I am preparing to rebuild my front suspension with new bushings, ball joints, steering linkage, etc. My '80 is a near daily driver so I prefer to get a jump start by obtaining a set of a-arms off another car and fixing them to replace the originals. My question: what models used the same suspension pieces? I've read that basically '65 and up are the same and that early '60's full size Chevys used the same parts. Can anyone who knows for sure offer a little info and advice on the subject?

 

I know the upper ball joints are the same on a Impala.. what year I forget. But we sold some to a local guy about three months ago. All the corvette stuff is the same from 63-82.

Maybe my bump will get someone else's attention that knows for sure.

 

I'm getting close to finishing my front end rehab/rebuild. I know that many parts were listed by MOOG as Chevrolet 55-82. Models included were BelAir, Impala, Caprice, Chevelle, Monte Carlo, Nova, and on and on. I guess good design can be made to transfer well. Makes good sense from a inventory perspective too.
71scgc

 

I did my whole front suspension rebuild back in the spring. Never had done one before and it was about a 40 hr job for me with standard tools. I took my time though. I had the spindles balanced, bearings repacked, I had all the suspension parts bead blasted and then powder coated to prevent rust/corrosion. I also had my steering box rebuilt, very glad I did. Made a huge difference.

 

If you want to keep the car 100% original, you may have to send your ball joints in to be rebuilt at someplace like Bair's. I remember something about the rivets being different on replacement parts. That was awhile back--maybe some now make 100% original ball joints.

 

No need for total originality as this is a driver. I just need to find out if there are other Chevys that use the same A-arms and shafts as my '80. I read somewhere that a 64 or later Impala had the same front suspension. I simply prefer to save a buck or two if common parts are the same as vette parts.