Front end troubleshooting.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria Va
Take a look at my uppers.
I rebuilt the upper and lower control arms last weekend. It was a lot of work but well worth it. I bought my own 12-ton hydraulic press because the cost for a machine shop to install new cups exceeded the tool cost. The shops around here didn't exude confidence in getting the job done so I took it on myself. If you need anymore info let me know. SF The3
Last edited by The3; Mar 5, 2007 at 10:39 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio TX
Yeah, the springs have to come out. I don't think it's possible to do it any other way. I studied the setup for the longest time, trying to figure out if it was in any way possible to change them out without removing the springs. I couldn't see a way......maybe someone else has.
In any case, other than the springs, it really isn't that complicated of a job. It was a lot of work though, but absolutely worth it.
Several years ago, I paid to have someone do it. I went with the rubber bushings. Since then, I developed a PS pump leak and it deteriorated the bushing.
I decided to do it myself, with poly, in conjunction with the Steeroids.
Lots of sweat, a little blood and two days later, she was back on the road.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: las vegas
Have you checked the front wheel bearings? Check the bearing runout after you have adjusted it to spec. Removing the springs is easy and not a dangerious job if you engage your brain. A spring compressor helps. Let the spring help to seperate the lower ball joint from the spindle. Loosen the nut a few turns and let it sit like that overnight if it does not pop loose right away. When I got up the next morning the ball joint shaft was popped loose from the spindle for me. You really should rebuild the entire front and rear suspension. It is a safety issue on these older cars and when done you will know exactlty what you have. Vegas
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
From: THE Eastern Shore Maryland
Lots and lots of good info, thanks everyone...I have not checked the front wheel bearings...back in a few, gotta run
Last edited by jetdoc; Mar 6, 2007 at 11:20 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
I was just going to replace the original shocks with Bilstein Sports (yes, they were the original AC delcos stamped 7-1979
) and low & behold, "well lookie here, I have worn & loose bushings & since my steering box is pretty loose, I may as well get that taken care of."Now, over a month & many dollars later, I ended up replacing the steering box, power steering pump, power steering control valve, front end bushings & fuel pump. Oh, I also had the 4 wheel alignment done to make sure it's all pointed in a straight line.
Jeepers, this damn thing is gonna put me in the poor house
But, it does handle great (really great actually) probably better now than when it did right off the factory line.
Next...the interior:o
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
From: THE Eastern Shore Maryland
Amen!
I was just going to replace the original shocks with Bilstein Sports (yes, they were the original AC delcos stamped 7-1979 ) and low & behold, "well lookie here, I have worn & loose bushings & since my steering box is pretty loose, I may as well get that taken care of."
Now, over a month & many dollars later, I ended up replacing the steering box, power steering pump, power steering control valve, front end bushings & fuel pump. Oh, I also had the 4 wheel alignment done to make sure it's all pointed in a straight line.
Jeepers, this damn thing is gonna put me in the poor house
But, it does handle great (really great actually) probably better now than when it did right off the factory line.
Next...the interior:o
I was just going to replace the original shocks with Bilstein Sports (yes, they were the original AC delcos stamped 7-1979
) and low & behold, "well lookie here, I have worn & loose bushings & since my steering box is pretty loose, I may as well get that taken care of."Now, over a month & many dollars later, I ended up replacing the steering box, power steering pump, power steering control valve, front end bushings & fuel pump. Oh, I also had the 4 wheel alignment done to make sure it's all pointed in a straight line.
Jeepers, this damn thing is gonna put me in the poor house
But, it does handle great (really great actually) probably better now than when it did right off the factory line.
Next...the interior:o
