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The swept hip term comes from the shape of the frame at front and rear ends, where it sweeps inward and upward before continuing. From the cowl area forward, the framework is completely boxed, constructed with an integral deep-dip front crossmember. The upper A-arm and coil spring perches are located on the frame at either end of this strong crossmember. The frame extensions running forward for radiator and sheet metal support are also boxed. This latter item is quite important, as it provides very stiff mounting for the short bumper brackets, giving a strong bumper. When you jack up the front of this car with a bumper jack, everything moves, not just the bumper.
At the rear, the inward/upward sweep starts about the rear seat and is also boxed completely. At the innermost apex of the sweep are two rear end locating arm mounts. The rear crossmember is nearly straight, with coil spring mounting flanges directly adjacent. From the top of the kickup rearward, single channel extends straight back to a terminal channel crossmember which is both a bumper mounting area and rear body support.
A fourth crossmember becomes a part of the structure when the transmission is added. This member mounts via rubber bushin s to either side rail. The bushings cut down on the amount of
engine
vibrations transmitted into the car body. On the subject of passenger
compartment noise reduction, soft butyl rubber mounts are used at all
body bolt points (there are seven on each side, which also contributes
considerably to the rigidity of the completed car).
Here's where
we came unglued. Not at the standard package so much as with the options
offered. Of course, you've got to start with something awfully good.
Springing is by coils all around, designated as Heavy-Duty items on all
GTO's, with wheel rates of 89 and 110 pounds per inch, front and rear.
These springs are more than sufficient for any use, so very few would
consider any other rates necessary.
The independent front suspension uses two spherical ball joints at top
and bottom of the steering knuckle with "fixed boot" grease seals. Under
normal conditions, you can expect 12,000 miles or one year between grease
jobs, if you use the specially recommended factory grease. The unequal
length A-arms are made of heavy gauge stamped steel and pivot on the inner
points through rubber bushings. The wide stance inner mounts of the A-arms
assure a minimum amount of front end alignment trouble, since such mounting
tends to resist normal driving abuse. Part of the GTO's handling qualities
(continued on following page)
