The HD Holden occupies an important place in Holden history. Released in 1965, it introduced a completely new body design, improved ride quality and a more sophisticated suspension setup than previous Holden models. For its era, the HD delivered a comfortable and compliant ride that appealed to Australian families travelling on everything from city streets to rough country roads.
However, suspension technology has come a long way since the mid-1960s. Even the best-preserved HD Holden is now approaching sixty years old, and most factory suspension components have long since passed their intended service life. Worn bushes, tired springs, leaking shock absorbers and ageing steering components can leave an otherwise excellent car feeling vague, unstable and uncomfortable.
The good news is that modern suspension upgrades can dramatically improve ride quality, steering response, handling and safety while still maintaining the classic character of the vehicle. Whether you’re restoring a stock cruiser, building a weekend tourer or creating a mild street machine, upgrading the suspension is one of the best investments you can make.
Why Upgrade the Suspension?
Many owners focus on engine performance before addressing suspension.
In reality, suspension upgrades often provide greater improvements in everyday driving.
Benefits Include
- Better ride quality
- Improved steering precision
- Reduced body roll
- Increased stability
- Better tyre wear
- Improved safety
Even a completely standard Red Motor-powered HD Holden feels significantly more modern with a properly upgraded suspension system.
Upgrade #1: Replace All Suspension Bushes
The original rubber bushes fitted to HD Holdens were never designed to last decades.
Today, most factory bushes are cracked, hardened or completely worn out.
Symptoms of Worn Bushes
- Steering wander
- Clunking noises
- Excessive body roll
- Uneven tyre wear
Replacing suspension bushes is often the single biggest improvement owners notice.
Best Suspension Bush Upgrade
Recommended Product: Nolathane Complete Suspension Bush Kit
Benefits
- Sharper steering response
- Reduced suspension movement
- Improved handling
- Longer service life than factory rubber
Best For
- Street cars
- Restorations
- Touring vehicles
Nolathane remains one of the most trusted suspension brands among Australian enthusiasts.
Upgrade #2: Modern Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers control spring movement and dramatically influence ride quality.
Many HD Holdens still run old shocks that provide little effective damping.
Benefits of New Shocks
- Better ride comfort
- Improved braking stability
- Reduced body movement
- Improved road holding
Modern shock technology offers a noticeable improvement over original units.
Best Shock Absorber Upgrade
Recommended Product: KYB Excel-G Shock Absorbers
Benefits
- Excellent ride quality
- Improved control
- Reliable construction
- Suitable for classic vehicles
Best For
- Daily drivers
- Weekend cruisers
- Long-distance touring
Fresh shocks can transform how a HD Holden feels on Australian roads.
Upgrade #3: Heavy Duty Front Coil Springs
Factory springs lose tension over time.
This causes reduced ride height and poor suspension performance.
Symptoms
- Front-end sag
- Bottoming out
- Reduced suspension travel
- Uneven stance
Replacing worn springs restores proper ride height and handling.
Best Front Spring Upgrade
Recommended Product: King Springs Heavy Duty Front Coils
Benefits
- Improved support
- Better handling
- Restored ride height
- Australian-made
Best For
- Street use
- Mild performance builds
- Vehicles with additional accessories
King Springs are widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading suspension manufacturers.
Upgrade #4: Rear Leaf Spring Replacement
The rear leaf springs carry significant load throughout the vehicle’s life.
Over decades, sagging becomes common.
Symptoms
- Rear-end droop
- Poor load carrying
- Axle tramp
- Unstable handling
Fresh rear springs restore balance to the suspension system.
Best Rear Spring Upgrade
Recommended Product: Heavy Duty Rear Leaf Spring Kit
Benefits
- Improved stability
- Better ride height
- Increased load capacity
- Reduced axle movement
Best For
- Touring cars
- Weekend cruisers
- Mild performance builds
Upgrade #5: Ball Joint Replacement
Ball joints play a critical role in steering and suspension performance.
Symptoms of Wear
- Loose steering
- Front-end noises
- Poor wheel alignment
- Tyre wear issues
New ball joints improve steering accuracy and safety.
Best Ball Joint Upgrade
Recommended Product: Rare Spares Ball Joint Kit
Benefits
- OE-style fitment
- Improved steering feel
- Reliable construction
Best For
- Suspension rebuilds
- Restorations
- Preventative maintenance
Upgrade #6: Steering Linkage Refresh
Many handling complaints actually originate from worn steering components.
Common Wear Items
- Tie rod ends
- Idler arm
- Centre link
- Steering box adjustments
Refreshing the steering system complements suspension upgrades perfectly.
Best Steering Upgrade Components
Recommended Product: Rare Spares Steering Rebuild Components
Benefits
- Reduced steering play
- Improved stability
- Better road feel
Best For
- Original restorations
- Highway driving
- Daily use
Upgrade #7: Polyurethane Spring Eye Bushes
Leaf spring eye bushes receive constant movement and load.
Factory rubber versions eventually wear.
Benefits
- Improved rear axle control
- Reduced unwanted movement
- Longer service life
These are often overlooked during suspension rebuilds.
Best Polyurethane Spring Bush Kit
Recommended Product: Nolathane Leaf Spring Bush Kit
Benefits
- Increased durability
- Improved handling
- Easy installation
Best For
- Street cars
- Restorations
- Long-term ownership
Upgrade #8: Performance Wheel Alignment
A proper alignment is one of the cheapest suspension upgrades available.
Benefits
- Better steering feel
- Improved tyre wear
- Increased stability
- Enhanced driver confidence
Alignment should always follow suspension repairs or upgrades.
Best Inspection Tool
Before upgrading suspension, it’s important to identify worn components.
Recommended Product: LED Workshop Inspection Light
Benefits
- Easier underbody inspections
- Improved visibility
- Essential workshop equipment
Best For
- DIY maintenance
- Suspension inspections
- Restoration projects
Best Lubricant for Suspension Maintenance
Keeping suspension components protected can extend service life.
Recommended Product: CRC Heavy Duty Silicone Spray
Benefits
- Protects rubber components
- Helps eliminate squeaks
- Water resistant
Best For
- Bush maintenance
- Workshop servicing
- Preventative care
Should You Lower an HD Holden?
Lowering remains a popular modification.
Advantages
- Improved appearance
- Reduced body roll
- Lower centre of gravity
Considerations
- Reduced ground clearance
- Ride quality changes
- Engineering requirements in some states
For most owners, a mild drop using quality springs provides the best balance.
Suspension Upgrade Packages by Budget
Budget Refresh
- New shock absorbers
- Wheel alignment
- Basic bush replacement
Result
Noticeably improved ride quality and steering.
Mid-Level Upgrade
- Complete bush kit
- New shocks
- Ball joints
- Steering rebuild
Result
Transforms handling and drivability.
Complete Suspension Rebuild
- Springs
- Bushes
- Ball joints
- Steering components
- Shock absorbers
- Alignment
Result
HD Holden drives better than many owners ever remember.
Final Thoughts
The HD Holden was designed to deliver a comfortable ride and predictable handling, and with the right upgrades it can still achieve exactly that today. Suspension improvements offer some of the greatest gains available for any classic Holden, improving everything from steering feel and ride comfort to braking stability and safety.
Products such as Nolathane bush kits, KYB shock absorbers, King Springs coil springs and Rare Spares steering components provide proven solutions that work exceptionally well on classic HD Holdens. Whether you’re restoring a factory-original sedan or building a reliable weekend cruiser, investing in the suspension system will make every kilometre more enjoyable.
Many owners are surprised to discover that suspension upgrades improve the driving experience far more than engine modifications. A well-sorted HD Holden not only rides better—it feels tighter, safer and far more confidence-inspiring on modern roads.
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