The real reason you don't chrome plate suspension parts is because of HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT. It works like this: when the part is being plated, hydrogen atoms migrate into the steel. There is enough space for a hydrogen atom to fit in the matrix. But the hydrogen atom isn't "happy" with being all alone and "wants" to join up with another hydrogen atom to make an H2 molecule. There isn't enough room in the matrix for that. Thus, the steel is internally stressed and can break with a brittle-appearing fracture at much lower stresses than the original steel part. To safely use chromed suspension parts the part has to be baked for several hours after plating to drive out the hydrogen atoms, even then you can't be sure.

R.

PS: To all those who know the correct ways to refer to the atoms, ions and molecules, I apologize as I can't remember after 35 years away from the classroom.