The HQ, HJ, HX, HZ and WB Holden platform is one of the most versatile chassis designs ever produced in Australia. Whether you’re building a comfortable cruiser, a tough street machine, a GTS replica, a Sandman tribute or a long-distance touring car, the suspension setup plays a massive role in how the vehicle performs.
When these Holdens were new, they offered an impressive balance of ride comfort and road holding. Compared with earlier Holden models, the HQ introduced a far more sophisticated suspension package that remained largely unchanged through to the final WB models in 1984.
Unfortunately, most surviving examples are now running suspension components that are several decades old. Rubber bushes perish, springs sag, shock absorbers wear out and steering components develop excessive play. Even a well-maintained Holden can feel vague and unstable compared to modern vehicles.
The good news is that there are numerous suspension upgrades available that can dramatically improve handling, ride quality and safety without compromising the classic Holden character.
Start with a Complete Suspension Inspection
Before upgrading anything, it’s important to determine what condition the existing suspension is in.
Many owners immediately purchase lowering springs or larger sway bars when the real issue is worn-out components.
Check For
- Worn bushes
- Leaking shock absorbers
- Sagging springs
- Ball joint wear
- Steering linkage play
- Uneven tyre wear
A suspension upgrade should always begin with a solid foundation.
Upgrade #1: Replace Every Suspension Bush
If there is one upgrade that transforms a HQ-WB Holden more than any other, it is replacing the original suspension bushes.
Most factory bushes are now over 40 years old.
Common Symptoms of Worn Bushes
- Wandering steering
- Clunking noises
- Excessive body roll
- Poor braking stability
- Uneven tyre wear
Replacing these bushes immediately restores suspension precision.
Best Suspension Bush Kit
Recommended Product: Nolathane Complete Suspension Bush Kit
Benefits
- Improved steering response
- Reduced suspension movement
- Increased durability
- Better handling precision
Best For
- Street cars
- Restorations
- Performance builds
Nolathane remains one of the most trusted suspension brands in Australia.
Upgrade #2: Install Quality Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers control body movement and tyre contact with the road.
Many classic Holdens are still running shocks that have long since lost their effectiveness.
Symptoms of Worn Shocks
- Excessive bouncing
- Poor ride control
- Body roll
- Brake dive
Replacing shocks often provides an immediate improvement in ride quality.
Best Shock Absorber Upgrade
Recommended Product: KYB Excel-G Shock Absorbers
Benefits
- Improved ride quality
- Better handling
- Excellent reliability
- Direct replacement design
Best For
- Daily drivers
- Touring vehicles
- Mildly modified cars
KYB shocks offer an excellent balance between comfort and performance.
Upgrade #3: Fit New Springs
Springs gradually lose their original height and tension.
A sagging suspension affects handling, appearance and tyre wear.
Benefits of New Springs
- Correct ride height
- Improved cornering
- Better weight distribution
- Enhanced stability
Best Spring Upgrade
Recommended Product: King Springs
Benefits
- Australian-made
- Excellent ride quality
- Multiple ride-height options
- Proven reliability
Best For
- Street cars
- Touring Holdens
- Mild performance builds
King Springs are one of the most popular upgrades for HQ-WB Holdens.
Upgrade #4: Larger Front Sway Bar
The factory sway bars were designed for comfort rather than aggressive handling.
A larger sway bar significantly improves cornering performance.
Benefits
- Reduced body roll
- Sharper turn-in
- Better stability
- Improved driver confidence
This upgrade is particularly beneficial for V8-powered vehicles.
Best Sway Bar Upgrade
Recommended Product: Whiteline Heavy Duty Sway Bar
Benefits
- Improved cornering control
- Reduced body roll
- Durable construction
Best For
- Street machines
- Touring vehicles
- Performance builds
Upgrade #5: Steering Component Refresh
Many suspension complaints actually originate in the steering system.
Components to Inspect
- Tie rod ends
- Idler arm
- Pitman arm
- Centre link
- Steering box
Replacing worn steering components often transforms vehicle stability.
Best Steering Upgrade
Recommended Product: Rare Spares Steering Rebuild Components
Benefits
- Restores steering accuracy
- Improved highway stability
- Better tyre wear
Best For
- Original restorations
- Daily drivers
- Long-distance touring
Upgrade #6: Rear Suspension Bushes
Rear suspension upgrades are frequently overlooked.
Benefits
- Improved traction
- Better axle control
- Increased stability
Common Wear Areas
- Trailing arm bushes
- Panhard rod bushes
- Rear spring insulators
A properly controlled rear axle improves overall handling significantly.
Upgrade #7: Adjustable Shock Absorbers
For owners wanting more tuning flexibility, adjustable shocks can provide excellent results.
Benefits
- Adjustable ride characteristics
- Improved performance
- Better control for modified vehicles
Best For
- Street machines
- Weekend performance cars
- Towing applications
Best Adjustable Shock Upgrade
Recommended Product: Koni Classic Adjustable Shocks
Benefits
- Premium quality
- Tunable performance
- Long lifespan
Best For
- High-end builds
- Performance applications
- Touring vehicles
Upgrade #8: Performance Alignment
One of the cheapest and most effective upgrades is a professional wheel alignment.
Benefits
- Better handling
- Improved tyre life
- Enhanced steering response
- Increased stability
Many owners underestimate how much difference a proper alignment can make.
Upgrade #9: Polyurethane Body Mounts
HQ-WB Holdens use body mounts that deteriorate over time.
Symptoms
- Body movement
- Squeaks and rattles
- Reduced structural feel
Replacing worn mounts tightens the entire vehicle.
Best Body Mount Upgrade
Recommended Product: Nolathane Body Mount Kit
Benefits
- Improved body control
- Reduced flex
- Better overall feel
Best For
- Restorations
- Performance builds
Upgrade #10: Complete Front-End Rebuild
For many owners, the best approach is a complete rebuild rather than individual upgrades.
Typical Components
- Bushes
- Ball joints
- Tie rod ends
- Springs
- Shock absorbers
- Steering components
This restores the vehicle to a condition that often exceeds its original factory performance.
Best Budget Suspension Upgrade
If you’re working with limited funds, prioritise:
- Shock absorbers
- Suspension bushes
- Wheel alignment
These three upgrades deliver the biggest improvement per dollar spent.
Best Suspension Setup for a Street Cruiser
For most HQ-WB Holdens driven regularly, the ideal combination is:
- King Springs
- KYB Excel-G shocks
- Nolathane bush kit
- Whiteline sway bar
- Fresh steering components
This setup dramatically improves handling while maintaining excellent ride quality.
Common Suspension Upgrade Mistakes
Lowering the Car Too Much
Excessive lowering often worsens ride quality and suspension geometry.
Mixing Old and New Components
Replacing only one part frequently leaves other worn components affecting performance.
Ignoring Steering Wear
Steering and suspension work together and should be upgraded as a package.
Buying Cheap Parts
Inferior suspension components often wear quickly and deliver disappointing results.
Final Thoughts
The HQ, HJ, HX, HZ and WB Holden platform responds exceptionally well to suspension upgrades. Unlike many modern vehicles, relatively simple changes can deliver dramatic improvements in ride quality, handling and safety.
For most owners, replacing worn bushes, fitting quality shock absorbers and installing fresh springs will transform how the vehicle drives. Add a sway bar upgrade and a proper wheel alignment and you’ll have a Holden that feels far more precise, predictable and enjoyable on today’s roads.
Whether you’re restoring a WB ute, cruising a Kingswood, building a Sandman or assembling a tough 308-powered street machine, investing in the suspension is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
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