My winter project is going to be rebuilding the front suspension. After about 30 yrs the rubber bushings are looking a little poor. I was looking at Corvette America rubber front end kit and would like to know if this is good quality stuff. Also I was thinking about replacing the front spring while I am at it. The current ones seem ok but I thought about going to their 460 lb VBP spring. Is it worth it and will it work on my vette with AC. Their catalog says 327,350 w/o AC.

Thanks

Glen

 Glen,I put Grand Touring springs in my 73 from Corvette Central what a difference you will like them.I have the same thing on tap this month, front end rebuild, grease my rear wheel bearings, new u-joints in the half shafts and change the intake.The 460lb springs will work for you.

  Dave

Any of you other experienced mechanics have any good suggestions for:

1) replacing upper and lower control arm bushings

2) replacing lower ball joints

3) replacing the idler arm

as a do-it yourself project?

How difficult is this and does it require a machine shop to insert the bushings? Any other special tools or equipment required?

Not being a true & knowledgeable mechanic I'm struggling with whether to attempt this or take it to an expert.

Thanks - Jim

 It's too bad we live so far from each other. See it comes easy for me, worked 15yrs in a spring shop.Did springs and front end work on everything from VW to Mack trucks.It's really not a hard job, but if you never did it before thats another story.See if the VanSteel video will help. Good Luck!

  Dave

I actually have started the work. I am not to worried about doing the work though. After high school I worked at a couple of years at auto centers doing basic stuff before going back to school to get an engineering degree. I have spent the last 20+ years developing off-hwy equipment and building prototypes. The A-arm bushings will need to be pressed off and back on. I don't have a press at home so I plan to take them down to a front end shop and let them do it. This work is being done in one stall of my garage. Really the only special tools would be pickle forks for separating the ball joints from the spindle and the tie rods from the drag link. The only thing to be careful with is how you handle removal of the spring. The video should have that procedure on it. At least get the video and then decide if you think you can handle it. I have the right caliper, spindle, spring and tie rod off. Right now I am working at trying to remove the upper a-arm. It looks like I need get the AC compressor mount out of the way and the fan shroud. I am with Lynne, if I were closer I could give you a hand. Well I got to go help the wife so see you later. Good luck with your project. If you have questions I will if I can.

Glen

My winter project is going to be rebuilding the front suspension. After about 30 yrs the rubber bushings are looking a little poor. I was looking at Corvette America rubber front end kit and would like to know if this is good quality stuff. Also I was thinking about replacing the front spring while I am at it. The current ones seem ok but I thought about going to their 460 lb VBP spring. Is it worth it and will it work on my vette with AC. Their catalog says 327,350 w/o AC.

Thanks

Glen

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are you sure you want to go with rubber instead of poly ??

I like the 460's...  I would not recommend the 550's...  unless you are prepared to deal with rubbing front tires as they are an inch shorter

Any of you other experienced mechanics have any good suggestions for:

1) replacing upper and lower control arm bushings

yep...  youll need an air chisel to get the old ones out..  and if you dont have a press.. a 6 inch vise and some large sockets will do.

2) replacing lower ball joints

easy..  if you dont have a pickle fork, use a good hammer..

3) replacing the idler arm

as a do-it yourself project?

How difficult is this and does it require a machine shop to insert the bushings? Any other special tools or equipment required?

see above

Not being a true & knowledgeable mechanic I'm struggling with whether to attempt this or take it to an expert.

Thanks - Jim

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for the faint of heart i would take it in

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It really isnt that hard...  but without the proper tools..  which can be expensive...  you need to be very creative or have some decent experience..

if you want to do it yourself..  you can get help here..