ok so my son has a 72 4 door mav. what is the cheapest i can get away with when it comes to just rebuilding the front end? all the metal parts are fine, its just all the rubber and bushings are dry rotted and its wearing his tires out. im not sure of all the parts names as ive never rebuilt a front before to this degree. im sure i can do it no problem but just need part list and a site that i can hopefully get them all from. this is a daily driver so stock parts are fine. for my 70 i already have a package ill use thats a complete rebuild using all new metal and everything but that would be over kill for what my son needs. please advise...thanks all.
rockauto.com, they should have everything you need. Use the 5% discount code from their vendor sticky on this forum.
the only metal i will need to replace is 1 lower control arm because it is warped from being towed by an idiot, so im going to replace BOTH lowers. ty sir. so help me out and tell me if im missing anything here please. my list should include.... front springs front shocks upper ball joints lower control arm w/bushing control arm bushing stabilizer bar bushing strut rod bushing ...............................correct?? do i also need stabilizer bar link? it appears it has some rubber on it too.
Sway bar end links are inexpensive, might as well chance them while your down there. I'd also check the tie rods for play.
Little tip, make sure you tighten everything on the ground... If not your front end will be sky high!
You might not need ALL those items. Might want to check them all out (or have it done) to see what really needs replaced.
Spring isolaters "fits between top of spring and shock tower floor". Idler arm bushing or arm replacement. I wud replace all the things you have mentioned; most likely they will need it soon, anyway. Do it, while you have the thing apart!
yes all will get done. everything under his car has almost rotted out rubber wise. spring isolators also will be done. thanks all!
Something that is that old and your going to keep it and drive it ,just get everything and replace it all and be done with it. Otherwise you will end up chasing your tail in the long run when you have to tear into it to replace old parts that you let go the first time.
The time and colorful expletives used will be greatly reduced if you just buy new complete upper cont' arms. Get new strut rod bushings as well (Not polyurethane ones either) Also...new lower spring perches (They bolt to the upper cont' arm) You really only want to do this once every 10 yrs or so if its a daily driver. On that note...I would R&R all the steering parts as well...Inner & outer tie rods...Idler arm as well. As for the springs...If they aint broke and the car dont sag badly in the front. Leave em be. But... Iwould take a good look and see exactly whats up, worn out... Best case it just needs a proper alignment. Worst case, you need every thing...Good luck!!!
