Upgrading Front End Suspension Parts and Power Steering Kits for Your 1963 Corvette

Restoring a 1963 Corvette to its former glory is a rewarding project, but the front suspension and steering are often areas that need careful attention. The original design, while advanced for its time, shows its age with vague steering, worn bushings, and a heavy steering effort. Adding modern power steering and replacing worn suspension parts can transform the driving experience, making it more enjoyable and safer. This guide breaks down the key front end suspension parts and power steering kits available for the 1963 Corvette, helping you make informed decisions for your restoration or upgrade.

Understanding the 1963 Corvette Front Suspension

The 1963 model was the first year of the C2 generation, featuring a fully independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, tube shocks, and an anti-sway bar. While innovative, decades of use can lead to sagging springs, worn ball joints, tired bushings, and leaky shocks. The steering box—a recirculating-ball design—is notoriously heavy at low speeds, prompting many owners to retrofit power steering.

Original Design and Common Problems

Factory front suspension components were designed for bias-ply tires and lower performance expectations. Common issues include:

• Worn rubber bushings causing play and alignment drift.
• Weak or collapsed coil springs leading to uneven ride height.
• Dried-out ball joints with excessive free play.
• Undersized sway bar for modern tire grip.
• Leaking or worn-out steering box with sloppy steering.

These problems not only affect handling but also accelerate tire wear. Replacing these parts restores precision and ride quality.

Why Upgrade to Power Steering?

The original non-power steering system requires significant effort when parking or maneuvering at low speeds. A power steering kit reduces that effort dramatically, making the car more pleasant to drive in traffic or during tight turns. Modern kits are designed to integrate cleanly without altering the classic appearance.

Key Front End Suspension Parts for a 1963 Corvette

When rebuilding the front suspension, consider replacing the following components as a set to ensure consistent performance. Mixing old and new parts can lead to uneven wear and alignment issues.

Control Arms and Bushings

Upper and lower control arms are the backbone of the suspension. Many restorers opt for new control arms with urethane or rubber bushings. Urethane bushings provide firmer control and longer life, while rubber retains a more original feel. Ensure the arms are properly boxed or reinforced for durability. The pivot shafts and bushings should be replaced if they show wear.

Springs and Shocks

Coil springs support the vehicle's weight and determine ride height. Over time, springs can sag, lowering the front end and altering geometry. Replacement springs are available in stock height or lowered options. For shocks, modern twin-tube or monotube gas shocks improve damping control without being harsh. Adjustable shocks allow fine-tuning for street or performance driving.

Steering Linkage and Sway Bar

The tie rod ends, center link, and idler arm (if applicable) are critical for steering precision. Original components often have sloppy joints. Replace with new. A larger diameter sway bar (e.g., 1 inch vs. original 7/8 inch) reduces body roll during cornering. Many kits include upgraded end links with polyurethane bushings.

Power Steering Kits for the 1963 Corvette

Several manufacturers offer conversion kits that replace the manual steering box with a power steering unit. Choose based on your driving style and budget.

Types of Kits: Stock Replacement vs. Aftermarket

Stock replacement kits use a reproduction of the original GM power steering setup, including a power steering box, pump, hoses, and brackets. These retain a factory look and are straightforward to install if your car originally had manual steering. They provide adequate assist but may feel slightly vague.

Aftermarket systems like Borgeson or those using a modern Saginaw box offer more precise steering with better road feel. Some kits integrate a compact power steering pump that bolts directly to the engine. They often use a quicker ratio (e.g., 12:1 vs. 16:1 stock) for improved response.

What to Look for in a Kit

When selecting a power steering kit, consider:

• Compatibility: Ensure the kit includes everything needed for a 1963 Corvette. Some require additional brackets or a different pulley.
• Steering box ratio: Faster ratios provide quicker steering but may require more effort at high speeds. 14:1 or 12:1 are popular choices.
• Pump type: Kits may use a standard Saginaw pump or a compact design. Verify bracket and hose routing fit your engine.
• Hose quality: Look for pre-formed stainless or braided hoses to avoid leaks.
• Installation instructions: Clear guidance saves time.

Compatibility with Existing Suspension

Most power steering kits are designed to work with the stock suspension geometry. However, if you are installing lowered springs or aftermarket control arms, check for interference with the steering box or linkage. Some kits require a specific pitman arm. It's wise to purchase the suspension and steering components together to ensure compatibility.

Installation Considerations

Installing front suspension parts and power steering requires mechanical skill and patience. Plan for a weekend or more.

Tools and Skill Level

You'll need a jack, jack stands, a ball joint separator, spring compressors (for coil springs), wrenches, sockets, a torque wrench, and possibly a puller for the steering box. Experience with suspension work and steering alignment is beneficial. If unsure, have a professional install key components like the steering box to avoid safety issues.

Alignment and Setup

After replacing suspension parts and adding power steering, a professional alignment is mandatory. The shop will set camber, caster, and toe to specifications (often slightly modified for power steering). Improper alignment causes tire wear and poor handling. Drive the car gently for a few hundred miles to let parts settle before alignment.

Choosing Between OEM-Style and Modern Upgrades

OEM-style parts offer originality for concours restorations but may compromise daily drivability. Modern upgrades (urethane bushings, larger sway bar, faster steering) enhance performance without sacrificing the classic look. For most drivers, a hybrid approach works best: use quality rubber bushings, stock-height coil springs, and a modern power steering kit.

Final Recommendation

For a 1963 Corvette that sees regular street driving, we recommend a complete front suspension rebuild kit (including control arms, bushings, ball joints, springs, shocks, tie rods, and sway bar) plus a Borgeson power steering conversion kit. The Borgeson kit offers a smooth, precise feel and bolts in without major modifications. Pair it with performance shocks and urethane bushings for a crisp yet comfortable ride. If originality is paramount, stick with stock-style rubber bushings and a GM reproduction power steering kit, but be prepared for a softer feel.

Always buy from reputable suppliers who specialize in Corvette parts. Verify that all components are specific to the 1963 model year (suspension geometry changed slightly from 1964 onward). With the right parts and careful installation, your '63 Corvette will drive like a modern sports car while retaining its timeless appeal.