73 c20 Suspension replacement.

[Spool]

Hello all.

I've been working on my 73 Chevy but now that I started, everything else seems to catch my eye. Or ear for that matter, I'd like to rid myself of the squeaks.

I'm not off-roading; she's a bit too fragile in this moment for that before upgrades. But with the condition of Los Angeles' terrible roads, at times, I feel like I might as well be.

First question is, suspension would certainly ease my ride, but what would you think a general parts/labor cost would be expected if I started shopping around for something "affordable" but not complete junk?

Second question is, would this actually fix the squeaky/shaking I hear when I'm driving around? Vague or ambiguous question, but for the most part, it would lighten the blows right?

Thanks guys.
-Thomas.

 

[yevgenievich]

Depends where the noise is coming from. Generally if interior parts are loose, suspension work is not going to help much.

 

[Spool]

Front End?

I found the noise is coming from the front right tire.
Took it slowly down an alley to film the noise in action and I'm thinking it may be the shock absorber?

I've uploaded a video for it here :
https://youtu.be/YylZEGn_EnA

 

[Mr Clean]

Can you make it squeak by pushing up and down on the fender? I'm thinking bushings, or shocks, or springs.

 

[Spool]

I've recently taken a grease gun to the bushings to see if it was the ball joints but no luck; still squeaks.

I usually happens on un-even roads and especially when turning/flexing up into a driveway of sorts.

I had a friend look and he suggested the shocks even though the bushings look shot as well. I also had a gut feeling it might be the shocks after filming the video I provided above; the squeaks seem to happen when the shocks are moving. But everything is connected as well right?

I'm thinking I may replace the shock and see if I can alleviate the squeak.
Any thoughts to that approach or recommends on brand/vendor if so?

 

[Mr Clean]

I've recently taken a grease gun to the bushings to see if it was the ball joints but no luck; still squeaks.

I usually happens on un-even roads and especially when turning/flexing up into a driveway of sorts.

I had a friend look and he suggested the shocks even though the bushings look shot as well. I also had a gut feeling it might be the shocks after filming the video I provided above; the squeaks seem to happen when the shocks are moving. But everything is connected as well right?

I'm thinking I may replace the shock and see if I can alleviate the squeak.
Any thoughts to that approach or recommends on brand/vendor if so?

That really depends on what you are trying to use the truck for. DD, Weekend Toy, Bad Ass Street/Stripe truck. How much do you want to spend? Monroe, KYB, Edelbrock, No Name brand from what ever parts store. It's up to you, they all have to be made to certain Gov Specs.

All I can say is chance one thing if that don't do it, change the next. At least you'll know what has been changed, and is new. Check you sway bar bushings.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Control arm bushings.

 

[CSFJ]

Ball joint

 

[SlickGTP]

Body bushings will go a long way to decreasing the amount of squeaks you experience if they've never been replaced before.

 

[Georgeb]

I would try shocks. You could take them off and roll down the alley to see if the noise goes away. As far as brand goes many are good just don't cheap out on it. Go with a monroe or gabriel gas charged middle of the price range shock and you will be fine.