brand opinions: some parts from autozone

[XeonTux]

any experiences with:

"perfect circle" pitman arms? $40
"rare parts" pitman arms? $78

"timkin" wheel bearings? $10

"brute force" u-joints? $15
how to tell if yokes are 3-1/2" or 3-7/8" on my 72 grande 351c 2v auto?


other unrelated repairs on my new car include a small crack I found in the base of my carb. Car was idling high and can't be adjusted low enough without dying, and we think this has alot to do with it. The previous owner bought it remanufactured 2 years ago at Murry's (I have the receipt) and he had it replaced once before under warranty. I hope it is still under warranty and that the crack would be covered, but if not I will probably try JB Weld. In the future I want a 4bbl, but right now it may not be a good idea to start bolting performance parts on this engine. It runs good and I don't want to stress the engine until a rebuild.

 

[Swede958]

I work at Autozone, here's the breakdown...
in house parts
Perfect Circle is alright, rareparts is just another company that does hard to find stuff. If you want real strength, find a vendor that sells Moog. I went with moog for my ride because I wanted to get the best out there at the time. Want the best, Moog, get you buy, perfect circle.

Timken bearings are some of the best on the market... I believe either baer or SSBC come with Timken bearings, well worth the $10

Brute force joints are nice... supposedly I heard a rumor that John Force uses that brand (not saying that exact u-joint, but the brand) on his car. They are nice as they come pre-lubed and are sealed. Much stronger than OE. To check the yoke, pull it out.

The Swede

 

[rbohm]

i agree, for suspension parts moog seems to be best. and timken makes some of the worlds best bearings. perfect circle makes quality piston rings, and while i havent had any experience with their suspension parts, i wouldnt hesitate buying them as perfect circle makes some high quality parts.

 

[68stang351]

I also work there, and Swede pretty much summed it up.

I haven't broken a Brute Force joint yet, while everything else I've tried wouldn't last very long. They are convenient because they are pre-lubed for life with synthetic grease.

Just about everything on my car is from Autozone, even the windsor, and I've not had any problems yet.

 

[XeonTux]

excellent feedback guys, it is much appreciated.

I may check carquest and get pricing on Moog pitman arms. Too bad they, like most parts chains, don't have an online catalog. Autozone web site really kicks ass for planning with a budget. $40 for the perfect circle sounds pretty good right now.



> To check the yoke, pull it out.

I was hoping to not have to do that until I had the part ready to go...