Rebuild front suspension Options

[markovich1]

How difficult is it to rebuild the front suspension and steering. I want to keep it stock. I already replaced the inner and outer tie rod ends and front shocks. I have been cleaning rusty parts and globs of gunk off and on for a while. Noticed that seals and fittings are starting to leak rusty grease.

I know Kanter sells rebuild kits, but I think they are the most expensive. Can I do the rebuild in my garage without a lot of outside shop expense? The outside and interior have been done for a few years. Now I need to focus more attention to under the car.

[suntennis]

It is possible to rebuild most of the front end yourself without any outside help. You should have a shop repair manual for your car before doing any of these repairs. If all the front fenders and grill are off, this really gives you a lot more space to work with. I do not know if the steering box can be done on the car or not. If not, then the steering box has to be removed by going thru the inside of the car. The rebuild kit for these provids bearings, an oil seal, gaskets and a bushing for the pitman arm shaft. This bushing replacement is possible by you if you have some car experience . Before taking suspension apart, you or some front end person needs to determine what if any parts need replacing. If king pin bushings need replacing, you will probably need an auto machine shop to press in and hone to fit the new king pin bushings. If king pins or other bushings need to be replaced, the springs will need to be removed. If you do not have some auto repair experience you may want to get some help to take the front suspension apart. I used a spring compressor with a floor jack to remove the front springs. If you need to replace either the upper or lower bushings, the manual shows a special tool for the job. I made a tool that worked for this job. That's a lot of words to say that you car probably do this. If you would like any more input, contact me at suntennis@earthlink.net and I will be happy to assist.
Dana

[Flo]

Good question. I say that because I'd like to know also! Getting close to needing to rebuild mine, too.

[Flo]

Thanks! Now we know.

[markovich1]

It is possible to rebuild most of the front end yourself without any outside help. You should have a shop repair manual for your car before doing any of these repairs. If all the front fenders and grill are off, this really gives you a lot more space to work with. I do not know if the steering box can be done on the car or not. If not, then the steering box has to be removed by going thru the inside of the car. The rebuild kit for these provids bearings, an oil seal, gaskets and a bushing for the pitman arm shaft. This bushing replacement is possible by you if you have some car experience . Before taking suspension apart, you or some front end person needs to determine what if any parts need replacing. If king pin bushings need replacing, you will probably need an auto machine shop to press in and hone to fit the new king pin bushings. If king pins or other bushings need to be replaced, the springs will need to be removed. If you do not have some auto repair experience you may want to get some help to take the front suspension apart. I used a spring compressor with a floor jack to remove the front springs. If you need to replace either the upper or lower bushings, the manual shows a special tool for the job. I made a tool that worked for this job. That's a lot of words to say that you car probably do this. If you would like any more input, contact me at suntennis@earthlink.net and I will be happy to assist.
Dana

Dana,
Thanks for the advise. I do have car experience. I just never rebuilt the suspension before. I read the procedure in my repair manual last night. It sounds like a big job but doable in my garage. I always would rather do the work myself than pay a mechanic $75 - $100 per hour. I never had good luck with mechanics, unless it is something I absolutely could not do on my own. Plus, I can save a ton of money doing DIY. If and when I decide to get I will replace any moving (bushings) or leaking parts. Can recommend a reputable parts supplier other than Kanter?

Maybe you can help with one other repair question. I have been trying to track down an oil leak all last summer. I thought it was rear main seal. I replaced the oil pan seal and the rear main bottom seal. But the car still leaks. Not a little, not to much, but enough that it makes a mess on the under side of the car and on the garage floor. I am thinking I damaged the new pan gasket or did not intall the bottom rear main properly. Might have to do them over again. Any other suggestions...oil pump gasket, fuel pump gasket, oil pressure switch gasket or maybe something else?

Mike

[suntennis]

I have used Berbaum and Roberts Motor Parts. Maybe Kanter"s prices are the same, I have not checked. Of course you cleaned the bottom side of the engine so that you can see the path of the oil leak. Other places for leaks are the top half of rear main, front crankshaft seal, oil filter, side valve covers and drain plug. I had a leak from the front of my transmission. There is shaft, maybe for the cluster gear, that is exposed just below the face of the bellhousing that was the source. This was fixed with the aid of some sealent. Good luck

[suntennis]

I made a slight mistake in my comments above. The error was about removing the front springs to rework king pins. Worn king pin bushings are common and do not require spring removal. If you do this job, read the service manual first because there are a couple of things that can cause a problem.