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Front suspension question

Old Aug 9, 2013 | 05:38 PM
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Default Front suspension question

I am preparing to rebuild the front steering/suspension on my '80. I can get a kit from a friend that has all the bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. that fits a '66 very reasonably. What is the difference between the two? I thought that suspension parts were very common up through the early '80 models.
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Old Aug 9, 2013 | 05:44 PM
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I just looked at Zip and 63-82 takes the same kit.
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Old Aug 9, 2013 | 05:45 PM
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I just did the same thing... duh to me.

Thanks!
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Old Aug 9, 2013 | 05:52 PM
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You did'nt ask but I will tell you anyway - I don't like "no-name" kit type front end parts. And make sure you use poly ball joint and tie rod end boots. That's all
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Old Aug 9, 2013 | 06:33 PM
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Only difference is that 63-64s are drum brakes, and 65-67s have small front wheel bearings. The C3's came with a slightly larger, stronger unit.
The rest is the same until 1982.
But ain't that a crime? That Chevrolet wouldn't change anything for so many years?
No wonder GM needed a bailout. They had more than a 50 year head start on the Japanese auto makers and let them catch up.
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Old Aug 9, 2013 | 10:19 PM
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IIRC the front spindle/bearing size changed over in '69.
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Old Aug 10, 2013 | 08:57 AM
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Yeah, you're right. My bad.
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Old Aug 10, 2013 | 01:45 PM
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beware of buying a kit, there is a lot of cheap Chinese crap out there.
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Old Aug 11, 2013 | 10:02 AM
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Moog has worked for me. Special items if you have a specific need.
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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by cottoneg
Moog has worked for me. Special items if you have a specific need.
and great customer service unlike another company that starts with the letter Raybestos.
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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by TWINRAY
and great customer service unlike another company that starts with the letter Raybestos.

:rof l: Thanks for that! I read it and started actually laughing out loud.
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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 03:49 PM
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Don't buy 'bargain' kits when purchasing items for the safety related components in your car. Buy brand name parts that you have confidence in. Your "peace of mind" is worth more than the cost difference in such situations.
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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 07:22 PM
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willcox sells a kit with all made in USA components. that's what i used on my car and i am more than happy with the results
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Old Aug 13, 2013 | 10:52 AM
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1980 L48 Auto

Sorry to butt in but can someone suggest a good video or post for rebuilding the C3 front end. I can do a search but I'd like the opinion of someone who has actually done the job.
Thanks.
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Old Aug 13, 2013 | 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Teem66
1980 L48 Auto

Sorry to butt in but can someone suggest a good video or post for rebuilding the C3 front end. I can do a search but I'd like the opinion of someone who has actually done the job.
Thanks.

This is the best & most concise "how-to" that I have read (unfortunately I read it after I did mine!) It references C2s, but they are exactly the same.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/HowtoRebuildFrontEnd.doc

There are several good threads with pictures on here, use the search function. Ditto for rebuilding the steering box and power steering valve, if those projects will be part of your front end project.

Good luck!
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Old Aug 13, 2013 | 12:50 PM
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Exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks
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