Need help on my 71 Cutlass please
June 19th, 2018, 07:50 PM
#1
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 118
Need help on my 71 Cutlass please
I got a 71 Cutlass convertible. I'm looking to replace the sway bar with a better handling one, sway bar links, all tie rods, adjusters and center link.
Anyone know of a good kit or a couple of kits that'll bolt on and perform well?
I see a few things online but am curious as to what is tried and true. Thanks
Anyone know of a good kit or a couple of kits that'll bolt on and perform well?
I see a few things online but am curious as to what is tried and true. Thanks
June 20th, 2018, 04:04 AM
#2
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Harrison, Michigan
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You can get stock type boxed lower control arms and sway bar pretty easily still at swap meets, ebay, etc. I'm sure there are lots of aftermarket bars available also. Maybe others who know about them will chime in.
June 20th, 2018, 06:47 AM
#3
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Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 1,846
All of the main chassis stuff is the same as the Chevelle, so there's lots of options. I like ProForged for the replacement stuff. Similar to Moog but cheaper. If you're doing the steering parts go ahead and get the idler as well. I've also given up on most greasable suspension parts - the seals end up falling apart faster than the sealed ones.
As for sway bars, swing a stick and you'll see plenty of options. They're commodity items at this point, so don't sweat it. Do you have a rear bar? If not, adding one - and the appropriate lower control arm modification or upgrade - should be done first. A stiffer front sway bar with no rear bar will make the car even more squirrely.
As for sway bars, swing a stick and you'll see plenty of options. They're commodity items at this point, so don't sweat it. Do you have a rear bar? If not, adding one - and the appropriate lower control arm modification or upgrade - should be done first. A stiffer front sway bar with no rear bar will make the car even more squirrely.
June 20th, 2018, 05:20 PM
#4
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,311
These A-body cars are understeering pigs, even with the FE2 suspension. Herb Adams used a LARGER rear bar than the front, up to 1.5" at the back and 1.375" at the front. Your call on how you want to set the car up, but the rule of thumb is that the stiffer end of the car breaks away first. Since these cars usually came with a big (15/16 or 31/32) front bar and no or small rear bar, they understeered.
June 20th, 2018, 07:08 PM
#5
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Ok so basically I can look it up for the chevelles too. Good. Quick question how do you post a link to stuff? I got a few things in mind and I wanna make sure it works. Maybe this will work?
https://m.ebay.com/itm/1971-1972-GM-A-Body-Steering-Linkage-Ball-Joint-Kit-w-HD-Sleeves-Chevelle-/232099738369?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10&_mwB anner=1&_rdt=1
https://m.ebay.com/itm/1971-1972-GM-A-Body-Steering-Linkage-Ball-Joint-Kit-w-HD-Sleeves-Chevelle-/232099738369?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10&_mwB anner=1&_rdt=1
Last edited by big man; June 20th, 2018 at 07:17 PM.
June 21st, 2018, 04:12 AM
#9
Cory
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Wimberley, TX
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June 21st, 2018, 06:04 AM
#11
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Location: Plano, TX
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The earlier (pre-71) units use a smaller tie rod thread than later (71/72). Otherwise they're the same. So while you can use either kit - they come with all the parts - it'd be a good idea to use the later style so any replacements down the road can use the normal year parts.
June 21st, 2018, 02:34 PM
#12
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Thanks, y'all been a big help thus far.
I do have another question on the sway bars.
Part #403534R has anyone run these parts or think it'll be a good buy?
Finally got some money saved up and am ready to hit the road! It's been a while
I do have another question on the sway bars.
Part #403534R has anyone run these parts or think it'll be a good buy?
Finally got some money saved up and am ready to hit the road! It's been a while
June 21st, 2018, 03:18 PM
#13
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Location: Phoenix, AZ
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I am curious to know if you have replaced the original springs yet? 47 year old original springs will be marshmallow soft / sagging and new springs (with better specs) will dramatically improve handling.
June 21st, 2018, 06:00 PM
#14
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June 28th, 2018, 07:23 PM
#18
72 Olds CS
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 6,657
the 5450 is definetly a MOOG part number IDK about the other one tho...just checked both MOOG numbers
I have the 5450 in front of my car now and it sits up 1" to high for my tastes...someday im gonna swap to the 5536 which is alleged to sit 1" lower
I have the 5450 in front of my car now and it sits up 1" to high for my tastes...someday im gonna swap to the 5536 which is alleged to sit 1" lower
June 28th, 2018, 07:27 PM
#19
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Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 27
Do you have a photo of how your car sits? Looking to upgrade the sway bar and rear lower control arms so thinking I should throw in new shocks too. Been thinking it makes no sense to look for used control arms and them not lasting too long.
June 28th, 2018, 10:24 PM
#20
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Location: St. Louis
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Rear sway bar
What ever you don't add a rear sway bar to un boxed control arms. The bolts will squeeze the control arms and weaken them. My last cutlass had that done by the previous owner. Buy boxed control arms and then add the sway bar. I have that one I took off when I threw away the ruined control arms. If you are interested in a stock sway bar I can measure it and let you know. If you buy an aftermarket control arm it may be better to also buy their sway bar. I bought Hotchkis so I don't need this stock one. Pm me if you can use mine after you do your research.
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