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Front end work - DIY or outsource?

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Z28_302

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have Hotckis 2" drop coils, shocks, Poly control arm bushings and new ball joints that I'd like to get on my '69 Z28. I just finished doing tie rod ends, pitman arm, idler arm, and sway bar myself but I'm worried I'll be in over my head on this one.

Scale of 1-10, how bad are springs, CA bushings and ball joints? If I outsource, how much should I look at spending?
 
#2 ·
I brought my control arms to the local chevy dealer and they romoved the old and pressed in the new ones.
Go get a spring compressor from local auto store and rent it. My Moog ball joints bolted in.
I had never done a suspension before and it has not failed me yet. Was not too difficult

R
 
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#4 ·
it's a weekend job for anyone with average mechanical ability, some basic tools, and common sense.

what's so complicated about riveted balljoints- grind off the rivet heads and hit them hard with a hammer..
 
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#6 ·
I recently changed everything out in the front including springs and spindles, disc brakes. My first time at this, just prepare, use the internet, information on this site and be safe with the springs, no problems at all. Just like eating an elephant, one bite at a time. ( I bought the 14.00 air chisel at Harbor freight to remove old bushings in A-arms, worked great)
gene68ss
 
#7 ·
I dont really remember how much other than it took them less than one hour and I paid them the hourly rate. I am sure they would remove install the ball joints too. Not a difficult job for them the control arm is off.

R
 
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#8 ·
Z28_302 said:
Mind if i ask how much you paid for the control arm bushing install? Were your ball joints riveted? Mine are and I've heard horror stories about getting them
out. Did you run into this?
Click to expand...
Took mine to a local machine shop and they charged me 100 bucks to remove the old and install the new bushings.
 
#10 ·
Your not even going to need a spring compressor. Not for removing the old stock springs and not for installing 2" drop springs.

If you have access to a press, control arm bushings are a breeze. If not they can be done with some threaded rod and some spacers for the lowers and a fabricated frame and a bottle jack for the uppers.

It all really depends on if you'd rather spend your money for someone else to do the job or spend your time and do it yourself. You'll get experience doing it yourself.
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
Many thanks for the replies... I'm going to give it a go over Labor Day. Do you guys recommend any related jobs while I have all of this disassembled? I've already done body bushings, sway bar, tie rods, idler arms and pitman arms. Is there a related job that I should tackle while this stuff is in pieces? Thanks!
 
#12 ·
I just put in a new Moog front end in my 1969 Camaro last winter, fairly easy, I took my A-arms to a local shop and had them put in new bushings. The springs are easier than you think. I used a floor jack to get them out, and to put them in, only way I will do it. The spring compressors look like they could be more of a pain. Thanks, Jerod
 
#13 ·
Z28_302 said:
Many thanks for the replies... I'm going to give it a go over Labor Day. Do you guys recommend any related jobs while I have all of this disassembled? I've already done body bushings, sway bar, tie rods, idler arms and pitman arms. Is there a related job that I should tackle while this stuff is in pieces? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Disc brake conversion?
 
#14 ·
Z28_302 said:
Many thanks for the replies... I'm going to give it a go over Labor Day. Do you guys recommend any related jobs while I have all of this disassembled? I've already done body bushings, sway bar, tie rods, idler arms and pitman arms. Is there a related job that I should tackle while this stuff is in pieces? Thanks!
Click to expand...
best addition IMO is a 1" or 1 1/8" sway bar good time while its apart - makes a WORLD of difference in how a first gen corners! - Addco or Hotchkis
also get some good shocks too
If it were me I'd install myself - depends on your skills/experience - may check out some youtube videos to see what your up agains before trying
 
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#15 ·
zman1969 said:
best addition IMO is a 1" or 1 1/8" sway bar good time while its apart - makes a WORLD of difference in how a first gen corners! - Addco or Hotchkis
also get some good shocks too
If it were me I'd install myself - depends on your skills/experience - may check out some youtube videos to see what your up agains before trying
Click to expand...
x2. Perfect time for a sway bar and shocks. I did the Hotchkis sway bar and Bilstein valved shocks at the same time as the coils.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
Got thru all of the disassembly this weekend, wasn't that bad. Looking for a good shop in LA/Torrance area to press the bushings in... Any recommendations? I'm assuming the lower ball joint needs to be pressed out by a shop, too?
 
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