I am prepping to complete an entire suspension rebuild on my 85 along with an engine replacement and I was wondering what everyone's experience with replacing the hub and bearing assemblies. Should I go with AC Delco ones also?

The car has 140K miles.

Thanks
Richard

 

AC Delco are fine, but they are pricey. I bought mine at Pep Girls for around $140 each. Lifetime warranty, made by a major supplier to the big 3. Probably the same ones as original. 10K miles, no problems, and I drive hard.

The front take about 15 minutes each. 4 bolts off, 4 back on, use loctite.

The rear are nowhere near as hard as some folks make them out to be, but they are a bit more challenging. You will need a T55 Torx socket (not a T45 like the manual calls for), some PB Blaster or other penetrating oil, a 36 MM socket, 3/4" breaker bar, and some cojones (for breaking loose the spindle nut).

Here's what the rear looks like apart.



You will notice in the pic that the halfshaft is out. This isn't necessary to do the job, but I was replacing U Joints while I was in there. You can put the car up on jackstands, rotate the halfshaft, and get access to the 3 Torx bolts from behind. Just follow the procedure in the Helms manual.


Rebuilding the suspension isn't hard either. I did all new control arm bushings, ball joints, sway bar, tie rod ends, steering rack, wheel bearings, strut rod bushings, and front monospring. Car handles like new....I can pin a passenger against the door if the desire arises...

Plus, you can shine everything up real nice and pretty.....like this...



If you have any questions on the C4 suspension, drop me an IM. I've had it completely apart.