I plan to rebuild my front end, hopefully before Spring. Some questions -
I know someone on this forum was kind enough to write a very clear description fo how this is done, with words of caution about different things to look out for, etc. I've searched using different strategies but haven't been able to find it. Anyone who knows where it is (even the author perhaps), I'd really appreciate seeing it again so I can print it out (again) and use it this time.
I do have the shop manual but it is not as helpful as what I remember reading here on the brickboard.
Now for the real question - My lower A-arm bushings are COMPLETELY shot and I have polyurethane replacements. At a bare minimum, these need to be changed. Although the car is old, the rest of the front end seems pretty tight. No play detectable (by tire wobble test) in king pins and the upper A-arm bolts appear solid with no play detectable there either. The grease fittings were replaced by me last year (those that needed changing) and the front end re-greased. I have all of the parts needed for a complete front end re-build.
What I'd like to do is to spare myself the trouble with the upper A-arms and change only the lower bushings and steering arm ends/pitman arm/ideler arm etc. Would this be wise? I prefer to do my own work and the uppers, from what I remember reading, seem to be quite a challenge. Any way to check out the upper bushings more accurately? What about the steering box? I changed the oil a year ago and plan to adjust freeplay once front end work is completed. What about springs??? I don't see new 'sport lowering springs' available anytime soon and I don't want to raise the front up above the level of the back of the car... I plan on using the old ones.
Any words of wisdom, as always, sincerely appreciated.
Kai S.
'67 Duett
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