Front End Parts
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
Front End Parts
Hi All,
I am putting new ball joints and tie rod ends in my 1971 convertible. I read a horror story just recently on the forum, from a member who had bought a kit, and the lower ball joints were toast within 1000 miles. He did not state which vendor sold him the kit, which stinks, as he has sown the seed of doubt in my mind. Looking for advice on who makes the best parts for the money? Car is a small block, but will be pounded on a pretty regular basis. I also have a question on the tie rod tubes in my front end. I removed the tubes, pulled out the tierod ends. They are stock 1971 GM tubes, and they are mint,both inside and out. My question is, the clamps that secure the tie rods, once threaded into position, are beat to hell, I was wondering if I should try to replace the clamps if they can be found, or should I just go with an aftermarket tube set-up like from VBP. Your advice is appreciated.
I am putting new ball joints and tie rod ends in my 1971 convertible. I read a horror story just recently on the forum, from a member who had bought a kit, and the lower ball joints were toast within 1000 miles. He did not state which vendor sold him the kit, which stinks, as he has sown the seed of doubt in my mind. Looking for advice on who makes the best parts for the money? Car is a small block, but will be pounded on a pretty regular basis. I also have a question on the tie rod tubes in my front end. I removed the tubes, pulled out the tierod ends. They are stock 1971 GM tubes, and they are mint,both inside and out. My question is, the clamps that secure the tie rods, once threaded into position, are beat to hell, I was wondering if I should try to replace the clamps if they can be found, or should I just go with an aftermarket tube set-up like from VBP. Your advice is appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
The tubes themselves have threading inside. That's what matters. If the clamps still work then you can reuse them. If you don't feel comfortable, I thing new clamps are available from most Vette parts vendors.
If all you are replacing are the ball joint and tie rod ends...then I would suggest buying them locally. Try to find maybe Moog brand. Our Oreilly has Moog and a few other places like maybe Napa.
I bought a kit from Zip, and they were the Moog brand...but that may be more stuff than you want to replace.
If all you are replacing are the ball joint and tie rod ends...then I would suggest buying them locally. Try to find maybe Moog brand. Our Oreilly has Moog and a few other places like maybe Napa.
I bought a kit from Zip, and they were the Moog brand...but that may be more stuff than you want to replace.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
McQuay- Norris Suspension Parts
I was reading about the McQuay-Norris Company's suspension parts on a Camaro blog. They were comparing them to Moog and TRW brand and seemed to think they were of better quality. I know that they are the Lifetime Warranty option at Advance Auto Parts. Has any member had any experience with them? They seem a little pricier than the Moog parts, but I don't mind the extra, if the quality is there.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I was reading about the McQuay-Norris Company's suspension parts on a Camaro blog. They were comparing them to Moog and TRW brand and seemed to think they were of better quality. I know that they are the Lifetime Warranty option at Advance Auto Parts. Has any member had any experience with them? They seem a little pricier than the Moog parts, but I don't mind the extra, if the quality is there.
I would say yes, I agree, but the Moogs just don't fail. They last decades. If they were falling short then the extra money would be better...but what do you expect from them that the Moogs and TRWs don't provide? Value is there...quality is there...top notch in my book.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I found out that three of our local auto part stores here in Columbia either have Moog in stock or can order it. Not to mention, with a Moog part they will take it in a retrun exchange without a receipt. They just pick a number.
