Front suspension rebuild

[Nate Yi]

I got my car driving for the first time the other day and other than the crazy amount of play in the steering wheel, the most glaring issue was the front tires screeching as I drove down the road. Some friends of mine were said they saw the front wheels wobbling as I was rolling and the car pulls fairly hard to whichever side the steering wheel is turned more toward.

The car also has some weird positive camber angles when it's just sitting on the ground. The steering gearbox won't hold fluid and the shaft rotates when I wiggle the wheels when the front is jacked up off the ground.

What could cause these issues? I know I have to replace the steering box seal as well as rebuild the shaft coupler. I can't afford a full on front suspension rebuild kit as of now so I'm trying to see what I can fix so that I can at least make it so that it's not so dangerous to drive. Pitman and idler arm are also done for so that's going to need to be replaced.

Also, what brands do you all recommend as far as suspension parts?

Thank you!

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

I used PST on my Demon. The polygraphite bushings are really nice and strong. Your steering 'box' may have a screw next to it at hte bottom of the shaft. Tighten that bolt and the sloppiness should improve.

 

[eagleone1983]

Well the gearbox definitely needs a rebuild, you're looking at about $300 bucks there at either steer & gear or Firm feel unless you can do it yourself but from what I've heard it takes a lot of skill and you won't be able to firm things up like those other two companies can.

As far as the alignment issues, have you ever had it aligned yet? If things look way too bad upfront shops may not align it due to possible liability issues. If I were you I'd wait to drive it until you can rebuild that front end. It'll be a lot cheaper in the long run if you end up throwing that car into a ditch or worse hit somebody else.

 

[Nate Yi]

Thanks for the suggestions! I called a local Mopar place and they sell a front rebuild kit for around 300 with rubber bushings. A buddy of mine told me that Just Suspension apparently significantly upped their prices on everything so it's not going to be nearly as expensive as I had initially thought.

What does everyone think about poly bushings as opposed to rubber? I've read a lot about the squeaking that owners may or may not care about but I've also heard of people putting Zerk fittings in to combat the noise. Does the poly improve handling through its stiffness?

On a side note, has anyone tried Firm Feel's stage two power steering?

 

[eagleone1983]

I've got poly on mine and have no squeaking. The difference is that what I have is Polygraphite not polyurethane. The polygraphite is self lubricating. I think the polygraphite is worth the extra money as it lasts longer and has less flex than rubber.

I have never tried firm feel's stage two but I do have Steer & Gear's stage two and am happy with it. Stiffer than stock but not stiff like a race car.