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Topic: Redoing front bushings

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Redoing front bushings

Posted: 5/9/05 5:06pm Message 1 of 9
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SHOHOLA, PA - USA
Joined: 8/31/2004
Posts: 67
Vette(s): 1978 Dark Brown coupe auto 1977 White coupe auto 1974 Dark Green coupe man 1969 Yellow coupe man 1994 blue coupe 6spd

Hi all,

i'm thinking of redoing the front end?

how hard is it and any tricks!!

thanks so much!!

pete kennedy




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Redoing front bushings

Posted: 5/10/05 5:05am Message 2 of 9
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KERNERSVILLE, NC - USA
Joined: 1/13/2004
Posts: 1355
Vette(s): 1968 L-71 convertible

If you are doing the bushings, the whole front end is coming apart to do that. Spring removal can be tricky, and dangerous if done wrong. If you've never done that, I recommend getting someone who has to help you.

When I did my bushings, I took the A arms to a shop to press the new bushings in.




Redoing front bushings

Posted: 5/10/05 7:48am Message 3 of 9
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Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans

I pressed all mine with a 6" vise and creative use of large sockets..

an air chisel is very usefull for getting the old bushing sleeves out




Redoing front bushings

Posted: 5/12/05 1:54pm Message 4 of 9
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Clearwater, FL - USA
Joined: 2/8/2005
Posts: 67
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I have front end kits on sale until the 20th of May if your interested. Rubber is $161.99 and poly is $175.99. I also sell a suspension video that shows you how to remove and install the suspension. It will not tell you how to rebuild it but it will show you some tricks.


Redoing front bushings

Posted: 5/12/05 2:46pm Message 5 of 9
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Annandale, NJ - USA
Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 221
Vette(s): 1979 White/Black
Buy the video as it is well worth the money!


Redoing front bushings

Posted: 5/12/05 3:41pm Message 6 of 9
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Joined: 3/22/2004
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1982 COLLECTOR EDITION
I am right in the middle of doing mine.So far so good.Only have needed hand tools and a bench vise so far.The upper a-frame bushings came out easily since I am replacing the shaft I cut that to get it out and the bushing removal was that much easier.The air chisel Ben metioned will ease things up.I suggest doing one side at a time so you can use the assembled side for reference(only if your memory is as bad as mine).


Redoing front bushings

Posted: 5/16/05 9:07pm Message 7 of 9
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Clearwater, FL - USA
Joined: 2/8/2005
Posts: 67
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82

Why did you cut your upper shaft? Was it really pitted or did you want the offset shaft? Just curious.




Redoing front bushings

Posted: 5/18/05 2:27pm Message 8 of 9
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Joined: 3/22/2004
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1982 COLLECTOR EDITION
Actually, the kit that I wanted to use ,that had everthing I wanted,also had the shafts included, so cutting them was an easy decision.Probably an influence from when I was younger and was a "flat rate" mechanic.


Redoing front bushings

Posted: 5/18/05 6:23pm Message 9 of 9
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Pasadena, MD - USA
Joined: 6/16/2004
Posts: 315
Vette(s): 72 Coupe L48 4 sp Air Tilt Leather

My 2 cents:

Send your A arms to Van Steel. They are not that easy, and you can hurt your self or damage something. I did.

GET the video from Van Steel....a lot of cool ideas if you have never done this before.

Coil springs are scary, things are frozen from 30 some years of crud...be very careful.

Mine turned out great...fixed some broken and bent parts I did not know were there. Alignment was a breeze after fixin' all the crap.....

I won't ever do this again, so do it right the first time with all new parts.....

Good luck!!

 

 

 




Bruce
72 Coupe L48 4sp
Custom Blue/Silver/Pearl

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in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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