Front suspension rebuild
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: West Michigan
Front suspension rebuild
I am planning on rebuilding the front end suspension this winter, and I am looking for suggestions on good websites and or books that cover this subject. I have a 1977. The car will be a driver so I am looking for votes on rubber or poly bushings. I far as I know the car has never had any work done on the front end. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
It depends on how much money you want to spend for one thing...
Regarding rubber vs poly - rubber is softer, quieter, less expensive and the NCRS peeps like it... That said, poly lasts MUCH longer, gives a more positive feel in the steering wheel - squeeks sometimes and costs more. Me ? I go with poly...my car is a driver.
Stay stock or go aftermarket..? I would TOTALLY recomend "Steeroids" rack & pinion system...it's a night and day upgrade from the C3 original steering - and it's pretty much bolt on so going back to original is not a problem if you ever wanted to. Oh - did I mention it costs a pretty penny ? LOL !
Be careful of the springs....huge energy stored in big spring under presure....can't stress that enough.
It's pretty basic and in my opinion FUN work...not rocket science at all...and you'll be proud of yourself when your done...get stuck ? Post a pic..ask a question...it will come together !
Have fun and keep us posted !
Jeff
Regarding rubber vs poly - rubber is softer, quieter, less expensive and the NCRS peeps like it... That said, poly lasts MUCH longer, gives a more positive feel in the steering wheel - squeeks sometimes and costs more. Me ? I go with poly...my car is a driver.
Stay stock or go aftermarket..? I would TOTALLY recomend "Steeroids" rack & pinion system...it's a night and day upgrade from the C3 original steering - and it's pretty much bolt on so going back to original is not a problem if you ever wanted to. Oh - did I mention it costs a pretty penny ? LOL !
Be careful of the springs....huge energy stored in big spring under presure....can't stress that enough.
It's pretty basic and in my opinion FUN work...not rocket science at all...and you'll be proud of yourself when your done...get stuck ? Post a pic..ask a question...it will come together !
Have fun and keep us posted !
Jeff
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I just did my a-arms, ball joints, and wheel bearings. Poly bushings from VB&P. MOOG ball joints, NAPA wheel bearings.
I'm lucky to work at a shop!
I scrubbed everything in a solvent tank and washed it off in hot water. Then I used an air chisels to force the old bushings out. Then I media blasted the A-Arms.
The one screwed thing was the VB&P inner bushing metal tubes were too long. I had to machine on a lathe every one of them several times to be able to get the correct preload. It just pisses me off to buy crap that can not work as sold I probably took about .100 off every one. As sold The poly bushings would have allowed .200 fore and aft movement of the lower A-Arms. I do not believe that my A-Arms were in some way crushed in with time. Another thing is these inner metal tubes were not even the same length.
I used black grease anti seize which made it really easy to take them in and out 5 times trial fitting the bushings.
Then I painted the A-arms with gloss black industrial strength rustolium from Home Depo.
I'm lucky to work at a shop!
I scrubbed everything in a solvent tank and washed it off in hot water. Then I used an air chisels to force the old bushings out. Then I media blasted the A-Arms.
The one screwed thing was the VB&P inner bushing metal tubes were too long. I had to machine on a lathe every one of them several times to be able to get the correct preload. It just pisses me off to buy crap that can not work as sold I probably took about .100 off every one. As sold The poly bushings would have allowed .200 fore and aft movement of the lower A-Arms. I do not believe that my A-Arms were in some way crushed in with time. Another thing is these inner metal tubes were not even the same length.
I used black grease anti seize which made it really easy to take them in and out 5 times trial fitting the bushings.
Then I painted the A-arms with gloss black industrial strength rustolium from Home Depo.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 295
Likes: 2
From: Columbus OH
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/tech...n-rebuild.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
http://www.borgeson.com/corvette.html
That Borgeson unit looks great. I am planning on replacing my 30 year old steering box and removing the steering valve and cylinder. When I do a rubber front end rebuild.
