When it comes to upgrading the suspension on a classic Chevelle, Mustang, or Mopar, Global West suspension parts are a trusted choice among enthusiasts who prioritize both performance and comfort. The California-based company has been engineering suspension components since the 1980s, focusing on improving lateral grip, reducing body roll, and maintaining proper geometry without sacrificing ride quality. This article breaks down the key product lines, explains how they work, and offers practical guidance on selecting the right parts for your build.
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Global West Suspension 902 Sub Frame Connector
What Makes Global West Suspension Different?
Global West products stand out because of their emphasis on negative roll and proper suspension geometry. Many factory suspensions on 1960s and 1970s cars were designed for bias-ply tires and softer springs, leading to excessive body roll and poor cornering. Global West engineers have redesigned control arms, springs, and sway bars to work with modern radial tires while keeping a compliant ride. Their parts are CNC-machined or formed from high-quality steel in the USA, and each component is designed as part of a system rather than a standalone upgrade.
The Philosophy of Negative Roll
One unique aspect of Global West is their use of delrin or rubber bushings oriented to allow controlled deflection, which helps maintain tire contact patch during cornering. Their tubular control arms relocate the ball joint to improve the roll center and camber curve, reducing dynamic camber loss. This results in flatter cornering and better steering response without the harshness of solid rod ends. For street-driven cars, this is a huge advantage.
Key Global West Suspension Parts
Tubular Upper and Lower Control Arms
Global West offers both upper and lower tubular control arms for a wide range of applications. Their uppers are typically built with a unique geometry that shifts the upper ball joint rearward, which increases caster stability and reduces bump steer. The lowers often feature a relocated pivot point to improve anti-dive characteristics under braking. Both arms come with either greaseable rubber bushings (for street use) or delrin race bushings (for track use).
Common fits:
- 1964-1972 GM A-body (Chevelle, GTO, Cutlass)
- 1967-1969 Mustang
- 1965-1973 Ford Falcon/Comet
- 1962-1979 Mopar B/E-body
Coil Springs
Global West manufactures high-quality coil springs wound from SAE 9254 spring steel. They offer spring rates tailored for big-block or small-block engines, and even different rates for manual vs. automatic transmissions. The springs are precisely ground at both ends for a flat seat and come with a protective powder coat. Their load ratings are conservative, meaning they maintain ride height without sagging.
Tip: When ordering, specify your exact engine weight and options (e.g., air conditioning, power steering) to get the correct spring rate. Global West offers free technical support over the phone for spring selection.
Sway Bars
Global West sway bars are made from 4140 chromoly steel to reduce weight and increase strength. The bars are slotted at both ends to allow roll center adjustments. They come with polyurethane bushings and heavy-duty brackets. For most street applications, a 1.125-inch front bar paired with a 7/8-inch rear bar provides a good balance, but Global West also sells adjustable racing bars.
Installation note: Always install a sway bar with the correct end links. Global West includes adjustable lowered end links that prevent slop and allow preload adjustments.
Steering Components
Global West also offers steering arms, tie rod sleeves, and idler arm supports. Their steering arms are clocked to correct bump steer, especially on lowered cars. This is a common issue when you drop a car more than an inch—the tie rods no longer travel in a proper arc. Global West’s steering arms relocate the tie rod end pivot point back to the correct geometry.
Benefits of Upgrading to Global West Suspension Parts
- Improved cornering: The combination of proper camber control and negative roll reduces understeer and allows you to carry more speed through turns.
- Better ride quality: Unlike some stiffer suspension setups, Global West tunes their parts to absorb bumps while controlling body motion. Their rubber bushings isolate road noise.
- Reduced brake dive: The anti-dive geometry of their lower arms keeps the car level under hard braking, improving stopping distance and driver confidence.
- Longevity: Parts are made in the USA with quality materials. Bushings are designed to be replaceable without replacing the arm.
- Increased tire life: Maintained camber and toe settings mean less edge wear, especially on radial tires.
How to Choose the Right Global West Parts for Your Car
Before buying, you need to decide what you want out of the car: a firm street performance setup, a road track weapon, or an all-day cruiser that can still hang on winding roads. Global West’s catalog is divided into three main systems:
1. G-Plus System (Street Performance)
Best for daily drivers and weekend canyon carving. Uses steel arms with greaseable rubber bushings, standard-rate springs, and a moderate sway bar. Provides a 30% reduction in body roll compared to stock, with minimal cabin harshness.
2. G-Max System (Handling & Track)
For autocross or track days. Uses tubular arms with delrin bushings, higher-rate springs, and adjustable sway bars. This system prioritizes ultimate cornering grip and feedback. The ride is firmer but still tolerable on rough pavement.
3. G-Trac System (Drag Racing)
For quarter-mile performance. Features adjustable lower control arms with anti-roll bar provisions, lightweight springs, and specific pinion angle adjustments. The goal is to transfer weight to the rear for maximum traction.
Practical tip: If you’re uncertain, start with the G-Plus front and rear. It works well with radial tires and is the most forgiving for a first-time suspension builder. Many owners later upgrade to delrin bushings on the arms to tighten things up without buying entirely new arms.
Installation Considerations
Most Global West parts are bolt-in, meaning you can install them with basic hand tools—jacks, stands, wrenches, and a torque wrench. However, there are a few critical steps:
- Set ride height first: Install springs and load the suspension, then tighten control arm fasteners at ride height to prevent bushing bind.
- Check bump steer: If you lowered the car significantly, use the Global West steering arms or bump steer kit.
- Align after installation: You’ll need a professional alignment after any suspension work. Global West’s specs are available on their website.
- Lowered cars: Global West offers special low-control arms and springs. If your car is lowered more than 1.5 inches, call their tech line for recommendations.
Final Recommendation
For most owners of a 1964-1972 GM A-body, 1965-1973 Mustang, or 1962-1979 Mopar B-body looking for a noticeable upgrade in handling without turning their car into a bone-jarring racer, the Global West G-Plus system is the best buy. It lowers the car about an inch, tightens everything up, and yet you can still drive cross-country. If you plan to autocross or have a heavier big-block car, step up to the G-Max with delrin bushings. For drag racing, the G-Trac kit is purpose-built. Always call Global West before ordering if your car has any non-stock modifications like aftermarket subframe connectors or different spindles. Their tech support is knowledgeable and specific to year, make, and model. Investing in Global West parts means supporting American manufacturing and getting a proven, well-engineered product that will make your classic car handle like a modern sports sedan—without sacrificing the classic character.