2001convertable

Hi, Iam looking to do my 71 front end over. I looked on ebay and saw a whole kit with everything except springs. Does anyone know if the sets on ebay are good? Iam also looking for springs that are not going to be high after install anyone have any suggestions? My 71 is a 350 with air.
Thanks

Easy Mike

Depends on the seller. All the major aftermarket providers sell front suspension rebuild kits. You're not tied to purchasing from eBay.

Use stock heighth replacement springs. You can expect the front to be a tad higher with replacement springs because your old originals have probably sagged a little with age.

ugadog

I am considering the same on my '68 to remove some play in the steering … not terrible, but easily noticeable when driving. The “basic” kits seem to have ball joints, A-arm bushings, tie rod ends, and sway bar links. Other more expensive kits also contain idler arm, bumpers, and tie rod tubes.

I am not sure if the extra cost of the “deluxe” kit is worth the expense. On the other hand, I don’t want to go with the basic only to regret not doing the deluxe. Any experiences and suggestions with these front suspension rebuild kits and the various companies that sell them?

Also, how does one determine if the springs are in need of replacement? Shocks are definitely in the plan, but not sure about springs.

7T1vette

If you buy those kind of 'critical' parts based on "cost", you will likely be sorely disappointed sometime in the future.

CheezMoe

The asian components in the cheap kits are crap and dont last. Go to VBP or Van Steel and get quality parts!

ugadog

Yes, that is a very true statement and I appreciate the candid input! Likewise, if you buy parts with total disregard to cost, you will be sorely disappointed with your bank account sometime in the future.

Cost is one of many factors to consider, others including quality, originality, performance, need, purpose for your car, etc. I am a new Vette owner, who is hopelessly ignorant about suspension. So I apologize if my questions seem stupid and naive.

Thanks for the info, as I did not know about these suppliers! So with the Van Steel kits, are you suggesting for instance to go with the “Moog” product, as opposed to “House Brand” or is their House Brand also a good quality part? Considering originality, is any brand of rubber (as opposed to poly) parts considered an original replacement on these types of parts? I am looking for original, not performance parts.

rdoupe

I did a lot of research on this for my current 71 frame off project, mine is going to be a stock correct car, the best springs I could find that were exact copy's of OEM were from Zip.