Lakewood Suspension Parts: A Complete Guide for Performance Enthusiasts

If you are building a drag car or a high-performance street machine, Lakewood suspension parts are a name you will encounter frequently. Known for their heavy-duty construction and race-proven designs, Lakewood components are engineered to handle extreme torque, hard launches, and demanding track conditions. Whether you are looking for traction bars, control arms, shocks, or driveshaft safety loops, understanding what Lakewood offers and how to choose the right parts for your vehicle can make a significant difference in both performance and safety.

Overview of Lakewood Suspension Parts

Lakewood Industries has been a staple in the automotive performance industry for decades. The company specializes in suspension components that are designed to improve traction, stability, and durability under high-stress conditions. While many enthusiasts associate Lakewood with drag racing, their parts are also used in street performance, road racing, and off-road applications. The key to Lakewood’s reputation lies in their use of high-grade materials like chromoly steel and their rigorous testing standards.

Why Choose Lakewood?

• Durability: Lakewood parts are built to withstand repeated high-load cycles without failure.
• Performance: Products like traction bars and shocks are calibrated to reduce wheel hop and improve 60-foot times.
• Safety: Components such as driveshaft loops and racing seats meet or exceed safety regulations for competitive motorsports.
• Fitment: Many parts are vehicle-specific, ensuring a direct bolt-on installation with minimal modifications.

Key Lakewood Suspension Products

Lakewood offers a range of suspension parts, each designed for a specific purpose. Below are the most common categories and their applications.

Traction Bars

Traction bars are one of Lakewood’s most popular products. They are designed to control axle rotation during hard acceleration, which reduces wheel hop and helps transfer power to the pavement. Lakewood offers several types:

• Slapper Bars: These are simple, effective bars that mount to the axle and contact the leaf spring to limit wrap-up. Ideal for leaf-spring cars with moderate power levels.
• Traction Bars with Adjustable Preload: These allow you to fine-tune the amount of force applied to the springs, optimizing launch characteristics.
• Full Traction Systems: For high-horsepower vehicles, Lakewood provides complete systems that include bars, brackets, and hardware for maximum control.

When choosing traction bars, consider your vehicle’s suspension type, horsepower level, and intended use. For a street/strip car, adjustable slapper bars offer a good balance of performance and daily driveability.

Control Arms

Control arms connect the chassis to the axle and play a crucial role in maintaining proper geometry during acceleration and braking. Lakewood control arms are often tubular for strength and include polyurethane bushings to reduce deflection. Common options include:

• Upper Control Arms: Help control pinion angle and prevent axle wrap.
• Lower Control Arms: Provide lateral stability and reduce side-to-side movement.

Adjustable control arms are recommended for vehicles with significant suspension modifications, as they allow you to set the pinion angle correctly.

Shocks and Struts

Lakewood shocks are built for high-performance use. They feature larger reservoirs and stiffer valving than stock units, making them suitable for heavy launches and rough track surfaces. Options include:

• Front Drag Shocks: Designed to transfer weight to the rear on launch.
• Rear Drag Shocks: Control rebound to keep tires planted after the hit.
• Adjustable Shocks: Allow you to change compression and rebound settings for different track conditions.

For a dedicated drag car, a set of Lakewood adjustable rear shocks can shave tenths off your ET by optimizing weight transfer.

Driveshaft Safety Loops

A often-overlooked safety component, a driveshaft safety loop is required by many tracks and is a wise addition to any high-powered vehicle. Lakewood loops are strong, lightweight, and easy to install. They prevent the driveshaft from hitting the ground in the event of a U-joint failure, which can cause serious damage or injury.

Other Parts

Lakewood also produces:

• Racing Seats and Seat Mounts: For driver safety and weight reduction.
• Motor Mounts and Transmission Mounts: To secure the drivetrain under high torque.
• Suspension Bushings: To replace worn rubber with performance urethane.

Choosing the Right Parts for Your Vehicle

Selecting the correct Lakewood suspension parts depends on several factors:

Vehicle Application

• Leaf Spring vs. Coil Spring: Leaf-spring cars (e.g., classic muscle cars) benefit from traction bars and ladder bars. Coil-spring cars (e.g., modern rear-wheel-drive) often require control arms and anti-hop devices.
• Power Level: Low to mild power (up to 450 hp) can get by with basic slapper bars. High horsepower (500+) demands adjustable traction bars and heavy-duty control arms.
• Usage: Street-driven vehicles need parts that don’t sacrifice ride quality too much. Track-only cars can use stiffer components.

Compatibility

Always check Lakewood’s application guide or product catalog to confirm fitment. Many parts are vehicle-specific, especially for popular models like Ford Mustangs, Chevy Camaros, and Dodge Challengers. Pay attention to year, engine configuration, and rear-end type.

Budget Considerations

Lakewood parts are generally more affordable than some high-end custom systems, but prices vary. A set of basic traction bars can be under $200, while a full suspension kit may exceed $1,000. Consider your goals and how much you are willing to invest.

Installation Tips

While many Lakewood parts are bolt-on, proper installation is critical for performance and safety.

General Steps

1. Preparation: Lift the vehicle securely on jack stands. Disconnect the battery if working near electrical components.
2. Clean Surfaces: Remove rust or debris where parts will mount.
3. Use Thread Locker: Apply blue or red thread locker to bolts that could vibrate loose.
4. Torque to Spec: Use a torque wrench and follow Lakewood’s recommended torque values.
5. Check Clearance: Ensure no interference with exhaust, brake lines, or other suspension parts.
6. Test and Adjust: After installation, test the vehicle in a safe area. For adjustable parts, make small changes and test again.

Specific Considerations

• Traction Bars: Position them so they are parallel to the ground when the car is at ride height. Adjust preload evenly on both sides.
• Control Arms: Set pinion angle to match the transmission output shaft angle (typically 1-3 degrees negative).
• Safety Loops: Mount as close to the driveshaft as possible while allowing clearance for suspension travel.

If you are not familiar with suspension work, consider having a professional shop perform the installation.

Maintenance and Inspections

After installing Lakewood parts, regular inspections are recommended:

• Check Fasteners: Retorque bolts after the first 500 miles and then periodically.
• Inspect Bushings: Polyurethane bushings can wear over time; replace if cracked or loose.
• Look for Damage: After hard launches, check for bent bars, cracked welds, or worn components.

Proper maintenance ensures your parts last and perform as intended.

Final Recommendation

Lakewood suspension parts are a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their vehicle’s launch and handling without breaking the bank. For most street/strip applications, start with a set of adjustable traction bars and good quality shocks. If you are building a serious race car, invest in a complete control arm set and a driveshaft safety loop for safety. Always verify fitment for your specific vehicle and consider your power level to avoid over- or under-building your suspension.

Ultimately, the best approach is to define your goals—whether that’s a daily driver that can hit the track on weekends or a full-on race car—and then choose Lakewood components that match. With proper installation and maintenance, these parts will provide years of reliable performance.