What Heidts suspension is and why it matters
Heidts suspension is an aftermarket suspension system designed primarily for classic and hot rod vehicles, built by Heidts Auto Restoration. Rather than restoring an original suspension that may be decades old and prone to failure, Heidts systems replace the entire front or rear suspension with modern components that bolt into the original mounting points.
The main reason owners choose Heidts is that original suspensions on classic cars — especially those from the 1950s and earlier — were engineered for lower speeds, lighter loads, and different driving conditions than modern roads demand. A Heidts system gives you power steering, disc brakes, coil springs, and adjustable shock absorbers in a package that fits where the old leaf springs and drum brakes used to be.
You are not forced to use Heidts if you own a classic car; other manufacturers like Mustang II, CPP, and Chassis Engineering make similar systems. But Heidts has been in business since the 1980s and is one of the most widely used options for vehicles from the 1920s through 1960s.
Key Takeaways
- Heidts suspension replaces original front or rear suspension with modern coil springs, shocks, and steering components that mount to existing frame holes.
- The system is designed for classic and hot rod vehicles where original suspension is worn out, unsafe, or incompatible with modern driving.
- Installation requires removing the old suspension completely and bolting in the new assembly, a job that typically takes a professional shop several days.
- Heidts offers different kits for different vehicle years and body styles, so you need to confirm your exact year and model before ordering.
- The cost varies widely depending on whether you choose front-only, rear-only, or complete four-wheel systems, and whether you install it yourself or hire a shop.
Front suspension kits and what they include
A Heidts front suspension kit typically includes a new frame crossmember, coil springs, control arms, steering knuckles, and shock absorbers. The kit is engineered to bolt to the original frame mounting points on your vehicle, which is why Heidts makes different kits for different years and makes — a 1955 Chevy frame is not the same as a 1932 Ford.
The steering component is usually a manual or power steering box that connects to a new steering column. Some kits include the column; others assume you will reuse or modify your existing one. You will need to confirm what your specific kit includes before you order, because the parts list varies by model.
One advantage of a front kit is that it often allows you to fit larger wheels and tires than the original suspension could handle. A modern coil spring and shock setup can support wider, heavier wheels without the ride quality problems that plagued older leaf spring designs.
Rear suspension kits and their differences
Heidts rear suspension kits come in two main types: independent rear suspension (IRS) and solid axle designs. An IRS system has two separate suspension arms per wheel, similar to what you find on modern cars, and offers better handling and ride comfort. A solid axle kit uses a traditional beam axle with coil springs and shocks, which is simpler to install and often cheaper.
The choice between them depends on your priorities. If you want the smoothest ride and best handling for highway driving, IRS is worth the extra cost and complexity. If you are building a street rod on a budget or prefer a more traditional look, a solid axle kit may be the better fit.
Rear kits also vary in how they handle the brake lines and fuel tank. Some require you to relocate or modify these components; others are designed to work around them. Again, the specific kit for your vehicle will spell this out in the installation manual.
Installation: what the process involves
Installing a Heidts suspension is not a weekend project for most people. The old suspension must be completely removed — which means disconnecting the steering, brakes, and any other systems attached to it — and the new assembly must be aligned and tested before the car is safe to drive.
A professional restoration shop typically charges between several hundred and several thousand dollars for labor, depending on the condition of the existing frame, whether rust or damage requires repair, and whether the shop needs to fabricate custom brake or fuel line routing. If you are doing the work yourself, you will need a lift or jack stands, basic hand tools, and a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the correct specification.
After installation, the suspension must be aligned — the angles of the wheels adjusted so they track straight and wear evenly. This is not something you can skip or do by eye. A shop with a four-wheel alignment machine will charge $150 to $400 for this step, depending on your location.
Choosing the right kit for your vehicle
Heidts makes kits for a wide range of vehicles, but not every year and model. Before you order, you need to know your vehicle's exact year, make, and body style. A 1957 Chevy two-door coupe may use a different kit than a 1957 Chevy station wagon, because the frame geometry is different.
You can find the correct kit by checking the Heidts website or calling their customer service line with your vehicle information. They will confirm what is available and what the kit includes. Some kits are made to order and may take several weeks to ship.
If your vehicle is rare or unusual, Heidts may not make a kit for it. In that case, you would need to look at other manufacturers or consider a custom suspension build, which is more expensive and requires a shop experienced in fabrication.
Cost breakdown and what affects the price
A complete Heidts suspension system — front and rear — typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000 for the parts alone, though prices vary based on whether you choose manual or power steering, solid axle or IRS in the rear, and what extras you add. A front-only kit is usually $1,000 to $2,500; a rear-only kit is $1,500 to $3,500.
Labor to install a complete system at a shop ranges from $2,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on your location, the shop's experience, and the condition of your vehicle's frame. If the frame has rust or damage that needs repair before the new suspension can be bolted on, labor costs will be higher.
Alignment, brake line fabrication, and other finishing work are usually billed separately. Budget an extra $500 to $1,500 for these tasks if you are having a shop do the full job.
Common reasons to upgrade to Heidts suspension
The most common reason is safety. Original suspensions on cars from the 1950s and earlier were not designed for modern traffic speeds, highway driving, or the weight of modern engines and transmissions that owners often install. A worn-out original suspension can make a car unpredictable and difficult to control.
The second reason is reliability. Leaf springs can break, drum brakes can fail, and steering components wear out. Replacing all of these with modern parts means fewer breakdowns and lower maintenance over time.
The third reason is comfort and handling. A Heidts system with coil springs and adjustable shocks rides smoother than a 70-year-old leaf spring setup and handles better in curves. If you plan to drive your classic car regularly rather than just show it, this matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Heidts suspension fit my car if it is not a common model?
Heidts makes kits for many vehicles from the 1920s through 1960s, but not all. Check their website or contact them with your exact year, make, and body style. If they do not make a kit for your car, you may be able to adapt a kit from a similar vehicle, but this requires fabrication work and is not recommended unless you have experience.
Can I install a Heidts suspension myself?
Yes, if you have mechanical experience, a lift or jack stands, and the right tools. However, alignment and brake system work should be done by a professional shop. Many people do the removal and installation themselves but take the car to a shop for alignment and testing.
Do I have to replace both front and rear suspension at the same time?
No. Many owners start with the front suspension and add a rear kit later. However, if your rear suspension is also worn out or unsafe, doing both at once is more efficient and saves on labor costs.
What is the difference between a Heidts kit and a Mustang II suspension?
Mustang II kits are designed to fit many different classic vehicles and use components from 1970s Ford Mustangs. Heidts kits are vehicle-specific and use modern components. Mustang II kits are often cheaper but may require more fabrication work to fit properly.
How long does a Heidts suspension last?
Modern suspension components are built to last 100,000 miles or more under normal driving. Shock absorbers may need replacement every 50,000 to 80,000 miles. Regular maintenance — checking bolt tightness, inspecting for leaks, and keeping the system clean — extends the life of the suspension.