73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

Anyone have details on this one?

looks fairly comprehensive:

https://www.qa1.net/suspension/stree...pension-system

https://www.qa1.net/media/catalog/pr...sq_body_1_.png

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

I've seen their display set-ups @ shows & the new kits look very well done.

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

good to hear some 1st hand observations:metal: always tough to gauge from a laptop!

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

I like how they increased the length of the c-notch support area w/the laser cut piece. Looks good & less weight. Definitely has a strong 'engineered/modular' appearance.

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

looks extremely overcomplicated, the 4bar system with coilovers and a panhard has worked into the deep 8's and handles great, why reinvent the wheel. hell leaf springs and caltracs have gone that quick too just dont handle as well

it does look nice though, probably has a 3k+ price tag on it

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

What bolt-in kit does this?

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

The design of this looks more pro touring/ autocross than drag race. Not sure the comparing to the drag race stuff is valid.
Jimmy

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

A quick Google search pulled up around 6 results of direct bolt in, and over 30 weld in kits available

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

I'm familiar w/looking things up on Google.

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

minus the traction device, it's essentially that but with an added brace; has a bit more metal I suppose but I'm not sure its especially complex.

pricing:
https://www.qa1.net/suspension/stree...pension-system

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

No Limit Fat-Bar for Squares 73-87 Complete kit - bolts to the frame, welding required on the axle. $1375.

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

So, it's almost 100% bolt-on. I've seen the 'No Limit' kits/parts & really like them. I would consider that direction for sure but I have a welder. Yes, a guy can bring parts somewhere to be welded but not everyone has easy access which possibly impacts their decision making.

I checked out the new QA1 display set-up @ the C10 Nats & it looks to be on par quality wise w/other marketed kits & is bolt-in. It's also more expensive.
My original response/point above was to the reference that QA1's new set-up was "extremely overcomplicated" vs. other options that are bolt-on. Yes, the extended frame reinforcement pieces & Torque Arm differ from traditional 4-bar set-ups. Not sure I would call those differences extreme or complicated. Would you?

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

I'd be very curious to see what each "kit" weighs. Typical 4 bar setups aren't that much heavier than a leaf spring setup for the most part. The qa1 setup looks like a ton of extra weight. More rigidity can be had without adding as much weight as what's they are offering.

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

Where is this "ton of extra weight" that you're describing?

Bolt-on bracketry is typically more complicated vs. something that gets welded in place so any extra weight there is a wash (compared to other bolt-on kits & their brackets). The extended rail reinforcement sections (c-notch area to trailing/link bar front mounts) specific to this QA1 kit adds weight; but that CNC/lasered scalloping takes a decent portion of that mass away & it appears to aid installation using factory holes (??).

I have no argument that their are other, lighter, even cheaper, quality options.

For straight line performance, a 4-bar set-up works well & is proven. Once you start asking for multi-purpose usage, other options can yield as good or better results especially when the installation requirements are part of the equation/consideration. This set-up also allows for articulation a typical poly bushed 4-bar doesn't. That's a difference maker on a street driven vehicle.

Re: 73-87 QA1 rear suspension
 

I’m with Scotti, the rail system is nice solution with only one thing to locate and mount per side with the added benefit of adding a bit of bracing. Even if it’s 100-150lbs (generous approximation) heavier than other weld in solutions the weight is down low on the frame just in front of the axle where it helps more than it hurts handling. You could probably save around 20lbs in hardware if you welded in the rails and you’d have a lot less holes to drill!

I don’t see unsprung weight being an issue, the mounts at the axle pads are heavily scalloped/windowed and drilled. The worst offender in the unsprung weight category is the torque arm mount with its integrated diff cover that is obviously heavier than a stock stamped piece.

The price is the main detractor with other less expensive solutions available. But if you take a look at similar suspension designs (bolt in or weld in) for 1st gen Camaros and other vehicles, the price doesn’t seem that out of line.