I have to replace the dry rotted a-arm bushings on my ’74 and I’m debating if it’s worth replacing the upper and lower ball joints and the tie rod ends while I have the a-arms out. I purchased the car from the original owner with only 36,000 miles on it, but it sat for years in a garage with very limited use. Before I embarked on my body on resto, I was able to drive the car around a little and the front end did not feel bad…….but I never really pushed the car.

I know that ball joints and tie rod ends are wear items and would not normally need to be replaced after only 36k miles, but does it make sense for me to just replace them now? I did plan on using a ball joint separator versus a pickle fork, to hopefully avoid destroying the rubber boots in the event that I go the re-use route.

 

three ways to go $ to $$$ depends on what you want when you're done. rockauto has cheapo rubber that will last for the life of your driver, VBP will turn your car into a different machine, and poly is the only way to go IMHO. i got the vbp kit for a little less than a grand on sale. best $ spent on car so far.



http://www.slickcar.com/details/8101...FSNyQgodeHcAkA

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php


http://www.vbandp.com/C2-C3-Corvette...-Corvette.html

 

I would replace them as even without the wear I am sure there has been mostiure in them and rust as well.
Rockauto has the upper and lower ball joints under the Auto Extra brand for less than $10 each. Use a good grease and they should work well. Tie rods are $9-10 each as well.

If you are in no rush then take the control arms off and remove the boots to inspect the joints/rods real well. If they look good clean them up and replace the boots and grease.

 

do it all now. I bet your lower ***** joints are smoked.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25854

 

@racer1 I am rebuilding my front end suspension, my bushings were shot, one of the ball joints on the car was the original ball joint, the other look like it came off of Ben Hurr's chariot. I picked up the entire rebuild kit, that included upper and lower ball joints, all the bushings, tie rods, bump stops, the sway bar control linkages, I think I pick it all up for less than 200. I dont mind spending an extra few dollars and replace everything, now i know the age and since I am under the car anyway, why not replace it all and have the peice of mind knowing the condition of all of the bushings...

 

change it all, better to have a complete package.

 

That's package that I was actually looking at.

Based on the replies thus far, I'm just going to replace eveything.

I'm also going to replace the front coils. The PO worked for GM from the late '70's through the early '90's and he amassed a nice collection of NOS parts, that came with the car. I have NOS shocks and a NOS rear leaf, which I plan on installing, so I thought that it made sense to replace the coils.

 

I did mine last summer, its worth it just in labor alone to replace everything while your in there! Some new tires and an alignment would finish the job!

 

i totally agree with them.and use all moog bushings and joints.

 

The made in the USA kit that Wilcox sells uses Moog and/or Federal parts, based on availabilty on the individual parts at the time of packaging. I've used pretty much only Moog suspension products in the past and I'd honestly like to go all Moog.....but I like the one-stop-shopping aspect of the Wilcox kit. Are Federal Mogul products of equal quality to Moog?

 

my experience so far is that they are good also,(brake hoses,wheel bearings,wagner stuff),etc.

 

I actually just priced all of this because i'm doing the same thing....and wanting to go with all Moog. Here is the price breakdown from rock auto if it helps.
Part Brand Qty needed Unit Price Final price before tax and shipping
Upper Ball Joint Moog K6034 2 39.79 79.58
Lower Ball Joint Moog K6035 2 22.89 45.78
Tie Rod Ends LH Moog ES323L 2 20.79 41.58
Tie Rod Ends RH Moog Es323R 2 20.79 41.58
A-arm Shaft bushings (set of 4) Moog K304 2 19.08 38.16
Sway bar End Links Moog K5255 2 3.36 6.72
Sway Bar Bushing Raybestos 5501002 1 3.74 3.74
Idler Arm Moog K6100 1 37.79 37.79

Comes to a total of 294.93. Google rockauto coupon and get 5% off

The major rebuild kit from wilcox with american rubber is 211.59 with part number SU01AF. The added F at the end of some of their kits shows a discounted price.

Good luck my friend.

 

I wouldn't replace the springs unless you like the Monster truck Corvette look.

The upper ball joints in the Willcox kit are Federal Mogul, as is the HD idler arm. The Moog upper ball joint looks completely different than the original, that's why they use the Federal mogul joint.

I just got done installing this kit in my '81

 

I have been priceing all these items as well. Rockauto is much cheaper than Orielys. Everything on my 72 is original so it has been fun.

 

I was just about to go on Rockauto and hunt down all the Moog parts. Thanks for making the hunt that much easier.

I tell you, this forum is something else.....thanks everyone!!!

 

You may be able to get that MOOG stuff cheaper. I went direct to MOOG. Much cheaper than Advance Auto.
Carter

 

Rockauto is great but also check out amazon.

 

1976 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 5.7L 350cid V8
Steering : Tie Rod End
MOOG Part # ES323R Problem Solver
Front Left Outer; Incl. powdered-metal gusher bearing to allow grease to penetrate bearing surfaces; Length 4.00"
Front Right Inner; Incl. powdered-metal gusher bearing to allow grease to penetrate bearing surfaces; Length 4.00"
$20.79 $41.58
MOOG Part # ES323L Problem Solver
Front Left Inner; Incl. powdered-metal gusher bearing to allow grease to penetrate bearing surfaces; Length 4.00"
Front Right Outer; Incl. powdered-metal gusher bearing to allow grease to penetrate bearing surfaces; Length 4.00"
$20.79 $20.79
Steering : Idler Arm
MOOG Part # K6100 Problem Solver
Front; Incl. powdered-metal gusher bearing to allow grease to penetrate bearing surfaces
$37.79 $37.79
Suspension : Ball Joint
MOOG Part # K6034 Problem Solver
Front Upper; Incl. powdered-metal gusher bearing to allow grease to penetrate bearing surfaces
$39.79 $79.58
MOOG Part # K65 Problem Solver
Front Lower; Incl. powdered-metal gusher bearing to allow grease to penetrate bearing surfaces
$22.89 $45.78
Steering : Tie Rod End Adjusting Sleeve
MOOG Part # ES677S
Front
$20.89 $41.78
Suspension : Control Arm Bushing
MOOG Part # K5196 Package Quantity As Shown In Image Incl. front and rear bushings
Front Upper; Incl. front and rear bushings


Thanks is what i am getting. Trying to think of other things.

hat about the a arm rubbers, some place you will pay 70 bucks for them but mog are only20 odd bucks.


This sound good above?