DewChugr

71 Cutlass convertible, been sitting over 25 years. I'm doing a full resto on it and in the process of taking it apart.

What all do I need to replace on the suspension? My list includes these so far. What else do I need? Not being a mechanic is there anything I need to know or do when taking the old one apart? The rear spring is drop out and the front one needs chain or compressor, correct? I have to pay for body work and paint so I am more interested in budget friendly than fancy stuff.

Ball joints
Bushings, not sure how many there are
Wheel bearings
Tie rod ends
Shocks
Springs

Anything I should know when taking the steering apart? I'm going to go with the Jeep box.

Thanks!

joe_padavano

Upper and lower.

Eight, two per control arm. You'll need to take the car apart before ordering, as the lowers may use oval or round bushings.

OK

Center link, idler arm, sway bar bushings and end links.

Also, what about the rear bushings - there are eight of those also, two per arm.

oldcutlass

Most of us use Moog brand for these parts. All can be had at your local auto parts store. Rockauto has some seriously good prices for this stuff and there is a discount code in one of threads on this site to make them even less expensive and delivered to your front door..

4speed455

As far as the jeep box swap, make sure you remove the pitman arm while the box is still mounted to the car. If you have the box on the ground you'll never get enough leverage to break it loose.

As far as suspension and steering I would also suggest a rear sway bar and bigger front bar.

DewChugr

Thanks guys, just what I needed to know. I am taking everything apart now, front end and engine/trans are out so this will be "easy".

Thanks for the info on the pitman 4speed455, I wouldn't have thought of that.

joe_padavano

Of course, without the weight of the engine and trans to compress the springs, you'll never get the suspension back together without a spring compressor.

DewChugr

Is the rear sway bar specific to this model? I read about the WS6 bar for the front.

joe_padavano

64-72 rear bars all have the same shape. Unlike the WS6 bar upgrade for the front, there is no easy, inexpensive rear upgrade. You'll need to go aftermarket if you want a larger than stock rear bar. Of course, you'll need boxed lower control arms.