Originally posted by SBC
Hi all -

First - replace with rubber or new high dollar bushings?
Second - I need a good (stiff is better) shock recommendation.
Third - How do I know if the springs need replacement?
Fourth - No front sway bar or linkage. Is this normal on some models? I suppose I should add that!

I plan to do the tie-rod ends, pittman, idler arm etc next, then on to the rear end. Then the fun begins with a motor rebuild.

Thanks - Bert Boswell
Sounds like a great first project Bert. While you are in that front end mode you should definitely do the ball joints as well. If you are gonna pull the A-Arms to change the bushings, that's a perfect time to replace the ball joints. You could even take the whole control arms to a front end shop and have them press everything in and out for you. Would probably cost you .5 to 1 hour of labor, but sure would save you a lot of time and busted knuckles.

Once you get it all back together, take it straight to the alignment shop, do not pass go etc etc....

Good luck and be careful, those springs pack a powerful punch. FYI Autozone has front end tools like spring compressors and ball joint seperators (pickle fork) that they loan out for free.

Pat