2004 Chevy Monte Carlo SS
March of 2010 - UMI Performance Trailing Arms
So shortly after Christmas of 2009, I decided my Monte needed a small mod to the suspension. What I am looking for
is to stiffen the rear end a little, as I sometimes feel the rear end moves/feels a little light. Now, I admit,
I am driving with the tires that came with the Monte. I've driven other stock w-body cars with different tires
and to be honest, that would probably be the best answer to what I am looking to improve.
But I've been looking for some inexpensive mods that may improve anything on the Monte from horse power to handling.
I decided since I have a set of UMI Performance rear control arms for my Camaro (currently far from ready to install),
I've had a chance to see and hold one of there products. And so far, everything I've read and seen has impressed me
with there products, they were the first ones I checked for W-body parts. Fortunately for me, they recently started
offering W-body parts (currently only the rear trailing arms). I decided this might be a good chance to see how they
might effect the rear suspension on my Monte.
I received the new arms while it was still cold and snowy out. Since the Monte is parked under a cover, outside for
winter storage, I was waiting until better weather came around to work on this. March, things started warming up and,
first things first.... I have to remove the old stock rear trailing arms.
My brother-in-law Matt gave a hand with this (and was very helpful). I was sadly working out of a garage without access to air tools (and I'll tell ya what, this would go much quicker if I had air tools). Matt was able to muscle a couple of bolts I had issues with.
Remove Old Arms (Main)
Reconditioning Body Brackets
Final Installation
UMI Performance - W-Body Parts