1979 Trans Am vs 1981 Turbo Trans Am Subframe and Suspension

[Wolfwood469]

Hello, I have a 1979 Trans Am hard top with olds 403.

I just got a very good roller 1981 turbo trans am had the 301, t top roof no dog house.

I was going to restore the hard top but with getting the t top car now im thinking just put everything on to it.

My question, is the suspension for the 79 403 TA the same as the 81 Turbo TA?

If different should I swap over the suspension to the 81 from the 79?

I'm going to put the 403 olds in the 81.

Then swap the posi rear end from the 79 to the 81 and take the rear disc brakes from the 81 and put on the posi rear end also.

 

[Wolfwood469]

Any help on of suspension needs to be swapped or if they are the same?

 

[Pontiac Trans Am]

Any help on of suspension needs to be swapped or if they are the same?

We will look into this and get back to you.

Thank you,
PTA Staff

 

[Maxthe222]

Any help on of suspension needs to be swapped or if they are the same?

Identical, there is no difference between a 1979 and 1981 Trans Am suspension.

The only difference would be found in whether or not the car was equipped with the WS6 pack.

Why not just save both cars?

Surely it would be more costly, but keep two T/A's on the road instead of taking apart one.

 

[SpeedGeezer]

I can think of that would be different would be the spring rates as the 301 is lighter than the 403 and the frame mounts for the engine.

Possibly the sway bar rating. The diameter of the 301 might be smaller.

Otherwise, it should be straightforward.

 

[RonC455]

The sway bars and bushing would depend on if one of the cars was a WS6.

The 301 turbos and the Olds 403 would weigh pretty much the same.

The Olds engine is offset towards the right or passenger side by about an inch and a half.

So you'll need the Olds hood scoop.

The sway bars are the same.

All 2nd generation front sway bars are one and a quarter inches; the rear bar was 3/4 inch for WS 6, and l think 5/8 for regular Trans Ams from '79 to '80.

 

[79TACONVERTIBLE]

I have a 1979 TA with the Olds engine but not the WS6 package.

Is there a substantial difference in ride/handling if I put a WS6 kit on it?

Are there any other OEM or aftermarket suspension kits that would noticeably improve handling and the ride?

 

[RonC455]

The WS6 front coil springs will raise the front of the car.

The ride will be a little harsher.

In the late '70s, it was easy to pick out a WS6 Trans Am or Formula just by parking the cars side by side.

Going to the aftermarket you could replace all of the rubber bushings with polyurethane bushings.

Replace them all from control arms to sway bars front and rear.

 

[79TACONVERTIBLE]

Besides the bushings, are there any other aftermarket suspension kits, shocks, etc., that would improve the ride and handling on the 1979 TransAm?