Suspension Rebuild Kit--Which One?

[Mark P.]

I am in the process of rebuilding my front suspension on a 67 small block with AC, PS, PB and PG. My desire is to purchase a complete kit from one of the vendors. The current ball joints are riveted and my intent is to stay with the riveted joints. In researching the rivet style suspension kit costs I see quite a range in pricing from $269 to $579. In the event this car is judged in the future, am I making a bad decision in purchasing the $269 kit versus the $579 kit?

Thanks for you input----Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: Suspension Rebuild Kit--Which One?

I am in the process of rebuilding my front suspension on a 67 small block with AC, PS, PB and PG. My desire is to purchase a complete kit from one of the vendors. The current ball joints are riveted and my intent is to stay with the riveted joints. In researching the rivet style suspension kit costs I see quite a range in pricing from $269 to $579. In the event this car is judged in the future, am I making a bad decision in purchasing the $269 kit versus the $579 kit?

Thanks for you input----Mark

Mark-----


I don't know what the differences are between the kits you mention. It's very possible they include the exact same or very similar parts and just the price is different.

In any event, if "correctness" is your goal, the reproduction ball joints available from Americas Finest Corvette (as well as other vendors that distribute their products) are the most correct available other than NOS. I very much doubt that the $269 kit contains such joints. The $579 kit may or may not. I kind of doubt it but it's possible.

I also understand that reproduction tie rod ends are available although I have not seen them as of yet. Most on the market are replacements and are configured differently than originals, although they function perfectly.

[Thomas N.]

Re: Suspension Rebuild Kit--Which One?

Mark-
Another alternative is to buy the GM/Delco parts through one of the discount GM resellers. This way you know you are getting some decent quality parts. I've heard of people having issues with the kits. You really do not know what/who the manufacturer is. Keep in mind the new GM/Delco parts are not the original configuration so will not judge 100%, but if you intend to drive the car, it is kind of nice knowing the parts are of a known quality. If I remember correctly, you can get ball joints and all the front end GM pieces for the equivalent price of the so called kits.

[Jim T.]

Re: Suspension Rebuild Kit--Which One?

Mark one thing about suspension sytems is that the upper ball joint usually does not have to be replaced if it has had regular lubrication. The lower ball joints bear the load and occur the most wear.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Suspension Rebuild Kit--Which One?

Mark,

As Joe noted I'd check with America's Finest for ball joints and tie rod ends if you want ones that are the most "correct appearing."

If appearance is not much of an issue, then consider stopping by your local auto parts store and pricing out Moog parts. I think they're the best you will find and the price may be better than a catalog.

If you want price and most likely a good product, consider Performance Suspension Technology. http://www.p-s-t.com/ I purchased a kit from them for my 70 Cutlass as it was inexpensive but it turned out to have all Moog parts in it. I know because I compared pieces individually to locally purchased Moog parts, and they had the same manufacturer's marks and everything on them.

Patrick

[Mark P.]

Re: Suspension Rebuild Kit--Which One?

Thanks to all who have responded and I am in the process of investigating the above mentioned suppliers.

I am trying to use as many of the orignal parts as possible. I have spoken to the previous owners and the only work that has been done on the suspension of this car is shock replacement. Is it a safety issue to not replace the suspension bolts? They look fine and I cleaned and tumbled all the bolts that I have removed thus far.

Lastly, how do I tell if the tie-rod ends require replacement or is this too high of a risk item to not replace? I was considering just replacing the rubber bushings and the ball joints.

The odometer shows 92,000 miles

[Joe L.]

Re: Suspension Rebuild Kit--Which One?

Thanks to all who have responded and I am in the process of investigating the above mentioned suppliers.

I am trying to use as many of the orignal parts as possible. I have spoken to the previous owners and the only work that has been done on the suspension of this car is shock replacement. Is it a safety issue to not replace the suspension bolts? They look fine and I cleaned and tumbled all the bolts that I have removed thus far.

Lastly, how do I tell if the tie-rod ends require replacement or is this too high of a risk item to not replace? I was considering just replacing the rubber bushings and the ball joints.

The odometer shows 92,000 miles

Mark-----



Except for bushings (a-arm and sway bar), there are no front end parts available through the GM parts system for 63-82 Corvettes. Other parts are available through the Delco parts system but they are aftermarket, not OEM, type parts. Still, they are excellent in fit, quality, and durability. I expect that the Delco-branded parts are manufactured by Moog (Federal-Mogul).

As long as the bolts are in good condition with no thread or corrosion damage they should be ok for re-use.

It's very hard to assess the condition of tie-rod ends off the car unless they are in VERY bad condition.

With your mileage (assuming it's not actually 192,000 miles), I would expect the upper ball joints to be fine. The lowers are where most wear occurs.

[Thomas N.]

Re: Suspension Rebuild Kit--Which One?

Mark-
FYI, part numbers are as follows
Upper ball joints- Moog # K6034, ACDELCO #45D0010{88911381}
Lower ball joints-Moog #K6035, ACDELCO #45D2016{88911514}
Idler arm-Moog #K6100, ACDELCO #45C1014{88911268}
Tie Rods (2)-Moog #ES323L, ACDELCO #45A0031{88909865}
Tie Rods (2)-Moog #ES323R, ACDELCO #45A0032{88909866}
Driveshaft ujoints (no zerks) ACDELCO #45U0145{89029327}
Halfshaft ujoints (no zerks) ACDELCO #45U0123{89029305}

Hope this helps if you want to price parts individually.

I've heard of others that have bought the packaged kits and have received less than acceptable quality components. An example is if you read Don Sherman's book on restoring his 427 Vette, he bought one of the kits, had front end issues, and redid the front end with Moog components.
If you buy one of the kits, ask who the mfg of the components are.