djl

Hi - I recently got a 71 Cutlass Supreme convertible that is in excellent shape cosmetically, but it drives like a boat. CA bushings are shot and I'm sure the springs and shocks need replacement. Will also do the ball joints and tie rod ends as well as sway bar links. Got inspired by Rob's detailed post of his suspension rebuild from 2011 and decided to do this myself. But - I have a question about the parts. Looking around on the web I see all kinds of people saying Moog and AC Delco parts have really taken a nosedive in quality in recent years as they have outsourced all manufacturing overseas. I'd like to use more or less original type parts as the car is original. Have any of you had recent experience with these parts? Are they decent quality?

Thanks!

GINCSC

Welcome

I used moog springs this spring. The car rides much better now.
post some pics of your car.

where do you live in NC?

oldcutlass

Welcome to the site, Moog parts are still very good quality. X2 on some pictures.

hookem horns

Welcome. Lots of options but I think you are on the right track with Moog front end parts and I like old fashioned rubber over poly. Search and someone here will have the part numbers for springs equivalent to the 442/FE2 pkg or station wagon if you want a little height in back. I've had good luck with relatively cheap KYB gas shocks on my Cutlass and other cars. To take it up a notch but still close to stock, add a rear sway bar (requires boxed control arms) if not already there and then a quick ratio steering box (also search here for the options). Will be way better than 45 year old stock but no GM A-body is going to be a canyon carver without major work.

djl

OK - thanks for the responses. I guess I'll forge ahead with Moog. Just want to get it into good shape - I'm a conservative driver and not going to put much stress on it. I'm in Winston-Salem. Am attaching a picture - I think - Photoshopped our rescue dog Ranger in the front seat.

oldcutlass

Nice, doesn't look like its sagging much.

GINCSC

Nce looking car. I'm in Charlotte if you ever get down this way. There is a Olds GURU in Clemmons. You should look him up. here is his website.
http://www.classic-olds.com/Home_Page.html

rocketraider

If you go visit Jim Michael and them in Clemmons, make sure to pet Rocket the cat. Not sure if Rocket is still alive. He was a big-*** tabby cat who had the run of the place...

4speed455

X2 on the rear away bar and close ratio steering box. I went with junkyard low mileage Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box for less then $100 all in. It made a huge difference in how the road feels and how it drives.

djl

Thanks for the tips. Not sure if I want to do the sway bar and steering box stuff. Don't know if I'll get down to Charlotte, but will certainly plan to hop over to Clemmons and see them. Would like to get some advice on removal of the right upper CA shaft. Seems like the AC stuff would have to come out or at least be moved in order to get at the nuts. So a guru would be helpful to give me some guidance on that.

oldcutlass

You may need to take the belt of and remove the compressor from the bracket to swing it out of the way. Do not disconnect the a/c lines.

djl

Yes, hopefully that will do the trick. Would hate to have to get the AC evacuated and recharged.
Thanks!

Fun71

My car has Moog 5536 in front and PST "442" springs in back (I think they are equivalent to Moog 5409s).

Here's some spring info I archived a while back:

> 5390 small block - no AC
> wire diameter = 0.650"
> load height = 11.000"
> load = 1952 pounds
> rate per inch = 336 pounds
> free height = 16.808"
>
> 5382 big block - no AC, small block - AC
> wire diameter = 0.660"
> load height = 11.000"
> load = 2066 pounds
> rate per inch = 360 pounds
> free height = 16.724"
>
> 5400 big block - AC
> wire diameter = 0.660"
> load height = 11.000"
> load = 2167 pounds
> rate per inch = 360 pounds
> free height = 17.004"
>
> 5536 442 small block - AC - heavy duty, 442 big block - no AC - heavy duty
> wire diameter = 0.690"
> load height = 11.000"
> load = 1984 pounds
> rate per inch = 488 pounds
> free height = 15.063"
>
> 5450 small block - AC - heavy duty, big block - no AC - heavy duty, -442 big block - AC - heavy duty
> wire diameter = 0.690"
> load height = 12.000"
> load = 1642 pounds
> rate per inch = 454 pounds
> free height = 15.616"

djl

Thanks Kenneth. I ordered a bunch of parts from Rockauto. I was looking at the Moog 5450 springs and close to ordering them, but was not confident they were correct for a '71. Rockauto said they did not have a Moog HD spring for my '71 convertible, and the Federal site does not show it as compatible. I've seen that they have been used in '72s so should be the same thing, but was uneasy about taking a chance. I ordered the ACDelco HD springs 45H0071 figuring they would be essentially the same thing.

David

jaunty75

Nice looking house, too!

GINCSC

David
I have the same springs as Ken I love the ride

djl

Aargh! Don't tell me that now - I've already ordered the springs!

Here are a few pictures...

sammieolds

Welcome
Nice Looking Olds

Olds442redberet

I am going through the same process with my 1969 Cutlass Supreme. I already installed the rear components and the front suspension stuff is sitting on a shelf awaiting install.

Boxed rear trailing arms
Rear Sway bar
Larger front sway bar
Moog springs (front and rear)
Bilstein shocks (front and rear)
New bushings (front and rear)


With the rear done I am seeing a tremendous improvement. I can't wait to get the front suspension installed.

Fun71

Did you mean "house" or "horse" - that looks like quite a big dog!

jaunty75

House

huskerala

I'm in Fayetteville. As you've already found out, there's great people here.
V/R
Joel