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As soon as I can I am going to start rebuilding the front suspension on.my 81.. I am using as many moog parts as possible so I might as welo use rubber bushings on everything else..Wouldn't you all agree?
The other thing is how do I you suggest I remove the coil springs safely,? Now comes the stupid question..do you still use coil springs with coil over shocks?
I am trying to get this this thing to handle a lot better than stock
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Originally Posted by Mikey1958
do you still use coil springs with coil over shocks? I am trying to get this this thing to handle a lot better than stock
You better start doing some serious self-education about suspension modifications before you dive into something you obviously don't have any knowledge about... You're not going to get enough info in Forum posts to do a coil-over suspension mod with a zero-level technical background. Not to throw a wet blanket on your enthusiasm, but you might want to consider dialing back the dream just a tad and simply rebuilding the front end with some good quality parts.... If you successfully complete that, you can step it up and start looking at coil-over conversion kits that build upon the rebuilt suspension you then have. For complete instructions, you can e-mail me for my front-end rebuild paper.
Lars V8FastCars@msn.com
Yes, Moog is the most recommended brand, and I've been ordering suspension parts the same way—Moog first, and if Moog is unavailable, then opting for rubber bushings from another manufacturer.
For the coil spring removal, I followed the process shown in this video:
With one exception: to secure the springs and keep them slightly compressed for easier removal, I wrapped a paracord around the spring about ten times to hold it in place. Then, I gradually loosened each loop to slowly release the tension. Like this:
Do we all agree with all rubber bushings?
No.
Moog ball joints, tie rod ends. Yes
Remove and reinstall springs, maybe read the how to thread I wrote on the subject.
I would tend to agree to a large extent with Lars.
I personally would, and do run energy suspension poly bushings in my A arms, sway bar bushings and sway bar end links.
I also run offset and slotted upper A arm shafts. I use factory A arms.
With offset and slotted A arm shafts I can achieve the adjustability of the tubular A arms without the cost.
You want better than factory handling. Then why factory rubber bushings?
Coil overs have advantages in setting ride height.
that's truly about it.
Have fun!
The C3 in tip top stock form can be a very fun and safe car to drive. My cars have always been rebuilt using oe like components for the suspension. I would recommend doing the rear suspension also. A loose rear end will make the front end work feel incomplete. Once you have done front and rear suspension you can get a feel of what you may want to improve. Decent tires with no odd offset wheels and upgraded shocks will go along way in addition to the rebuild.
An internal spring compressor tool works very well for me and since the shocks need to come out anyway it is a no brainer. If you decide loosen ball joint and use a floor jack wrap a safety chain or nylon strap to the spring and frame so it doesn't' come flying out at you.
Good luck!
Do we all agree with all rubber bushings?
No.
Moog ball joints, tie rod ends. Yes
Remove and reinstall springs, maybe read the how to thread I wrote on the subject.
The first thing to do is an evaluation of what you have. Look at how many alignment shims are in the upper A Arms. Are they all on one side and not the other ? Lots of them or hardly any ? Take a look at the Rods that pass threw the A Arms are they Straight or bent ? Are the Rubber Bushings falling to pieces ? Look below where the Lower Control Arms bolt to the Frame. The Brackets that are welded to the Frame can be bent quite easily.
Thanks guys...every bushing in this thing has to be replaced ..front and rear,.I have heard good and bad about poly..I was wanting some suggestions ..thanks
I'm an old guy who sucks at computers. But knows how to fix cars. And thinks YouTube video's are garbage. I have managed to post a link a couple times, but mostly I fail. So, I'll try.
if you look Into any members profile you will see you can check every thread started by that member. Really easy then to scroll through and find a thread like front coil springs 101 for example.
I tryed again, I can't remember how I did it last time. I think I get it copied, but when I go to paste, something weird gets put in. Sorry, I suck at computers.
I'm a Mechanic, not a IT guy.
I'm in the process of rebuilding the front suspension in my 82 and I just lowered the lower control arm down until there was no tension on the spring and pulled it out.
Front suspension rebuild
