The VN, VP, VR, and VS Commodore platform remains one of the most popular Holden performance and restoration platforms in Australia. Whether you’re building a comfortable cruiser, a street machine, a track car, or simply refreshing a tired suspension system, upgrading the suspension can dramatically improve handling, ride quality, braking performance, and driver confidence.
Many of these vehicles are now over 30 years old, meaning most original suspension components have reached the end of their service life. Upgrading worn components not only restores factory performance but can significantly improve upon it.
Why Upgrade Your Suspension?
Suspension upgrades offer more than just a lower ride height.
Benefits
- Improved handling
- Better steering response
- Reduced body roll
- Increased stability
- Better braking control
- Improved tyre wear
- Enhanced appearance
Even mild upgrades can transform how a Commodore drives.
Start with a Suspension Inspection
Before upgrading, inspect the existing suspension.
Common Wear Items
- Shock absorbers
- Springs
- Control arm bushes
- Radius rod bushes
- Ball joints
- Sway bar links
- Strut top mounts
Replacing worn components often delivers the biggest improvement.
1. Quality Shock Absorbers
One of the best upgrades you can make.
Benefits
- Improved ride control
- Better cornering stability
- Reduced body movement
- Increased tyre contact
Ideal For
- Daily drivers
- Performance builds
- Restorations
Modern shocks outperform original equipment significantly.
2. Performance Springs
Lowering springs remain one of the most popular modifications.
Benefits
- Reduced body roll
- Improved appearance
- Sharper handling
- Lower centre of gravity
Popular Drop Heights
- Low
- Super Low
Always ensure compliance with local regulations.
3. Matched Spring and Shock Packages
The best results come from matched components.
Benefits
- Balanced ride quality
- Improved handling
- Better suspension travel
Ideal For
- Street-driven vehicles
- Enthusiast builds
This is often the best overall suspension upgrade.
4. Polyurethane Suspension Bushes
Factory rubber bushes deteriorate with age.
Benefits
- Improved steering precision
- Reduced suspension movement
- Longer lifespan
Common Locations
- Control arms
- Radius rods
- Sway bars
A noticeable improvement in handling response.
5. Heavy-Duty Radius Rod Bushes
One of the most worthwhile upgrades for VN–VS models.
Benefits
- Improved braking stability
- Sharper steering
- Reduced front-end movement
Ideal For
- Street cars
- Performance builds
These bushes address a known weak point.
6. Larger Front Sway Bar
A larger sway bar reduces body roll.
Benefits
- Improved cornering
- Better stability
- Reduced understeer
Best For
- Spirited driving
- Track days
- Performance builds
7. Rear Sway Bar Upgrade
Balances front suspension improvements.
Benefits
- Improved rear-end stability
- More neutral handling
- Better cornering balance
Particularly effective when combined with front sway bar upgrades.
8. Strut Brace Upgrade
An easy bolt-on modification.
Benefits
- Increased chassis rigidity
- Improved steering feel
- Better front-end response
Ideal For
- Performance-oriented vehicles
Provides noticeable improvements on older bodies.
9. Adjustable Shock Absorbers
Popular among enthusiasts.
Benefits
- Tunable ride quality
- Adjustable handling characteristics
- Greater versatility
Best For
- Weekend cars
- Motorsport applications
10. Coilover Suspension Systems
A premium upgrade option.
Benefits
- Adjustable ride height
- Adjustable damping
- Improved handling
Best For
- Performance builds
- Show cars
- Track-focused vehicles
More expensive but highly effective.
11. Upgraded Ball Joints
Often overlooked during suspension upgrades.
Benefits
- Improved steering accuracy
- Better suspension reliability
Recommended When
- Rebuilding front suspension
- Installing lowering components
12. Rear Suspension Refresh
The rear suspension is often neglected.
Recommended Upgrades
- New springs
- New shocks
- Bush replacements
Benefits
- Improved ride quality
- Better traction
- Increased stability
Best Suspension Upgrade Packages
Budget Street Package
Includes
- New shocks
- New springs
- Wheel alignment
Benefits
- Excellent value
- Improved handling
- Better ride quality
Perfect for daily drivers.
Enthusiast Street Package
Includes
- Performance springs
- Quality shocks
- Polyurethane bushes
- Heavy-duty radius rod bushes
Benefits
- Sharper steering
- Reduced body roll
- Improved cornering
One of the most popular combinations.
Performance Package
Includes
- Adjustable shocks
- Larger sway bars
- Polyurethane bushes
- Strut brace
Benefits
- Excellent road handling
- Increased driver confidence
Ideal for spirited driving.
Track-Oriented Package
Includes
- Coilovers
- Adjustable suspension components
- Heavy-duty sway bars
- Full suspension rebuild
Benefits
- Maximum handling performance
Best suited to dedicated performance applications.
Lowering Considerations
Lowering can improve handling but should be done correctly.
Common Mistakes
- Using lowering springs with worn shocks
- Excessive ride height reduction
- Ignoring wheel alignment
Properly matched components are essential.
Suspension Upgrades for Daily Drivers
Not every Commodore needs a race-car setup.
Recommended
- Quality shocks
- Moderate lowering springs
- Fresh bushes
Provides a comfortable yet controlled ride.
Suspension Upgrades for V8 Commodores
V8-powered cars benefit from additional suspension improvements.
Recommended
- Heavy-duty shocks
- Larger sway bars
- Improved bushings
Helps manage additional weight and power.
Wheel Alignment After Suspension Upgrades
Always perform an alignment after suspension work.
Benefits
- Improved tyre life
- Better handling
- Correct steering response
Skipping alignment can ruin the benefits of upgrades.
Signs Your Suspension Needs Upgrading
Common Indicators
- Excessive body roll
- Poor ride quality
- Uneven tyre wear
- Clunking noises
- Steering wander
Many owners are surprised by the improvement after replacing worn components.
Best Upgrade Order
For most owners:
Step 1
Replace worn components.
Step 2
Install quality shocks.
Step 3
Upgrade springs.
Step 4
Replace bushes.
Step 5
Upgrade sway bars.
This provides the best value for money.
Final Thoughts
The VN, VP, VR, and VS Commodore responds exceptionally well to suspension upgrades. While lowering springs often receive the most attention, the biggest improvements usually come from quality shock absorbers, fresh bushes, and correcting years of wear and tear.
Whether you’re building a comfortable cruiser or a serious performance car, a properly planned suspension package will improve handling, braking, ride quality, and overall driving enjoyment. For most owners, a combination of quality shocks, matched springs, upgraded bushes, and sway bars provides the perfect balance between comfort and performance.
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