I have a 1961 Starfire that is in need of some front suspension help. It needs new A-arm bushings and ball joints, the ones that are in it look completely worn out. Since I will have that apart I would also like to rebuild the steering with new tie rod ends and all the assorted pieces that go along with that. The power steering unit itself works fine and does not need replaced, I just need the tie rod ends and other linkage.

I have had difficulty finding the ball joints, A-arm bushings, and most of the steering components. It doesn't seem like any of the aftermarket companies make these. I am OK with either factory-style or performance components, at this point I will take pretty much anything I can get. Anyone out there have any leads or know where I can get these parts, preferably as a kit?

 

Kanter sells a kit. You need to know if you have the Saginaw or TRW steering linkage.
http://www.kanter.com//productdetail...at=39&Prc=182#

 

Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for! If anyone else is looking, I attached a note showing how to tell the difference between a Saginaw and TRW steering linkage. Mine is TRW.

 

Watch out for Kanter. You can get control arm bushings from Fusick. I found a stock type kit from PST on Ebay for my 63 with all bushings, ball joints, outer rod ends, and swaybar bushings and links, most other linkage parts are on Ebay as well but realistically its all Chinese stuff. Rare Parts supposedly manufactures what they sell but it is VERY expensive.

 

Meaning what?

I bought the front end rebuild kit for my Delmont from Kanter and it contained a mix of parts brands, some domestic, some imported. Everything worked fine. I've never heard much in the way of complaints about Kanter - other than regarding price.

 

Thanks for the confirmation, this was a question in the back of my mind for years.

Surprising little fact though, right?

 

I have no idea what type center link I have on my 66 starfire. I'm trying to figure out if I should replace it with a "Saginaw" or other listed as "alternative".
Any suggestions. I need to replace my idler arm because it will not take a front end alignment.

thanks

Hugh

 

On another thread running concurrently, Joe P. And I have responded....
If you want to go with som U.S.A. made Parts -- and not the Chineseum parts that the aforementioned outlets sell,

Always best to simply call me --- Craig --- 516 - 485 - 1935.... Craig....

And, I have the 1961 Oldsmobile LOWER Ball Joints Brand New N.O.S. U.S.A. made, where those other outlets can only offer Rebuilt with Core Charges.....

And, I have both design Center Links and Idler Arms for the 1966.....

CALL.....

 

It's neither necessary nor in your best interest to post the same question in multiple threads, especially when resurrecting a long-dead thread that isn't even directly related. 61-62 parts are completely different from the 65-70 parts. The problem is that someone who's not paying attention sees this new thread and ends up responding to the question in the first post, not yours. It never fails.

 

Copy that Joe. Makes perfect sense. Thanks for all the help again.