front end rebuild-parts Q - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Longhorn Man · 10-28-2007, 07:02 PM

I hope to have my burb swapped over to 1/2 ton by X-mas. Before I do this, I have to rebuild the front suspention, and possibly calipers/rotors/bearings... etc.

The last few years, I have been just calling my NAPA guy and telling him to source my parts and get them to me. However, that Longhorn has some crazy stuff under it that even he can't locate some of it. But, with this 1/2 ton 72 suspention, I no longer have to worry about it.

Now... on to the Q...
With keeping in mine a realistic budget, what's the best place to get these parts at? I'll be doing upper and lower ball joints, and outter tie rod ends at a minimum... possibly inners and the idler, and if things look bad, the control arm bushings too.
Does anyone actually have anything bad to say about the NAPA suspention parts?
Is there a particular store or brand to avoid?

There'll be a full coil chopped out of the front springs, and I do have a stock sway bar up front... but I doubt any of that will matter.

weasel29gm · 10-28-2007, 07:09 PM

Andy, Classic Performance Products has kits startin' at $ 269. Most of the truck mags has their adds.

clemson71guy · 10-28-2007, 07:10 PM

me and my dad went to autozone and will never go back there again....none of the parts they give you are the same, we had to make 4 or 5 trips there just to get the right ball joints and tie rods. i would say go to napa even tho they might not be the cheepest stuff there stuff is right.

Ackattack · 10-28-2007, 07:11 PM

there isn't really front control arm bushings to change out. There are some seals to keep the grease in that LMC sells (only place I've been able to find them)

Moog is supposed to be a very good brand for parts.

rodnok1 · 10-28-2007, 07:14 PM

I found the best parts/prices are TRW from advance. Same parts as Napa if I remeber correctly, but cheaper. I stay away from any store brands on anything I plan on keeping, unless I can figure out who makes them. I usually figure out what I need prior to going in incase they don't list it for that vehicle.

drman929 · 10-28-2007, 07:20 PM

Moog offers great replacement parts, but a little more $$.

Carquest offers the Moog in a bluish box and a cheaper line that comes in red boxes. I do not know the brand, but if I'm not mistaken they are lifetime warranty just like Moog. I'll have to check it out Monday to confirm the warranty.

Classic Parts has decent prices on suspension parts. Haven't checked the other vendors.

I will say this...unless you are completely strapped for cash, do everything up front. The difference is unreal if everything is tight up there. Grease everything once in a while and be done with it forever!

Cyclone44 · 10-28-2007, 07:23 PM

I also used TRW in my chance over, I got mine from Napa with no problems, I avoid the Advance and Autozone store's here, It seems like every time I get a part from them is is the wrong thing, It's always a hassle to have to go back and return parts, I like to spend my off time working on my trucks not waiting in line returning stuff...JMO...George

**Boog** · 10-28-2007, 07:36 PM

I have never had any probs with Moog brand parts. May cost more but the quality is there and I'd just rather not have to do this job over in a year or two because I saved a few bucks..

BigDaddyDave · 10-28-2007, 08:08 PM

I used Auto Zone junk on my 70 and Moog on my 71 and I could not believe the difference.I will never use anything but Moog again.

**oldgold70c10** · 10-28-2007, 09:40 PM

I rebuilt my front end completely using parts from LMC and O'reilly's That was over a year and 10,000+ miles ago, and I have had no problems. It was much cheaper and less of a hassle to get the complete control arm cross shafts and end nuts, rather than fiddle with using the old parts. I didn't have to make any return trips, everything was correct the first time. I got the ball joints, & tie rod ends at O'reilly's, the rest from LMC. Everything was in stock. NAPA & Oreilly's will charge for one end nut what you can get both nuts, the seals and cross shaft from LMC for.

powell72 · 10-28-2007, 09:46 PM

www.rockauto.com carries MOOG stuff and the prices are tough to beat. NAPA and Carquest seem to be the most expensive I've noticed.

68 P.O.S. · 10-28-2007, 11:06 PM

Don't forget about ECE. They have the complete front end kits from Moog as well. I believe the kits w/ PS run $425 or $475.

**special-K** · 10-29-2007, 07:26 AM

So Boog likes Moog.Sorry,I couldn`t help it...
Just remember when buying cheaper stuff that has a lifetime warranty.They aren`t figuring for one minute that part will last a lifetime.It`s just a sales ploy.They don`t figure you`ll run it that much longer.Alot of "like new" replacement parts going to the crusher every day.

JVictor75 · 10-29-2007, 01:26 PM

Hi guys!
Haven't posted here in a LONNNNNGGGGG time, but thought I'd jump in.

I was having the same question for a while on my 71 C10 longbed. Carquest, NAPA, AutoZone, Checker Auto, Kragen, Advance Auto parts, Pepboys, and all are great if you want to "freshen up" your front suspension only.

However, If you want to completely rebuild the ENTIRE suspension, front and back with quality parts that come with a warranty, you really couldn't do better than LMC for the price. Top half of page 135 on either the online LMC catalog or the newest dead-tree variety.

$449.00 plus shipping gets you the following:

2 Upper ball joints
2 Lower ball joints
2 Upper control arm shafts
2 Lower control arm shafts
2 Rear axle to control arm U-bolts with washers and nuts
4 Lower control arm shaft u-bolts with washers and nuts

2 front coil springs
2 Rear Coil springs
4 Rear Coil spring clamps
(An aside here, I called to ask if I could substitute the springs in the kit for other springs for extra money and they said no, no substitutions)

1 Polyurethane front sway bar bushing set (stock style sway bar)
1 Polyurethane rear control arm bushing set
1 Polyurethane rear tracking arm bushing set

2 Upper a-arm rubber bumpers
2 Lower A-Arm rubber bumpers

1 Idler arm
1 Pitman arm
2 Outer Tie rods
2 Inner Tie rods
2 Tie rod adjusting sleeves

I think everything including shipping was $483.20.

I already ordered the kit (last night actually) but I'm not home and won't be until the first weekend in November. Depending on my flight I may not even get to work on the truck until the 2nd weekend in November. Yay for military training! (Wooo, even)

If you all can remain open-minded and patient I can certainly give you an "installation report" (I.E. how the install went, what my impressions are, etc.).

10-28-2007, 07:02 PM	#1
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	front end rebuild-parts Q I hope to have my burb swapped over to 1/2 ton by X-mas. Before I do this, I have to rebuild the front suspention, and possibly calipers/rotors/bearings... etc. The last few years, I have been just calling my NAPA guy and telling him to source my parts and get them to me. However, that Longhorn has some crazy stuff under it that even he can't locate some of it. But, with this 1/2 ton 72 suspention, I no longer have to worry about it. Now... on to the Q... With keeping in mine a realistic budget, what's the best place to get these parts at? I'll be doing upper and lower ball joints, and outter tie rod ends at a minimum... possibly inners and the idler, and if things look bad, the control arm bushings too. Does anyone actually have anything bad to say about the NAPA suspention parts? Is there a particular store or brand to avoid? There'll be a full coil chopped out of the front springs, and I do have a stock sway bar up front... but I doubt any of that will matter.

10-28-2007, 07:09 PM	#2
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,094	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q Andy, Classic Performance Products has kits startin' at $ 269. Most of the truck mags has their adds. __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 38YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

10-28-2007, 07:10 PM	#3
clemson71guy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: north carolina Posts: 470	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q me and my dad went to autozone and will never go back there again....none of the parts they give you are the same, we had to make 4 or 5 trips there just to get the right ball joints and tie rods. i would say go to napa even tho they might not be the cheepest stuff there stuff is right.

10-28-2007, 07:11 PM	#4
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q there isn't really front control arm bushings to change out. There are some seals to keep the grease in that LMC sells (only place I've been able to find them) Moog is supposed to be a very good brand for parts. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

10-28-2007, 07:14 PM	#5
rodnok1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Linden, North Carolina Posts: 617	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q I found the best parts/prices are TRW from advance. Same parts as Napa if I remeber correctly, but cheaper. I stay away from any store brands on anything I plan on keeping, unless I can figure out who makes them. I usually figure out what I need prior to going in incase they don't list it for that vehicle. __________________ 64 Panel Rebuild Pics Clutch Replacement and Borg Warner T10 Trans Rebuild 64 Panel 1/2 Ton 350cubes/400hp BorgWarner t-10 3:73 Auburn Posi Last edited by rodnok1; 10-28-2007 at 07:16 PM.

10-28-2007, 07:20 PM	#6
drman929 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 232	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q Moog offers great replacement parts, but a little more $$. Carquest offers the Moog in a bluish box and a cheaper line that comes in red boxes. I do not know the brand, but if I'm not mistaken they are lifetime warranty just like Moog. I'll have to check it out Monday to confirm the warranty. Classic Parts has decent prices on suspension parts. Haven't checked the other vendors. I will say this...unless you are completely strapped for cash, do everything up front. The difference is unreal if everything is tight up there. Grease everything once in a while and be done with it forever!

10-28-2007, 07:23 PM	#7
Cyclone44 Step Brother Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: K-town Posts: 4,029	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q I also used TRW in my chance over, I got mine from Napa with no problems, I avoid the Advance and Autozone store's here, It seems like every time I get a part from them is is the wrong thing, It's always a hassle to have to go back and return parts, I like to spend my off time working on my trucks not waiting in line returning stuff...JMO...George

10-28-2007, 07:36 PM	#8
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,459	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q I have never had any probs with Moog brand parts. May cost more but the quality is there and I'd just rather not have to do this job over in a year or two because I saved a few bucks.. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

10-28-2007, 08:08 PM	#9
BigDaddyDave RIP BigDaddyDave ~7-23-09~ You will be missed~ Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Concord NC Posts: 1,361	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q I used Auto Zone junk on my 70 and Moog on my 71 and I could not believe the difference.I will never use anything but Moog again.

10-28-2007, 09:40 PM	#10
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,026	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q I rebuilt my front end completely using parts from LMC and O'reilly's That was over a year and 10,000+ miles ago, and I have had no problems. It was much cheaper and less of a hassle to get the complete control arm cross shafts and end nuts, rather than fiddle with using the old parts. I didn't have to make any return trips, everything was correct the first time. I got the ball joints, & tie rod ends at O'reilly's, the rest from LMC. Everything was in stock. NAPA & Oreilly's will charge for one end nut what you can get both nuts, the seals and cross shaft from LMC for. __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel

10-28-2007, 09:46 PM	#11
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q www.rockauto.com carries MOOG stuff and the prices are tough to beat. NAPA and Carquest seem to be the most expensive I've noticed. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html

10-28-2007, 11:06 PM	#12
68 P.O.S. Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 1,662	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q Don't forget about ECE. They have the complete front end kits from Moog as well. I believe the kits w/ PS run $425 or $475. __________________ 72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo

10-29-2007, 07:26 AM	#13
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q So Boog likes Moog.Sorry,I couldn`t help it... Just remember when buying cheaper stuff that has a lifetime warranty.They aren`t figuring for one minute that part will last a lifetime.It`s just a sales ploy.They don`t figure you`ll run it that much longer.Alot of "like new" replacement parts going to the crusher every day. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-29-2007, 01:26 PM	#14
JVictor75 Maintenance Man Join Date: May 2002 Location: Phoenix, AZ US Posts: 213	Re: front end rebuild-parts Q Hi guys! Haven't posted here in a LONNNNNGGGGG time, but thought I'd jump in. I was having the same question for a while on my 71 C10 longbed. Carquest, NAPA, AutoZone, Checker Auto, Kragen, Advance Auto parts, Pepboys, and all are great if you want to "freshen up" your front suspension only. However, If you want to completely rebuild the ENTIRE suspension, front and back with quality parts that come with a warranty, you really couldn't do better than LMC for the price. Top half of page 135 on either the online LMC catalog or the newest dead-tree variety. $449.00 plus shipping gets you the following: 2 Upper ball joints 2 Lower ball joints 2 Upper control arm shafts 2 Lower control arm shafts 2 Rear axle to control arm U-bolts with washers and nuts 4 Lower control arm shaft u-bolts with washers and nuts 2 front coil springs 2 Rear Coil springs 4 Rear Coil spring clamps (An aside here, I called to ask if I could substitute the springs in the kit for other springs for extra money and they said no, no substitutions) 1 Polyurethane front sway bar bushing set (stock style sway bar) 1 Polyurethane rear control arm bushing set 1 Polyurethane rear tracking arm bushing set 2 Upper a-arm rubber bumpers 2 Lower A-Arm rubber bumpers 1 Idler arm 1 Pitman arm 2 Outer Tie rods 2 Inner Tie rods 2 Tie rod adjusting sleeves I think everything including shipping was $483.20. I already ordered the kit (last night actually) but I'm not home and won't be until the first weekend in November. Depending on my flight I may not even get to work on the truck until the 2nd weekend in November. Yay for military training! (Wooo, even) If you all can remain open-minded and patient I can certainly give you an "installation report" (I.E. how the install went, what my impressions are, etc.).



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