What UMI suspension does

UMI Performance manufactures bolt-on suspension components and complete suspension systems, primarily for Chevrolet and GM vehicles built between the 1960s and early 2000s. Their products replace or reinforce factory suspension parts — control arms, bushings, frame connectors, and anti-roll bars — to reduce body roll, improve handling, and lower ride height on street and performance cars.

UMI does not make complete suspension overhauls from the ground up. Instead, they sell individual parts or kits that work alongside your existing frame and steering geometry. A typical UMI installation involves removing old factory components, bolting in UMI parts using existing or new mounting points, and sometimes welding frame connectors to the chassis. The work is usually done by a shop with frame and suspension experience, though some owners with mechanical skill handle it themselves.

The company is based in Ohio and has been operating since the 1980s. They focus on older Chevrolet muscle cars and trucks — Camaros, Novas, Chevelles, and C10 trucks are common platforms — but also support some Pontiac and Oldsmobile models. Their parts are sold through their website, through specialty automotive retailers, and through performance shops that stock or order them.

Key Takeaways

  • UMI suspension kits replace factory control arms, bushings, and frame connectors with stronger, adjustable parts designed to reduce body roll and improve cornering.
  • Installation requires mechanical skill or a shop experienced in suspension and frame work; most kits are not bolt-on-only and may involve welding or drilling new holes.
  • Costs range from a few hundred dollars for individual components to several thousand for a complete front and rear kit, plus labor if you use a shop.
  • UMI parts are designed for specific vehicle years and models; ordering the wrong kit for your car will result in parts that do not fit or function correctly.
  • Suspension changes affect how your car handles, brakes, and sits on the road; improper installation or mismatched components can create safety issues.

Common UMI suspension kits and what they include

UMI organizes their offerings by vehicle platform and suspension location. A front suspension kit typically includes lower control arms, upper control arms or braces, new bushings, and sometimes a frame connector or subframe brace. A rear suspension kit might include lower control arms, trailing arms, panhard bars, and bushings. Some kits are sold as complete front-and-rear packages; others are sold individually so you can upgrade one end of the car at a time.

The parts themselves are usually made from steel or aluminum and are either adjustable or fixed. Adjustable control arms let you fine-tune wheel alignment after installation. Fixed arms are simpler but require more precise measurement during installation. UMI also sells frame connectors — reinforcement plates that bolt or weld to the frame to reduce flex — and subframe braces that tie the suspension mounting points together.

Pricing varies widely. A single lower control arm might cost $150 to $300. A complete front kit for a Camaro or Chevelle typically ranges from $600 to $1,200. A full front-and-rear package can exceed $2,000 to $3,000 before labor. Specialty items like adjustable trailing arms or panhard bars cost more than basic fixed components. Shipping is usually $20 to $50 depending on kit size and your location.

Installation: what the work involves

UMI suspension installation is not a straightforward bolt-on job for most kits. The process usually begins with removing the wheels, brake calipers, and existing suspension components — a task that requires a lift, jack stands, and basic hand tools. Once the old parts are out, the new UMI components bolt into the original mounting holes or into new holes that must be drilled into the frame.

Many UMI kits include frame connectors that must be welded to the chassis. This step requires a MIG or TIG welder, a steady hand, and knowledge of where to weld without damaging fuel lines, brake lines, or electrical harnesses. Some shops outsource welding to a dedicated frame shop. After welding, the frame connector is usually bolted to the suspension mounting point. The entire process — removal, installation, welding, and alignment — typically takes 8 to 16 hours depending on the kit and the condition of the existing suspension.

After installation, the car must be aligned. UMI suspension changes the angles at which the wheels sit relative to the frame, so a professional four-wheel alignment is necessary to may support even tire wear and safe handling. Alignment costs typically range from $150 to $300 at a shop with suspension informed. Some shops bundle alignment into their installation quote; others charge it separately.

Labor costs and where to have it done

A shop experienced in suspension and frame work will charge between $60 and $150 per hour, depending on location and reputation. For a complete front-and-rear UMI suspension installation, labor alone often runs $800 to $2,000. Adding alignment, new bushings, and any unexpected frame damage discovered during removal can push the total to $3,000 to $4,000 or more.

Finding the right shop matters. UMI suspension work requires familiarity with older Chevrolet platforms, frame geometry, and welding. A general repair shop may not have the informed or equipment. Specialty shops that focus on muscle cars, hot rods, or performance vehicles are more likely to have done UMI installations before and to understand the nuances of each platform. Many such shops are listed on car forums and enthusiast websites specific to your vehicle model.

Some owners choose to install UMI suspension themselves if they have welding equipment, a lift, and mechanical experience. This approach saves labor costs but introduces risk — improper installation can affect handling, braking, and safety. If you go this route, UMI provides installation instructions with each kit, and many enthusiast forums have step-by-step guides and videos. However, alignment still requires professional equipment and should not be skipped.

How UMI suspension changes your car's handling and ride

The primary goal of UMI suspension is to reduce body roll — the side-to-side tilting motion that occurs when you turn. Factory suspension on older Chevrolets was designed for comfort and compliance, not performance, so the car leans noticeably in corners. UMI control arms and frame connectors stiffen the suspension geometry and reduce flex, so the car stays flatter and more level during turns.

This change feels dramatic to drivers accustomed to stock suspension. Cornering grip improves, and the car responds more directly to steering input. However, the ride also becomes firmer. Bumps and road imperfections transmit more directly to the cabin. Some owners find this trade-off acceptable; others prefer the softer, more forgiving feel of stock suspension. Adjustable control arms allow some fine-tuning of ride height and geometry, but they do not change the fundamental stiffness of the system.

Braking performance can also improve because the car no longer dives as much under hard braking. The front end stays more level, which helps weight transfer more evenly to all four tires. However, if the suspension is set up incorrectly or if the braking system is not properly maintained, braking can become unpredictable. This is another reason why professional installation and alignment are important.

Compatibility and ordering the right kit for your car

UMI suspension kits are designed for specific vehicle years and models. A kit for a 1970–1972 Chevelle will not fit a 1973–1977 Chevelle because the frame and suspension mounting points changed. Similarly, a Camaro kit will not work on a Nova, even though both are Chevrolet products. Ordering the wrong kit wastes money and time.

Before ordering, confirm your vehicle's year, model, and body style. Check the UMI website or contact their customer service to verify that the kit you want is compatible. Some kits are listed as "1970–1972" or "1968–1974," so read the description carefully. If you are unsure, ask the shop that will install the parts — they can confirm compatibility and may catch issues you miss.

UMI also makes kits for specific suspension configurations. Some cars came with single-leaf springs in the rear; others came with multi-leaf springs. Some had factory anti-roll bars; others did not. The kit you choose should match your car's original setup or be explicitly designed to work with a different configuration. Again, the shop or UMI customer service can help clarify.

Warranty and support

UMI typically offers a limited warranty on parts — usually one year from purchase against manufacturing defects. The warranty covers the part itself, not labor or damage caused by improper installation. If a control arm breaks or a bushing fails within the warranty period and the failure is due to a manufacturing flaw, UMI will replace it. However, if the failure is due to installation error, misalignment, or normal wear, the warranty does not cover it.

UMI customer service is available by phone and email. They can answer questions about kit compatibility, installation procedures, and warranty claims. However, they do not provide installation labor or alignment services — that is the responsibility of the shop or the owner. If you are installing the kit yourself, their technical support can help troubleshoot problems, but they cannot diagnose issues that require hands-on inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a UMI suspension kit myself without welding?

Some kits have frame connectors that bolt only, without welding, but many require welding to the frame. Check the specific kit instructions before ordering. If you do not have welding equipment or experience, you can have a frame shop weld the connectors while you handle the bolt-on components yourself. This hybrid approach saves some labor cost.

Will UMI suspension void my car's warranty?

If your car is still under the manufacturer's warranty, suspension modifications may void it. However, most cars that use UMI suspension are 20 to 60 years old and are long out of warranty. If your car is newer and still covered, check your warranty terms or contact the manufacturer before installing aftermarket suspension.

Do I need to replace my shocks and springs when I install UMI suspension?

Not necessarily. UMI control arms and frame connectors work with your existing shocks and springs. However, if your shocks are worn or your springs are sagging, replacing them at the same time improves the overall result. Many shops recommend replacing shocks and springs together with suspension work to may support consistent handling.

How long does a UMI suspension installation take?

A complete front-and-rear installation typically takes 8 to 16 hours at a shop, depending on the kit, the condition of the existing suspension, and whether welding is required. Add another 1 to 2 hours for alignment. If you are doing it yourself, plan for longer, especially if you are learning as you go.

What if my car has rust or frame damage?

Rust or damage can complicate installation. If the frame is rusted where the new parts bolt on, the holes may not line up or the bolts may not hold securely. A shop will discover this during removal and can often drill new holes or reinforce the area. However, severe rust or structural damage may make the installation unsafe or impossible. Have a shop inspect your frame before committing to the work.