Replacing front end questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

AJLChase · 12-18-2009, 02:24 AM

I am in the process of replacing my ball joints, control arm shafts,tie rod ends and shocks. I plan on cleaning up the Control Arms and painting them black and possibly painting other things while I'm down there. What else would and should be replaced if any? Anything I need to watch out for as far as tightening, tension and spacing? Taking it apart is always much easier then putting it back together correctly. I have a Haynes manual that kind of helps, but it's really generalized.

Also, when taking apart the driver side part of the front end, we noticed that the spring was broken down at the bottom, it had about 3/4 of a coil broken off that was pretty much just wedged down there. I am planning on taking a spring out of another donor front end that I have, will this be sufficient enough? Thanks!

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-18-2009, 09:03 AM

Replacing one spring can end up with the truck not being level on one side. It may work for you but if you have both springs available you may want to replace both.

Jim

PanelDeland · 12-18-2009, 08:49 PM

I'll go a step further and suggest you spend a $100.00-120.00 on a new set of springs.The donors are probably 40 years old just like the one you need to replace.
Springs will sag a bit over time and even a pair from the same donor may make the ride height different.

unclewatts · 12-19-2009, 01:00 AM

AJLChase · 12-19-2009, 02:01 PM

I'm planning on keeping the truck as completely stock as possible, which site has the best deal on Coil springs for our trucks? The best I've found was LMC, they even have a package deal with the rear shocks for $140.00.

hayhauler71 · 12-19-2009, 07:19 PM

Try your local auto parts store there still easy to find.

12-18-2009, 02:24 AM	#1
AJLChase Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 322	Replacing front end questions I am in the process of replacing my ball joints, control arm shafts,tie rod ends and shocks. I plan on cleaning up the Control Arms and painting them black and possibly painting other things while I'm down there. What else would and should be replaced if any? Anything I need to watch out for as far as tightening, tension and spacing? Taking it apart is always much easier then putting it back together correctly. I have a Haynes manual that kind of helps, but it's really generalized. Also, when taking apart the driver side part of the front end, we noticed that the spring was broken down at the bottom, it had about 3/4 of a coil broken off that was pretty much just wedged down there. I am planning on taking a spring out of another donor front end that I have, will this be sufficient enough? Thanks!

12-18-2009, 09:03 AM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Replacing front end questions Replacing one spring can end up with the truck not being level on one side. It may work for you but if you have both springs available you may want to replace both. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

12-18-2009, 08:49 PM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Replacing front end questions I'll go a step further and suggest you spend a $100.00-120.00 on a new set of springs.The donors are probably 40 years old just like the one you need to replace. Springs will sag a bit over time and even a pair from the same donor may make the ride height different. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

12-19-2009, 01:00 AM	#4
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Replacing front end questions __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

12-19-2009, 02:01 PM	#5
AJLChase Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 322	Re: Replacing front end questions I'm planning on keeping the truck as completely stock as possible, which site has the best deal on Coil springs for our trucks? The best I've found was LMC, they even have a package deal with the rear shocks for $140.00.

12-19-2009, 07:19 PM	#6
hayhauler71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St. Paul MN. Posts: 1,996	Re: Replacing front end questions Try your local auto parts store there still easy to find.



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