Topic: front suspension
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 292
Vette(s): 1978 Corvette Light Blue
Pulled from the swamps of Miami!
Its a driver and back on the road!
Just got into the corvette picture, have a 1978 that needs the front end done. Any sugestons on where to get parts Eklers, zip.com or mid america, have seen complete rear end suspension kits but not for the fronts seems like just parts and you purchase what you need.Any tips from someone who has done this before let me know??? Thanks
Babyblue 78 2008-02-02 10:52:08
Thanks for all the tips one I am having the garage do it for me and I was going to get a package of parts bushings ball joints then the garage was stating that they wre giong to use moog ball joints that these would be better the packages I am looking at at sips ecklers med america etc... I know there are different packages and the sky is the limit, I am not showing this car and not trying to go back to all factory specs????? I dont want to really modify it just make it a safe driver for me to enjoy. so any word on these moog ball joints and bushings???thanks again for your toughts...
It does get expensive doesn't it??????? I just need a safe drivable corvette, interior is mostly new except some panels I will work on and instrument trim and outside is good....just trying to make the front suspension safe.
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I think most Corvette vendors will have a front suspension "kit", but they may not have it listed in the catalogs. I have seen kits with ball joints, tie-rod ends, and control arm bushings together...not sure who has them tho.
Zip Corvette is one of our fine sponsoring vendors, and I've always have exceptional dealings with them. Might give them a shot.
Tips? Take your time...and lots of pictures! You may want to find/borrow/steal/rent a front coil spring compressor...it will make life safer for ya.
Search the forum here for the subject...there are several threads on front-end rebuilds, and tips on specific areas. Most of the job is pretty basic, but there are some special tools that do make it easier.
And, as always, if ya run into a problem, the C3VR gang is always right at your fingertips!
Also...the first thing you should consider purchasing is the factory service manual for your Corvette. It will guide you thru 99% of anything you need to repair. You can find them on e-bay, or thru almost any of the Corvette parts vendors.
btw...Welcome to C3VR!
Adams' Apple 2008-01-28 21:04:24
Zip Corvette is one of our fine sponsoring vendors, and I've always have exceptional dealings with them. Might give them a shot.
Tips? Take your time...and lots of pictures! You may want to find/borrow/steal/rent a front coil spring compressor...it will make life safer for ya.
Search the forum here for the subject...there are several threads on front-end rebuilds, and tips on specific areas. Most of the job is pretty basic, but there are some special tools that do make it easier.
And, as always, if ya run into a problem, the C3VR gang is always right at your fingertips!
Also...the first thing you should consider purchasing is the factory service manual for your Corvette. It will guide you thru 99% of anything you need to repair. You can find them on e-bay, or thru almost any of the Corvette parts vendors.
btw...Welcome to C3VR!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I need to do the front suspension rebuild on mine, too.
Come late March or early April I should have the $$$ to tackle this.
I had thought about the VB&P kit but recently heard some not so good feedback on their ball joints.
I'm considering VANSTEEL or Precision Suspension Technology in N.J.
Let me know what you decide. And, good luck with it!
You can also do a search here to read old posts on the subject.
Welcome to the forum.
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I SUGGEST VAN STEEL, THEY ACTUALLY SUPPLY ALL THE RE-BUILD SUSPENSION FOR ECKELRS. tALK TO DAN OR ART. TELL THEM YOUR A MEMBER OF THE SITE THEY`LL PROBABLY OFFER A DISCOUNT OR FREE SHIPPING. GOOD GUYS TOO. ASK THE ABOUT THEIR NEW CHROMOLY TUBULAR UPPER AND LOWER A-ARMS AS AN UPGRADE.
IF ANY OF YOU ARE IN FL. IN MARCH, VAN STEEL WILL BE AT THE ECKLERS CORVETTE REUNION AT CELEBRATION NEAR ORLANDO.
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
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Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
At Corvette Specialties, we put together kits that have American made ball joints, ties rod ends, idler arm, etc.
Larry
Larry
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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