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tmitoraj Samba Member
Joined: May 10, 2007 Posts: 177
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Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 6:27 pm Post subject: Front end rebuild |
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I am starting a body off rebuild of my 73 thing. I am going to start on the front end soon. What parts should I replace because of the age of the vehicle and the fact that everything is easy to get to. This was my daily driver 20 years ago. It has been parked since. As I can remember the front end was working well when I parked it. Thanks |
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Ian Epperson Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2005 Posts: 2262 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 8:06 am Post subject: |
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I was suprised at the amount of damage to my front end. Didn't see most of it until I started pulling it apart. So, if it hasn't been touched in 20 years, you may consider an inspection to see how the parts are. You should probably plan on replacing the shocks and ball joints at the very least. You'll have to pull the trailing arms to get the ball joints out, and when you've got them out, you'll be able to see the shape of your springs. Check to ensure they're not broken and such.
You may also want to replace the front wheel bearings. That'll be much easier than the ball joints. |
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63ziggy Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2005 Posts: 1100 Location: The Woodlands, Texas
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Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 5:19 pm Post subject: Front end rebuild |
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In the midst of my 74 pan off restoration. Figured while I was there, replace it while I can get to it without any special words involved. Mine was a bought project without known history.
Ball joint rubbers were all split wide open, shocks were "slap-happy" and steering damper was in question. Bearings were still well lubricated with grease.
Bottom line, I replaced all tie rod ends, steering damper, shocks, wheel bearings, turned drums and on to brake part replacements.
Maybe overkill, but the body was off and easy to get to things. |
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