Front End / Suspension Love

[Mike_Windsor]

The next item to repair/replace/renovate on my car is the suspension/front end.

Initially I was just going to replace the shock absorbers and coil springs, but then someone pointed out I should replace all the bushings. Further conversation revealed that perhaps the sway bar linkage might be a good idea too, which then lead to the upper and lower arm assemblies getting replaced as well. Also, I want to raise the suspension up by about 2'.

I'm getting a quote tonight apparently, and was wondering how much I should expect to pay for this deal.

[sly]

if the sway bar/links aren't rusted out, just replace the bushings on the links (energy suspension makes a set that most parts places carry). They're pretty easy to swap out. The control arm bushings are a PITA and require some TIME and preferable an air hammer (if replacing with stock style) or a torch to burn them out (if replacing with energy suspension stuff since you have to re-use the shells) or a press to force the old rubber out (never seen this done, but I theorize that it would work). Some people even drill out the old bushings (especially on the rear axle since fire and the fuel tank don't mix well).

now if they're replacing the arms too (unless they're rusted out, I would expect the bushings only and maybe ball joints)... you're going to spend probably a grand or two for it all due to the labor.

[Mike_Windsor]

Alright, so ball joints only and bushings along with the swaybar links and coils and shocks.

[85crownHPP]

It may not be necessary to throw a total front end re-build at it, but there's is no way to say if you don't know exactly what is worn out and how bad.
Most likely it could use all that stuff, since our cars are usually driven into the ground before we get them!

[sly]

replace the rubber stuff first... only replace the springs if you're changing spring rate or ride height or if the springs are sagging/rusting through/cracked.

[Mike_Windsor]

Rear end of the car has a bit of sag to it, plus I want to up the height by 2 inches.

Reason being is that I am at work 5 days a week and it's a gravel road....

[1990LTD]

if you're into replacing everything:

upper ball joints
lower ball joints
control arm bushings (i would personally just buy new control arms with serviceable ball joints because I overdo things like this)
sway bar bushings
sway bar end links
inner tie rod ends
outer tie rod ends
tie rod end adjusting sleeve
pitman arm
idler arm
shocks
springs (only replace if you need to; sagging or broken)
service/adjust wheel bearings or replace if necessary

[Mike_Windsor]

Thanks, I've added those items to my iPhone's note for "Fix Car 2013".

[gadget73]

Just do a big brake conversion if you're that far into it. Essentially the same list of parts, plus 16" wheels and tires.

[1990LTD]

yeah, and if you're doing brakes you should get bearings/seals/races as well. it's amazing what new front end rubber and joints will do for these old boats of ours. the car will still be "floaty" but it will be 100% more responsive and predictable, much easier to drive.


this year i'm gonna put new uppers and lower control arms in mine, and probably a set of springs since i'll have them out anyway. replaced all of the steering linkage last year and sway bar junk it did wonders.