Author Topic: Rubber pieces! lol (Read 297 times)

Kats66Pny · « **on:** June, 06, 2011, 06:14:17 AM »

Thursday I'm going to be ordering more parts and I'm trying to figure out what all rubber pieces/bushings/etc I need for front suspension and steering. Anything that was black rubber looks like burnt marshmallows (or completely gone!) and need replaced. What the heck are they all called?

I know there's ball joints and dust boots for control arms (I think I need both?) and Strut rod bushings. I don't need anything related to sway bar because the kit I bought long ago came with everything for installing a new sway bar.

Here's some pictures of the burnt marshmallows.

FYI I'm going to try to clean up all metal pieces and see if they can be reused or if they are too far rusted/worn out and need replaced.

midpack · « **Reply #1 on:** June, 06, 2011, 07:18:26 AM »

FWIW... for me, those fall into the category, if they aren't toast, lube em up and leave em alone... I only see one tie rod end I'd be worried about. The rest don't look all that bad... Any play in them?

Kats66Pny · « **Reply #2 on:** June, 06, 2011, 07:29:07 AM »

Quote from: midpack on June, 06, 2011, 07:18:26 AM

The rest don't look all that bad... Any play in them?

What do you mean? Can I move them around?

midpack · « **Reply #3 on:** June, 06, 2011, 07:44:13 AM »

Well, they're designed to pivot/rotate so there will be movement, but it should be a little difficult. when they're loose is when they need replacing. When they are excessively worn, you can feel/see the slop on the pivot. I guess you could call it lateral movement...

The rubber boot is only there to keep dirt out and grease in.

Horseplay · « **Reply #4 on:** June, 06, 2011, 08:46:45 AM »

If it were me, I'd replace 'em. Not too much cash and then you know what you have underneath you. I doubt the last owner would have done anything on the front suspension unless it fell off. For safety sake I'd spend a few bucks and get it new.

Kats66Pny · « **Reply #5 on:** June, 06, 2011, 09:02:07 AM »

If I replace everything... what all do I have to buy - Front Suspension & Steering?

Control Arms - Upper and Lower
Tie Rods
Strut Rods & Bushings

I'm sure there's more that I'm not finding.

I already have:
Roller Perches (got for Christmas but haven't installed yet)
Springs (I have the 620# 1" drop that were replaced last year)
Sway Bar/End links/Bushings (Bought that last year, just never installed)

I've been looking online and I can't figure out what all I have to have and what's optional.

AzPete · « **Reply #6 on:** June, 06, 2011, 12:03:10 PM »

Talk with John at Opentracker (see add below). Best stuff for a dang good price and all the help you could ask for if problems arise. I would do a complete front end for your long term driving enjoyment.