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Bowtieman427


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Front end work this winter ?
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One thing we may do this winter is work on the front end of the car. First time ever doing this. Car primarily Street/Strip car. I am hopping to get the steering less loose and not have such a light feeling on the strip. The Chevelle gets a little loose nearing end of the 1/4 mile.

Parts collected so far over the past 2-3 yrs and may actually get a chance to do it this winter

1) Tubular uppers and lowers stock replacements. Uppers have 4 degrees of + caster.

Is there a way to increase the caster even more with stock ball joints & Spindles ?

2) Moog upper and lower bal joints (do not trust the ones on the arms)

3) Strange SA shocks

4) Moroso front trick (drag) springs

5 )Plan on keeping stock brakes, & spindle

Really thinking about getting new steering rods, ends, center link. idler, adjusters since I will in that area anyways.  I see PST, & Southwest Speed make kits. May just go out and get all Moog jobber parts cost is a little more but not by much. Anyone done the steering rods and ends  tc ? What was your experience any special tools ? Any tricks to make spring change easy ?

Also is Moog still the way to go. These parts only come from a few sources and they are the same juct packaged differently. Not sure it is true or not and experience on part quality of different brands ? Is there the same Chevelle steering or suspension part same as Moog repackaged and sold under a different brand ? Is Moog still the best to get ? 

Is it best to start with all new steering components ?  

thanks in advance will start a new thread in projects if we get to this this winter.



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Jim  -- Pine Island, MN
Lost in the 60s


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Moog has 2 or 3 levels of part quality to have an impact at all cost levels. You want the high level parts, obviously. I usually get them thru NAPA. Cheap steering parts aren't even on my radar, as my life and everyone else around me aren't worth buying junk to save a hundred bucks. If you suspect the steering system is all original, replace everything and start fresh. 4 degrees of caster is plenty on a street car. I'm assuming the tubulars already have poly bushings ?



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Mitch D.   River Falls, WI

Lifetime member of the "Cars apart Club"

1966 Chevelle SS 396 M20

1970 Chevelle SS 396 M20

1967 Camaro SS/RS 350 M20
Bowtieman427


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Thanks Mitch, The tube bars have poly bushings. Did not know Moog had differnt quality levels. The Moog parts I was consider are called Moog "Problem Solver" parts. It amazes me how many different brands are out there for steering parts. NAPA carries their own brand not sure who makes them ? Are they just repackaged Moog parts ?

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Jim  -- Pine Island, MN
Lost in the 60s


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The Problem Solver parts are Moogs top level and what I use. Not sure on the NAPA brand. They could be made by Moog but too NAPA's specs. Wouldn't hurt to ask a counterperson if they know where their parts come from.



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Mitch D.   River Falls, WI

Lifetime member of the "Cars apart Club"

1966 Chevelle SS 396 M20

1970 Chevelle SS 396 M20

1967 Camaro SS/RS 350 M20
Derek69SS


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NAPA's premium line is made by DANA/Spicer... excellent quality stuff, usually better than OEM.

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Derek Kiefer - Mantorville, MN

69 Malibu Pro-Touring stroker LS1-383/T56 - 69 SS396-325/3spd project
Chris R


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Rock Auto actually has some pretty good prices on the Dana/Spicer stuff. I also believe the Dana/Spicer stuff is made in the USA, Moog is too IIRC. Both brands make a very good product.



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Chris - Ramsey, MN.

Dear Optimist, Pessimist, and Realist.

While you guys were busy arguing about the glass of water. I drank it!

Sincerly,

The opportunist.
Bowtieman427


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thanks Chris I will check it out.

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Jim  -- Pine Island, MN
Bowtieman427


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SO does DANA/SPICER = RAYBESTOS and they have RAYBESTOS service grade and Professional on some parts.

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Jim  -- Pine Island, MN
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