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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: MEXICANKAMIKAZE on January 20, 2016, 10:21:07 pm

Title: rebuilding suspension
Post by: MEXICANKAMIKAZE on January 20, 2016, 10:21:07 pm
so I'm rebuilding the suspension on my 79 c20 and i just wanted to know what else do i need besides ball joints and new shocks? a small list would do but any and all info would be appreciated greatly thanks
Title: Re: rebuilding suspension
Post by: travisr1988 on January 20, 2016, 10:24:07 pm
Probably should do bushings while you're at it.
Title: Re: rebuilding suspension
Post by: LTZ C20 on January 20, 2016, 11:38:11 pm
Bushing yes.

Bushings for everything
Ball joints
Tie rod ends
Pitman arm
Idler arm
Springs
Upper control arms
Lower control arms
Center link if needed but that's rare
Wheel bearings
Bump stops

I'll be doing the same on my 73 C20 as soon as I receive my tax returns. I've already added up a lost of parts for the front end. I'm going to be doing the whole truck, front and back but just for the front the parts list came to about $850. That's all AC Delco factory parts from the dealer I work at tho and it's everything to rebuild the front end except for the center link and sway bar. Everything else is getting replaced.

It all depends on how much money you want to spend and how much you want to replace.

Once the front is done, I will do the same on the back.
Title: Re: rebuilding suspension
Post by: Irish_Alley on January 21, 2016, 03:32:05 pm
not saying new isnt better than whats on there now. but if its not broke no need to replace it, had a ball joint break on my 94. not even a year later the new ball joint broke again, replaced it again and its still going strong. i would take it to a place to do inspection and ask them to take a look at it. in maryland a local garage can do state inspection they will take the brakes off and inspect everything even mic the rotors. they will tell you if something is wrong and might save some money. unless youre doing a restoration
Title: Re: rebuilding suspension
Post by: travisr1988 on January 23, 2016, 01:37:58 am
I agree with Irish, some parts like control arms and other hard parts are likely fine and don't need replaced, bushings ball joints, springs, etc are all wear parts that need replaced more often than control arms. In fact my old '79 had a front end rebuild and the control arms were left alone because they were in such great shape. My blazer was the same way...replaced springs, gambling, and bushings, everything else was great. No need to replace good parts that rarely need replaced.