New front end parts

[T-FATTY]

My upper/lower control arms ship Monday from Overkill/Justin, does anyone offer front end parts kits? I don't need the ball joints/bushings but would like everything else.

[Monza Harry]

Well T' have you looked at PST here's a link go to their home page and see their other H-Body stuff Harry http://www.p-s-t.com/s.nl/it.A/id.288/.f?sc=12

[bigbluerider]

Can anyone help me with my front end problems. I have a 1979 Sunbird with a sbc wanting to do a stroker in it , but when driving the front end keeps wanting to wash out to the left. It handles horribly , and I want to put a good upper horsepower 383 in it , and do not want handling problems. HELP ME PLEASE !

[cjbiagi]

You need to start with the basics, this is a 34 year old car. Start with a good rebuilding of the front suspension, bushings, ball joints, sway bar links and bushings. If the centerlink, idler arm and tie rods are worn you are wasting your time with everything else. I have hard to find power steering centerlinks if needed and can help with any other parts. After that you will need a good alignment using "performance" specs. This should alleviate any ill handling traits.

[dadhad1]

Hey Harry,

Thanks for the lead on PST. I didn't realize they made so many suspension/steering components for H-Body.
I used their custom driveshaft for my resto and they seem to make pretty nice stuff.
I'm replacing my frontend suspension/steering stuff this winter/spring.
Did you go with rubber or polygraphite bushings?

Anyone else have any feedback on the different ones?
I'm on the fence.
Part of me wants the OEM 'comfort' ride of the rubber and the other side wants the tighter steer and handling (but then again I'm not hitting corners hard with my car anyway).


Mike

[cjbiagi]

I prefer rubber bushings for the control arms. For ride comfort, lack of noise and they can be easier to install because if things don't line up perfectly there is no "give" in the poly to get the bolts to slide in. I do use poly on the sway bar frame mounts.

[dadhad1]

Good call Clyde with the added advantage of install ease for the rubber.
Noise I don't have to worry about too much in my car with the side pipes ripping away.
OK, so leaning rubber now...

Thx,
Mike

[cosvega76]

Mike,

I had poly bushings in my Vega at one time. It was bad enough with the squeaking, but after a while, the "cold forming" set in and the car had a mind of its own, needing constant correction while driving. I won't use them again.

Chuck

[dadhad1]

Thanks Chuck.
More good feedback.

Mike

[Monza Harry]

Hi Mike, No Problem for the info, most of my info started on one of our boards (here, V8 Monza, Monza Homesteaders, etc. or eBay) and I followed their links as well. I may pop for the Aluminum Tie Rod Adjusters from them (I will just when?) I went with Energy Suspension bushings all around, I haven't installed yet I am waiting until I upgrade everything in the suspension all at once 5 bolt 4 Wheel Disc my Addco sway bars etc. I may not like everything but you have to start somewhere, and then you tune "to taste" I figure it will never be done just in various states of drivability. You know always looking for the "BBD" (Bigger Better Deal) Harry