[bullygto]

My question is this: when doing a front-end resto, what parts should be replaced?
What exactly are wear parts besides ball-joints? is it typical to replace everything, even if not a wear part? I do have new front springs. But I need to find a source for the stock spiral shocks.
Thx, Rob

[bullygto]

My question is this: when doing a front-end resto, what parts should be replaced?
What exactly are wear parts besides ball-joints? is it typical to replace everything, even if not a wear part? I do have new front springs. But I need to find a source for the stock spiral shocks.
Thx, Rob

[jim darlington]

If your budget allows it replace everything . Why cut corners and do it twice . You can buy complete front end replacement kits . Including upper and lower ball jionts , tie rod ends L&R , bushings for the contol arm shafts, bushings for the sway bar.
You have to decide if you want rubber or ureathane bushings . Pro and cons to both types . I have ureathane in my 67 and don't like them . Check with Performance Years for these kits, springs and shocks . Good Luck with your project . If you never worked on a front end before , let a professional help you . It can be very dangerous .

[72LeMConvt]

Go to the '67 - '69 F-bird forum and look there. A thread or two are there discussing this very issue, along with tips for working on the front end.

Also, go to the Suspension thread and look there. Quite a few threads on this topic, and even more tips and related discussions.

If it ain't a wear part, don't replace it. (Unless it's damaged - ie, you wouldn't replace control arms unless they were dented or badly rusted, just the bushings and ball joints)

On the opposite side of that coin, if it is a wear part, replace it. As Jim mentions, it doesn't make sense to replace springs, shocks, ball joints etc. only to tear it all apart again to replace the control arm bushings next year....

Just my 2 cents, and Good Luck!

Kirk