MPSax

Howdy Forum,
I am overwhelmed sorting through suspension springs and front end rebuild kits.
Does anyone know of a front end rebuild kit that includes control arms? It looks like I have to piecemeal a few things together. What should I have on the list to replace?
And the best springs for a firm ride, stock height?

Sugar Bear

Consider that if any of your components are still in good shape then they are probably old school quality. A wholesale replacement of everything isn't always the best. Be careful with replacement parts their quality is all over the range and it's good that you are asking.


Sorry I can't answer your exact question but other members will be able.

69 Hurst

I would suggest staying away from all-in-one kits. I did my front end in 2019, I preferred piecing what I wanted.. I used Moog components...no issues.

joe_padavano

Why do you think you need control arms? I just replace the bushings and ball joints in the old arms. I use Moog parts. Don't lose a lot of sleep over finding a "kit", just get the best quality parts you can find.

66_Jetstar

I would double up on the advice of only replacing what is worn/loose. Your original 55 year old GM parts are 100x the quality of what is available today. I have actually pressed old ball joints back in freshly detailed control arms...

joe_padavano

I'm going to disagree here. Rubber ages, and the effects may not be obvious (how many disintegrating tire threads have we had over the years?). If you have the suspension apart, replace the bushings and ball joints.

66_Jetstar

Bushings are one and done for sure. But a good GM balljoint/tie rod will get a new boot and go back into service. There is no rubber inside the joint itself.

brotherGood

IF you find an assembled control arm setup (with bushings and ball joints already installed), stay away. Especially if it comes from Dynacorn.

As far as springs..I dont remember the go-to part numbers but I reached out to ESPO Springs n Things and got a set for my 442, so far no complaints with them.

70sgeek

I did pretty much the same thing as everyone suggests when overhauling my '72 ragtop suspension - sourced all Moog parts and rebuilt the OEM control arms with new bushings/ball joints. That was 2016 and no issues to date.

as for springs, I think Mevotech is a good source and they index their springs to Moog part numbers - i.e. they even have the ones Moog no longer makes, so if your stock spring p/n isn't available in a Moog brand, Mevotech should have it indexed by the same p/n and specs. I recently installed a set of Mevotech SMS6435 rear springs (Moog no longer makes their p/n 6435) and they're excellent - identical in specs to the Moog set. Got them thru Summit Racing.

MPSax

Thank you all for your input. The kits were also more expensive. Convenience factor.
For anyone curious- here is what I bought with part numbers all ordered from Rock Auto. com
Please let me know if I'm missing anything! Or got anything wrong.

Front Springs - Moog Part 5450 x1- sold in pairs
Coil Spring Seat Insulator - Moog Part K62032 x1 - sold in pairs
Center Link - Moog Part DS749 x1
Idler Arm - Moog Part K5143 x1
Inner Tie Rod - Moog Part ES681N x2
Outer Tie Rod - Moog Part ES333RL x2
Upper Ball Joint - Moog Part K5108 x2
Lower Ball Joint - Moog Part K5103 x2
Upper Control Arm Bushing - Moog Part K5196 x2
Lower Control Arm Bushing - Moog Part K6076 x2 - (round control arms bushing)
---Extra purchase, not sure if I have round or oval control arms so bought both sets - Bushing Kit MOOG K5149 x2- (oval control arms bushing)
Sway Bar Bushing - *AC DELCO* Part 45G0500 x1 - sold in pairs
Tie Rod Adjustment Sleeve - Moog Part ES2032S x2

Total before shipping $350.89

oldcutlass

There are no coil spring isolators in the front. You also need a sway bar end link kit.

MPSax

Ordered, thank you.
isolators are for the rear!

70sgeek

You can use the Energy Suspension end links for your sway bar - the ES2118 kit I believe would be correct but if you want to be sure, you can measure your OEM link bolts against the ES parts on their website to reaffirm. You can also use their sway bar bushings - all are polyurethane and will help firm up your handling a bit.

With the OEM sway bar off the car, that would be the time to replace it with something a bit larger in diameter, also to assist with your handling. Something in the 1-1/8" or so range - Summit racing has great options for not a lot of $$.

Same with shock absorber offerings - KYB, Bilstein, etc. would all offer improved ride quality

See what you got yourself into ??

BTW - did you source a RockAuto discount code from the internet to save an extra 5% on your order? They have those posted all the time.

good luck with the overhaul

69455

Detroit Speed has complete kits.

Very happy with my speed kit 2 , drop spindle, splined sway, (dbl. adj.)

https://www.detroitspeed.com/product...rts/031348-SDS

joe_padavano

Only an order of magnitude more money that I paid to rebuild my front end and upgrade the sway bars with larger swap meet ones. If that works for you, great. It's rare for me to spend $4700 on a whole car.

69455

With less cars you can put all the cool stuff in one.
Especially if you use and abuse it from street, drag strip to orange cone.
Did not mention shock mount changes also. Just because.