Y-Bone - Suspension - Tech Project

Install-Y Ask Why?The suspension on first generation Chevy Impalas was ahead of its time. In fact, one of the biggest changes for Chevrolet during this golden era was the new frame design on all '58 models. The new X-frame lasted through 1964. This new technology gave the cars a better ride, and it's still in evidence today, as Chevy still uses the same basic design on the rear suspension of vehicles such as the 2wd Suburban.

The only downside to the X-frame was that it was designed as a fixed suspension, so when we add hydraulics and make the suspension adjustable, the entire design needs to be rethought. After years of experimenting and experience, Red's Hydraulics of Lynwood, California, has redesigned the rear suspension by adding a sturdy Y-bone that's thicker than the stock flat-stamped pieces. The Y-bone is also stronger as it's constructed of a tubular material and outfitted with urethane bushings.

We caught up with Luis, the owner of a black '64 Impala, and he told us that he would never add hydraulics to an early Impala without adding a Y-bone. He mentioned that the car didn't "dog walk," as they remove the panhard bar that used to shift the rearend to one side when the suspension is moved all of the way up or down. This is just one of the benefits from bolting in a Red's Y-bone kit. Now follow along as Red's Hydraulics makes and installs a Y-bone in under two hours from start to finish.

Here's a comparison of the...        read full caption Here's a comparison of the old stock upper trailing arms and the new Red's Y-bone that will bolt up with only minor modifications.	They started off by cutting...        read full caption They started off by cutting a few pieces of 1/4-inch tubing to create the upper trailing arm.	As you can see, the tubular...        read full caption As you can see, the tubular arm is taking shape and will have the same contour as the factory arm.
The lower part of the arm...        read full caption The lower part of the arm will have an adjustment that will allow it to keep the driveshaft at the right angle and prevent it from binding.	The pieces were carefully...        read full caption The pieces were carefully welded and done in sections to keep them from warping due to the heat caused by the welder.	The tube was mocked up for...        read full caption The tube was mocked up for sizing before it was cut to size.
You can see how everything...        read full caption You can see how everything is clear and allows the Y-bone to travel normally.	Here's a better look at the...        read full caption Here's a better look at the rearend after it was modified.	The foundation of the Y-bone...        read full caption The foundation of the Y-bone was tack welded to the metal table to allow it to be built as if it were on a jig and the pieces will line up perfectly.
The rearend was jacked up...        read full caption The rearend was jacked up and left in position to have the Y-bone bolted on.	The three bolts that hold...        read full caption The three bolts that hold the Y-bone in place went in like nothing.	The only modification to the...        read full caption The only modification to the frame was the addition of a second brace to the rear of the frame. Three holes were drilled to attach the brace to the frame.
As you can see, the rearend...        read full caption As you can see, the rearend clears on both sides.	The Y-bone was welded in ...        read full caption The Y-bone was welded in sections.	Mike had the Y-bone in place...        read full caption Mike had the Y-bone in place in less than five minutes.
Here are all of the different...        read full caption Here are all of the different angles on this Y-bone.	Red's is so confident of the...        read full caption Red's is so confident of the Y-bone that they removed the panhard bar and loaded up this trunk with all of the goodies.	This ride was ready to go...        read full caption This ride was ready to go down the boulevard with its new Y-bone suspension.