New Front End Goodies...

G

guysmontess

Well-Known Member
Heres a link to the kit I bought from Mark at SC&C;
http://scandc.com/new/node/47
I got started on the install,got the drivers side almost all done,and the passenger side is loosened and ready to take apart.We didnt have the proper spring compressor,so I had a heck of a time getting the spring back in place.I'm not sure what was used for springs,but they sure are stiff.But now I know where i should be able to borrow a proper spring compressor,so hopefully the other side is easier.I had to loosen off the header and exhaust pipe,the rear lower control arm bolt wouldnt come out because it was up against one header tube.Heres a few pictures;
FrontEndDay1003.jpg

FrontEndDay1007.jpg

FrontEndDay1010.jpg

FrontEndDay2003.jpg

FrontEndDay2007.jpg

FrontEndDay1012.jpg

FrontEndDay2010.jpg

FrontEndDay2009.jpg

I also put new Del-A-Lum bushings from Global West in the lower control arms;
Del-A-Lumbushings001.jpg

I took the upper arms apart and brushed some anti-seize on the threaded parts to help prevent them from seizing up;
Distcontrolarms011.jpg

Distcontrolarms012.jpg

Guy
 
thanks for posting the nice photos, those are always appreciated,because without those its far harder to get some idea of the job being done.
personally I think most suspension designs could be made far more modular and made far easier to work on and replace components on,
I just spent several days watching and learning while a friend replacing ball joints, and u-joints on a second friends truck. and Ive helped on enough front suspension work lately to know its not the type of work I really prefer to do, its more of a required P.I.T.A. in many car rebuilds, like replacing rusted body panels or corroded electrical connections.
but the components you show seem to be made to a higher standard with more adjust-ability in the design and look to be better made that the typical cheap , a arm stamping,s I see most of the time.
Im also not a fan of the fact that theres frequently a need to have the front end alignment done once your done swapping components because theres no way the average back yard mechanic can accurately set up a suspension, or verify the suspension alignments correct.
I find that rather odd, after over a hundred years of cars being produced.
after all , a few tools and a dial caliper can be used to set up most brakes (a related area here) and at least MOST of the better and more modern design disc brakes are currently far easier to swap components on, and are mostly modular.
be aware of the quality of the components you select, there are several merchants that advertise a great deal based on lower prices,
who generally deal in the lower and mid range quality products,
and their goal seems too be a low price volume discount supply house.
now Ive seen a few good deals, over the years but keep in mind,
youll generally find discount price parts, use lower quality components or,
less extensive precision machine work, or imported components or a combination of those factors to reduce price.
now I'm not picking on the lower price parts suppliers, they certainly have a place in the economy and hobby.
I use rockauto and advanced auto, walmart and several other suppliers,
if I need too ,but I generally know the parts and use name brands not cheaper import clones.
remember thats frequently a very noticeable difference in quality, in similar components,
you may pay more for name brand parts and at times the higher cost is not justified in my opinion,
but many of the better known brands do tend to have better quality control and R&D
I would suggest you do research and avoid using the lowest cost import parts like bearings, brakes, and suspension parts ,
as Ive seen horrendous quality control on some import component examples

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Your new components brings up a point that, I've somewhat encountered once. Changing the alignment from something other than stock. The front end guy didn't want to make any changes, just put it back like the OEM said.

With the different adjustments of the new components, do you anticipate any problems getting it aligned now with the aftermarket pieces.
 
Indycars said:

Your new components brings up a point that, I've somewhat encountered once. Changing the alignment from something other than stock. The front end guy didn't want to make any changes, just put it back like the OEM said.

With the different adjustments of the new components, do you anticipate any problems getting it aligned now with the aftermarket pieces.
Click to expand...

The guys that work at my local front end /tire shop,Valley Tire,are gearheads,so there wont be any problem getting the specs set where I want them.Heres the alignment specs that I got with the new parts;
Street/Show
Camber:0 to - 1/4 Degree
Caster:+ 4 to + 4.5 Degrees
Toe In:1/8 inch Total

Street Performance
Camber:- 1/2 Degree
Caster:+ 5 to + 5.5 Degrees
Toe In:1/16 inch Total

Mild Competition
(Not Recommended For Street Use)
Camber:- 1 to - 1.5 Degrees
Caster:+ 5 to+ 6 Degrees
Toe:0 to 1/16 inch Toe Out (Autocross)

Guy
 

Oh, I didn't realize that they came with alignment numbers. Looks like I should do more front end work and I would know these things. :roll:

 
Well I"m just about done.This was a long weekend for us,we celebrated our Canada Day,so Mark had the shop closed.The coil spring compressor I borrowed sure made easy work of the passenger side spring,so now both sides are together,just got to put the right brake back on and tighten everything up.I hope to get the front end lined up this afternoon or tomorrow.Then I want to get the car back on the hoist for a bit and go over all the body bushing & suspension bolts and make sure they are all tight.Then a few more little things and we'll be ready for our annual trip to the Atlantic Nationals in Moncton New Brunswick;
FrontEndDay3009.jpg

FrontEndDay3011.jpg

FrontEndDay3002.jpg

FrontEndDay3006.jpg

FrontEndDay3008.jpg

Guy
 
The Atlantic Nats is indeed quite a car show,its supposed to be the biggest outdoor car show in Canada.last year there was over 1900 cars in attendance.
I finally got my car done and home,the tie rod ends needed app 3 turns in on each side to get the wheels somewhat straight.It looks to be sitting lower,maybe an inch or so,she might have a bit of a "rake" now,I'll take some pictures when I've got it somewhere level.But heres a couple of the front;
Before
WaxShine001.jpg

After
FrontEndDay4006.jpg

I couldnt get in for an alignment yesterday,so I have an appointment for tomorrow afternoon.Jason the front end guy was able to have a quick look and found the front wheel bearings were a tiny bit loose,I'll fix that today.Heres a couple of pics of the new parts from the engine compartment;

FrontEndDay4008.jpg

FrontEndDay4007.jpg

While the brakes were off I popped the bushings out and put a bit of the new lube I got from NAPA on them and the pins;
FrontEndDay4001.jpg

FrontEndDay4002.jpg

FrontEndDay4003.jpg

Guy
 

Looks good, really opens things up. You can see straight thru to the ground now from under the hood.

That should have knocked off a few pounds replacing those a-arms!

 
Thanks for the compliment Rick,although I'm not sure how much weight savings there would have been,those new arms are heavier than they look,but probably a lb or 2 at least.The Monte has a definite rake to it now,bigger tires would help fill the gap,but I just put brand new tires on the back.When time allows,I do plan to tuck the exhaust up closer to the floor for more clearance,the cutout flange takes up a bit of room,so it will be getting removed.When I get that done,I may just cut a bit off of the rear springs to get it a bit lower.Cant lower it too much because we have some pretty bad roads here in Nova Scotia and the exhaust has touched the road a few times already :(
NewLook002.jpg

NewLook003.jpg

NewLook006.jpg

Guy
 
Got it lined up yesterday,he set it to the street performance specs,and he had them already programmed in the computer.Seems to handle better now,but our upcoming trip to the Atlantic Nationals will be a good test.I only went for a short drive yesterday,although I did give it a good rip down Deep Hollow Rd,which has a few sharp corners :eek:
My car & specs in the computer
LinedupJuly2012007.jpg

This is where it was at first
LinedupJuly2012010.jpg

And this is where we ended up at,dead on !!!
LinedupJuly2012021.jpg

Guy
 
Thanks Mat,I think it looks pretty good too,but I would like to drop the rear an inch or two.Unfortunately I dont think I'll have time before we leave for the Atlantic Nationals this week.The exhaust needs to be tucked up closer to the floor,then I'll probably try the cheapest method and cut a bit off of the springs.Are you going to the At Nats ???
Guy
 
guysmontess said:
Thanks Mat,I think it looks pretty good too,but I would like to drop the rear an inch or two.Unfortunately I dont think I'll have time before we leave for the Atlantic Nationals this week.The exhaust needs to be tucked up closer to the floor,then I'll probably try the cheapest method and cut a bit off of the springs.Are you going to the At Nats ???
Guy
Click to expand...
The rear look fine, maby some bigger tire :)
Am not going at the Nats, its my first time hearing about this even, will check about it, look interesting.
 
I've been waiting for a chance to see how well my car corners with the new front end goodies.One of the back roads I travel quite a lot,Trunk 12,has one section with 4 or 5 nice corners and slightly uphill.I went out to ny buddy's early Sunday morning and Trunk 12 was virtually deserted,so I let 'er loose.I went into those corners at 4000 RPM,which is app 100 mph.,and it was like driving a go kart,I never backed off one bit.Its usually a 30 minute drive to his place,I did it in under 20 minutes the other morning :shock:
Guy
 
This is a mod that I had been contemplating for a while - I see that the website you provided also caters for 73-77 Chevy. They have two brands - $500 and $300 range. Not sure what the difference is.

Anyway, I find that the chevy doesn track so well - lack of caster? Front end seems a little floaty-spongy.

Can you give me all the feedback you can on how the handling now feels?

THANKS!!!!!

Difference is, $$$ includes "tall upper ball-joints".
 
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