Front suspension rebuild

K

ks65stang

Member

Nov 4, 2002

184

0

17

Kansas City Metro, Lenexa

Feb 21, 2010

#1

• Feb 21, 2010

• #1

I was at my local Mustang parts shop and I was talking w/ the owner about rebuilding my front suspension on my 65 v8 coupe. I explained I wanted to rebuild my front suspension w/ new rubber bushings and he explained I would need more than just the bushings. He explained my A-arms would need to be replaced as they will likely not be salvageable. I was under the impression all I would need is bushings, ball joints and rod ends. Anyone want to gave me an idea of what parts are usually not rebuildable so I know this guy just isn't looking for a better sale, thanks.

 

2

2+2GT

10 Year Member

Apr 25, 2009

3,333

10

79

Southeastern Pennsylvania

Feb 21, 2010

#2

• Feb 21, 2010

• #2

I have rebuilt many an upper arm, but the bushings are nut rubber, they are steel caps on steel shafts. Rubber a arm bushings are a Camaro thing.

While you have it apart, lower the upper arm holes 1".

http://site.cobranda.com/tech/aarms.pdf

 

K

ks65stang

Member

Nov 4, 2002

184

0

17

Kansas City Metro, Lenexa

Feb 22, 2010

#3

• Feb 22, 2010

• #3

I plan to do the Shelby drop as the same time.

Are the caps pressed on? I really haven't even investigated yet.

Is the lower arm able to be rebuilt?

 

R

rsweld

Member

Dec 30, 2009

64

0

6

St. Marys, GA.

Feb 22, 2010

#4

• Feb 22, 2010

• #4

Typically on the 65 v8 the lower arm is considered a ball joint. if you order the lower balljoint it comes complete as a lower arm assembly.

 

P

pvtdiaz

New Member

Sep 26, 2009

11

0

2

Los Angeles

Feb 23, 2010

#5

• Feb 23, 2010

• #5

suspension

okay if i believe is correct to rebuilt the uppers control arms the ends are screw on, then just replace the ball joint, for the lower you could keep the orignal and replace the ball joint and the bushing but thats for the lower if your going to buy after market be very careful for some suspension parts including control arms upper and lower are very flimsy and the ball joints are junk

 

6

68RCodeConv

New Member

Oct 2, 2003

345

0

0

Houston, TX

Feb 24, 2010

#6

• Feb 24, 2010

• #6

It is not worthwhile to rebuild the LCAs. The UCAs can cause problems because they can be cracked or the threads for the large shaft nuts stripped. It either case it is a lot of effor.

IMO the best thing to do is to buy quality LCAs and UCAs (such as Moog) and be done with it.

 

JonK

Member

Jun 6, 2007

276

0

16

Nashville (Smyrna), TN

Feb 25, 2010

#7

• Feb 25, 2010

• #7

The kits to rebuild UCA and LCA cost close to what all new ones cost plus the UCA shaft holes can get worn out and oblong shaped making a build a waste of time not to mention adding in the labor cost for the shop to remove the old BJ's, etc., clean, etc.
Virginia Classic Mustangs has Moog LCA on sale for $50ea. which is a steal, you might want to check the cost of their UCA also, you might be able to get them from your local parts store also, look for Moog or McQuay Norris if they have those brands.
65-66 LOWER CONTROL ARM

Jon