Best Front-end Rebuild Kits

[Psycho381]

I’m sure this has been brought up before, I’d just like to get pointed in the right direction. I took my ‘87 R10 to the local suspension shop for a quote and it was outrageous. By looks of it, everything is still stock and I’d like to overhaul it all myself. Going online opens up many options but some are super cheap and some kits are super expensive. I understand that we get what we pay for, I just want some durable parts. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Ronno6]

I went with Moog for all the stuff for my '84 C10.
I had gone with parts from a popular Truck Parts catalog but found the
control arm bushings to be as much as .040" oversize on I.D, so I returned all their
stuff and ordered Moog.
Control arm bushings,
Tie rod ends and couplers,
Ball joints
Sway bar bushings

AC Delco control arm bumpers
Monroe shocks

Shop around and you can find some rather good deals from trusted online sources.

Ir is interesting to note that one pair of Moog lower control arm bushings was way out of tolerance,too.
You gotta check everything.............

 

[82Diesel]

I've been told if you want Quality front suspension parts go for MOOG While some of the AC Delco stuff is alright.
And ofc Monroe shocks or Bilstein.

 

[Psycho381]

I went with Moog for all the stuff for my '84 C10.
I had gone with parts from a popular Truck Parts catalog but found the
control arm bushings to be as much as .040" oversize on I.D, so I returned all their
stuff and ordered Moog.
Control arm bushings,
Tie rod ends and couplers,
Ball joints
Sway bar bushings

AC Delco control arm bumpers
Monroe shocks

Shop around and you can find some rather good deals from trusted online sources.

Ir is interesting to note that one pair of Moog lower control arm bushings was way out of tolerance,too.
You gotta check everything.............

Thanks. Yeah took my wheel off, degreased and wire brushed everything. Still original rivets. They still passed the tire pull and then pry bar test but the rubber is falling apart on the bushings and ball joints. So I know I have some work ahead.


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[Psycho381]

I've been told if you want Quality front suspension parts go for MOOG While some of the AC Delco stuff is alright.
And ofc Monroe shocks or Bilstein.

Monroe shocks 2/2 so far. Thanks bro.


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[Ronno6]

Thanks. Yeah took my wheel off, degreased and wire brushed everything. Still original rivets. They still passed the tire pull and then pry bar test but the rubber is falling apart on the bushings and ball joints. So I know I have some work ahead.


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You will need to separate the ball joints/spindles in order to replace control arm bushings. That may result in damaging the grease boots on the ball joints.
Ball joints don't cost much, so..............

Just remember to torque the bushing nuts with vehicle's weight on the suspension.

 

[SirRobyn0]

I don't really like ordering online for parts if I'm not 100% sure that they will correct, and sometimes with stuff like front end parts the shipping kills the good deal because of the weight. Moog has been around for forever and has a great reputation as does A/C Delco. For shocks I like Monroe or Gabriels. I think Bilstiens are often over priced for what you get, not that they are bad by any means, I just don't think they are any better that Monroe or Gabbies, and they often cost more.

 

[Psycho381]

I don't really like ordering online for parts if I'm not 100% sure that they will correct, and sometimes with stuff like front end parts the shipping kills the good deal because of the weight. Moog has been around for forever and has a great reputation as does A/C Delco. For shocks I like Monroe or Gabriels. I think Bilstiens are often over priced for what you get, not that they are bad by any means, I just don't think they are any better that Monroe or Gabbies, and they often cost more.

I hear you with the online shipping and risk. I do live walking distance to an O’reillys and Autozone. I’m definitely going to with Monroe shocks. Do I just go off of the year of my truck or are there more things to consider when buying one than just a part number?


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[Ronno6]

I hear you with the online shipping and risk. I do live walking distance to an O’reillys and Autozone. I’m definitely going to with Monroe shocks. Do I just go off of the year of my truck or are there more things to consider when buying one than just a part number?


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Shop wherever you are comfortable. I have used several and found then to be reputable.(I am not permitted to name names on this forum.) Look up your part numbers, MOOG or otherwise, and shop around. There are substantial savings to be had online. I have found them to readily accept returns for whatever reason.
However, these parts are not terribly expensive to begin with, so spend your coins as you choose!

 

[SirRobyn0]

I hear you with the online shipping and risk. I do live walking distance to an O’reillys and Autozone. I’m definitely going to with Monroe shocks. Do I just go off of the year of my truck or are there more things to consider when buying one than just a part number?


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Pretty much just need the info from your truck, year, make, model, possibly axle weight rating.

 

[idahovette]

Shop wherever you are comfortable. I have used several and found then to be reputable.(I am not permitted to name names on this forum.) Look up your part numbers, MOOG or otherwise, and shop around. There are substantial savings to be had online. I have found them to readily accept returns for whatever reason.
However, these parts are not terribly expensive to begin with, so spend your coins as you choose!

Why can't you name names?

 

[Ronno6]

Why can't you name names?

Now that I look back, it was another forum which censored my posts if they contained names of online suppliers.

For the record, the bushings I purchased from LMC were WAY oversized.....Sent bacl for full refund, including freight both ways.

I bought my MOOG parts from Amazon at great prices!
One set of control arm bushings was still oversize.
Amazon replaced then without charge.
Excellent customer service.

 

[idahovette]

Now that I look back, it was another forum which censored my posts if they contained names of online suppliers.

For the record, the bushings I purchased from LMC were WAY oversized.....Sent bacl for full refund, including freight both ways.

I bought my MOOG parts from Amazon at great prices!
One set of control arm bushings was still oversize.
Amazon replaced then without charge.
Excellent customer service.

That's some kind of BS if they won't let you name names. Freedom of speech and all that. Site run by democrats?

 

[Ronno6]

That's some kind of BS if they won't let you name names. Freedom of speech and all that. Site run by democrats?

Apparently they have their own store and don't want to have the competition named,
even if the others are being shown in a negative light.
Private forum; their rules.........

 

[MikeB]

In my experience, KYB Gas-A-Just shocks are MUCH better than basic Monroe or Gabriel, and will last longer -- around 12-15 years on my son's 69 C10.

The Excel G is KYB's OE-replacement shock, and they've been working on my own 82 C10 for 4-5 years. They're actually still a little stiff, which beats they heck out of bouncy-bouncy. Very inexpensive at Rock Auto, and they sometimes have a factory rebate.

As for replacing the control arm bushings, do some reading on the subject, because removing them is a real PITA and takes brute force without the GM tools. I used Energy Suspension poly bushings on my truck, and they were much easier to install than rubber bushings. But I probably spent 8-12 hours on the 4 arms, mostly on the removal process.