front end rebuild

Joker13 said

Any suggestions on the best kits both in the quality and quantity of parts? Are there parts I should replace or look at that would not be part of a kit? The car has a 318 and drum brakes. I am on a budget and have seen kits from $220-$1000+ I do not want to go cheapest, but can't afford the most expensive.

Part II is doing the job. I haven't touched this type of stuff in 20yrs. I have a friend who is a mechanic who may be interested in doing it with me. I would like to build my own car, but is this the type of thing best left for the experts?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Part 1: Unless you are driving on smooth streets or have plans for aggressive driving, recommend rubber bushings. The PST front end kit will have all that you need except the offset UCA bushings. These parts are sold by MOOG through Rock Auto. They will be helpful if more than +2º caster is desired.

Part 2: DIY works as long as the T-bar gets respect. Don't scratch it or try to remove it unless ALL load is off it. I will get alignment as close as I can but rely on experts to get things exactly like I want it. Determine driving style / car use and use SKOSH chart for settings. Original factory settings are only OK for bias ply tires.

I had access to a press when I did my front-end rebuilds. I would leave press fitting new bushings into the control arm to a pro otherwise