and money down the road.