Page P-2 — Chassis Features — Front And Rear Suspension – First Generation Firebird (1967, 1968, 1969)

An enhanced reproduction of the original Pontiac Sales Manual used in 1968 showrooms which described all the equipment that was available on the Firebird. This album has become a rare and valuable resource.

1968 Pontiac Sales Manual

CHASSIS FEATURES

FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION

Front Suspension – Firebird. Firm sports-car handling and excellent cornering characteristics result from the short and long arm independent front suspension system which utilizes coil springs and direct, double-acting shock absorbers. This big-car front suspension design minimizes front-end sway for increased road stability at all normal highway speeds.

suspension design minimizes front-end sway for increased road stability at all normal highway speeds.

Rear Suspension – Firebird. Mounting fro the rear suspension and Salisbury-type rear axle is provided by special rear frame elements integrated into underbody. New 56-inch, multi-leaf rear springs with rubber-mounted spring hangers substantially reduce vibrations to provide a smoother, quieter ride. Rear shock absorbers are mounted astraddle the rear axle (right shock is mounted forward of the axle, left shock at rear of axle). This unique arrangement provides a smoother, softer riding car with improved handling and road stability, but still retains the sports-car feel.

Front Suspension – All, Exc. Firebird. Refinements in front suspension result in a significant improvement in handling and road stability and provide a quieter, smoother, more comfortable ride. Front springs have been tailored to load rates. Revalved shock absorbers provide excellent handling and help minimize road sway. Front upper and lower control arm bushings and engine mounts have been revised for increased durability and quietness.

Tempest, Tempest Custom, Le Mans, Tempest Safari and GTO feature a new wider Wide-Track of 60 inches at front and rear. Front control arms have been repositioned to comply with new

frames for the new 112-inch wheelbase on Coupes and Convertibles and 116-inch wheelbase on other models. Further, the entire chassis has been integrated to the new body and sheet metal, resulting in an all-new luxury car ride without losing car handling characteristics.

Rear Suspension – All, Exc. Firebird. Pontiac continues with its proven 4-link rear suspension and spring-over-axle design, but with several important modifications. Newly valved rear shock absorbers with thick rubber bushings add to ride softness. Rear springs are specially tailored to load rates for ease of handling, improved cornering. New, high-rate, control arm bushings reduce sensitivity to vibrations and contribute to a quieter, smoother ride. Better low-speed performance and improved fuel economy are additional benefits derived from Pontiac’s exclusive 2.29:1 “overdrive” axle ratio, which continued for 1968. (See Power Train sub-section for application and availability.

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