Front end gurus - help me expect the unexpected

[David Schwarz]

Last weekend I successfully got my rear end installed. But along the way there were a few unexpected surprises - the biggest one was getting the axle bushing out for the UCA. I pulled it off, but it took much longer than I expected (and introduced me to some muscles that had long been dormant).

This weekend the front end work is to be completed. Everything is coming off so I can do the following: replace stock LCA with QA-1 tubular (the QA-1 K-member is already installed). The springs are coming out to be replaced by coil-overs, and then it all has to be put back together and drivable by sundown (which will include some crude adjustment to at least the camber so that I can drive it for an alignment).

So - what will be the biggest challenges that I'm going to face that I haven't yet anticipated? I'm really just your average Joe as far as tools are concerned, and next to last weeks work on the rear suspension, this will be my biggest job to date.

Let me help by asking some easy (I hope) questions:

1) The QA-1 tubular CAs have heim joints at the end. The brief directions say to grease these before installing. Should I use some of the all purpose moly grease I already have, the grease for wheel bearings, or something else?

2) Same question as 1, but pertaining to the ball joint

3) I bought a two jaw puller to remove the tie rods. Is this pretty straight forward, or are there struggles that lie waiting for me? Same goes for the spindle; once I remove the crown bolt (and tie rods of course), will it slide right off? Do the brakes slide right off, or do they have to be compressed first?

4) How much will the caster/camber change in switching from the stock spring set-up to coil-over? Can I adjust C/C with weight on the wheels, or do I have to jack the car up each time I want to test a new setting?

Those are the questions I can think of now. But please - anyone that's done this - chime in with your sage advice. I'd really appreciate it.

 

[jerry beach]

I installed an MM front coil-over kit recently in my car. I just put mine together midway on all the adjustments on the CC plates and it was close enough to drive the car for a week while looking for an alignment.

I didnt remove my spindle, are you replacing it?

The brakes should slide right on and off, just make sure no one touches the pedal while they are apart. I had a 10yr old in the car turning the wheel for me so I could check clearances on the upper spring perch, she didnt hit the brakes luckily. A small mirror comes in very handy for checking the clearances up there where you cant see. These are things you should be concerned with. Follow the instructions that came with your kit carefully. Check out www.maximummotorsports.com and review the instructions there for coilovers.

Dont take your car to any old shop to get an alignment. They might screw it up bad. All clearances have to be re-checked after this is done. I did it myself after the alignment, cause they werent familiar with these set-ups. I was lucky, you may have to re-shim the top of the strut piston under the CC plate and start over. Please shoot me a PM and tell me how you like your QA1 stuff. I looked at it. If you have any other specific questions I will be glad to answer them too as best as I can.

 

[David Schwarz]

Use the right tools, Luke

I didnt remove my spindle, are you replacing it?

Not replacing, just removing it from the stock CA so that it can be installed on the QA-1 tubular control arm (QA-1 is one of the few aftermarket manufacturers of K-members that allow you to use the stock CA). I learned over on The Corral that there is a special tool for removing the spindle - apparently it doesn't just slide right off. And it for precisely this reason that I ask these questions. I would have been bummed big time when I went to remove the spindle only to have it just sit there and laugh at me.

BTW - I now also know that Maximum Motorsports (I believe) sells a tool for removing the UCA bushing from the axle housing. I'm a big proponent of having the right tools on hand for the job.

 

[David Schwarz]

A rare bump

I don't do this often, but I just want to see if there is anyone else out there with some suggestions.

 

[Stang951]

I used a 5lb maul to remove mine. Two or three good whacks right above the control arm and it popped right off.

Don't think I would do that once I have tubular control arms though!!