http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2098.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2099.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2100.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2103.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2104.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2105.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2106.jpg

aaron

Your not done yet?
That looks like fun, I remember those days.:yes:

and it never ends...

Good Luck!!

:beers:

Looks like fun!

i know it never ends.. i owned the car for almost 8 years now.. 3 motors, 2 trannies, 3 rears, 2 paint jobs.. now finally suspension..

i just started on it.. its going ot be a slow process to getting done..
but its getting true coil springs 5x9.5 550lb with adjusters. hotchkis shocks, new steering components and bushings, boxed lower a arms.
rear is true coils 150lb and hotchkis shocks.

if i can find a good cheap set of nice 17" wheels... i will do the c5/fbody big brakes right away... but i doubt it this year.

thanks guys..


aaron

just some some cleaning ive been doing in my very little free time..
after the other side is done, and the spindles are cleaned, they will be sand blasted, then the lowers are getting boxed, and then possible powdercoating.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2113.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2114.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2115.jpg

OMG front drums!!
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2112.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2111.jpg

bushings and steering stuff is on back order..

but i did manage to get these off a board member.. new buy never used..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2133.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2134.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2135.jpg

(stock spring for reference)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2136.jpg

before walnut blasting..
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2114.jpg

after..
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2131.jpg

i ill be picking up glass beads from my uncle to finish the rest of the components.


friday im ordering my front springs..


aaron

i would be blasting that upper control arm alot more if was mine. hope your not finished on it. i did 4 c5 brake calipers and brackets tonight with motor mounts for frame a tab for trans crossmember (custom deal)had the bare bare only way to go!

as stated above..
im picking up glass bead to finish the rest.

i was showing what walnut shells does... not much of anything.

aaron

Man.. about 2 months ago I had the fun of getting those bushings out. It was crazy. Let me know how you get them out becasue it took straight hammering and beating and banging for me to get them out

when i did the rears i drilled the rubber out then air hammers the sleeves out.
this time around im going to use a press to see how well it works.


thanks

aaron

as stated above..
im picking up glass bead to finish the rest.

i was showing what walnut shells does... not much of anything.

aaron

Might want to use something more agressive on the metal. Alumin oxide works great on that stuff. Glass might take longer.

cool, ill look into it.
i plan on getting 20lbs or so of about every media to try and see what works best.

thanks.

aaron

when i did the rears i drilled the rubber out then air hammers the sleeves out.
this time around im going to use a press to see how well it works.


thanks

aaron


I have had better luck using an air chisel rather then the press.

Might want to use something more aggressive on the metal. Alumin oxide works great on that stuff. Glass might take longer.


I would agree, glass works well for intakes and such, but you're going to wan something more aggressive for suspension components...Nothing wrong with good old fashioned SAND....

except the sand contains silica, which is very costic and will give you a form of miners lung. must use vacuum and resperator with it..

but i will be looking into other more course media.

aaron

no pics..

but just ordered my 5x9.5 550lbs black magic springs for the front... i cant wait for all my parts to get here..


aaron

I'd say you need more air pressure.....walnut shells are GREAT for blasting body panels because it doesn't heat them up and warp them....after awhile though the edges do become smooth. Of course, I used a commercial sand blaster hooked up to a 5.0 V8 on a trailer and a half inch nozzle.

well i went with black beauty for media. it works 1000x better. i just dont have any pics up.

im already spraying at 100psi. anymore and my compressor will be working 10x harder.


aaron

little more update..

after blasting with Black Beauty...coal slag. i would of went to shiny bare metal, but i dont want to burn up my compressor..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2141.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2142.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2143.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2144.jpg

primer...

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2145.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2146.jpg

aaron

Looking good. I've been there; I just couldn't bare putting new/cleaned parts back on a nasty, grimy frame... so, I'm no where near done. Good luck!


-b

frame was cleaned and painted in 07 when the motor blew up, new motor went in in middle of 08, and now im doing the suspension. i just couldnt put new parts on ugly dirty old parts..

aaron

frame was cleaned and painted in 07 when the motor blew up, new motor went in in middle of 08, and now im doing the suspension. i just couldnt put new parts on ugly dirty old parts..

aaron

and that is the truth. My control arms were in the same state yours were about 2 months ago, now there back on the car. What paint are you going to paint them with?

Matt

just some etching primer and satin black paint. nothing exotic, gotta keep it cheap, im on a budget. its a driver too..


aaron

more parts!!!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2147.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2148.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2149.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2150.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2151.jpg

complete rebuild kit.. all i need is my springs to come.
order shocks, and centerlink, and front end is done... well with ordering parts..

ill have more pics later of the other painted components..

aaron

So you painted the arms before you pressed out the old bushings?

yeah, i did.. id rather touch them up, then the bushings being completly painted.. ill deal with it when i put the new ones in..

more update.

more pics..
ill have a few more in a little comparing the heights..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Frtsprings3.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Frtsprings4.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Frtsprings5.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Frtsprings7.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Frtsprings.jpg

moar!!!!

2nd coat on 2 of the arms... i put the first coat on the ones in primer above..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/paint1.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/paint14.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/paint12.jpg

new 550lb spring next to stock spring..
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/newold7.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/newold3.jpg

with adjuster..
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/newold.jpg

top.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/newold6.jpg

aaron

oh wow.. i guess i had;nt updated this in a while.. so here i goes..
(copied from another post i have going at lvimports.net).

well.. little update.
been really busy with work and school and the gf that i havnt had much time to do anything..

just got the bushings out ready to put new ones in..
and repaint..
my dumbass self painted the **** not thinking it was going to get scratched.. but i still feel better about having paint on it then being bare metal..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2186.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2187.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2188.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2185.jpg

aaron

i got one control arm back from rick, looks good, ill have pics tomorrow..

i got **** blasted and painted the other day..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2222.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2221.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2220.jpg


aaron

got all my steering stuff painted and put on the car.
upper ball joints on.
rick braced my lower arms for me, which came out great!

i have to press in bushings yet and repaint the a arms, then it can go back together...

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2229.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2230.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2231.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2231.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2234.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2235.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2236.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2237.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2238.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2239.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2240.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2241.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2242.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2243.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2244.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2246.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2247.jpg

i also have 5.5x11 175lb springs coming for the back.. can not wait to get this thing done!


aaron

I'll send you my steering linkage to do next. ;)


The front end will be sweet when you get it all back together. And fun to drive too!

I've been there and done that. When I got my 72, all the steering and suspension parts appeared, and drove like, they were all original. I actually had the stock rear Delco shocks on the back. You know, the ones with the coil shape pressed in them. Rode like a new car when I got done. I did use poly bushings, too. That probably stiffened things up a bit more.

Hey, Aaron. Don't make the same mistake I did when putting on the control arms...When I was trying to line up the holes on the lower control arms, I had a bit of a tough time. I would get it almost lined up, a tap here, a tap there, almost there, maybe if I just put my pinky finger in the hole and feel how close I am...Oh, one more tap with the hammer...OH JEEZ! I didn't take my finger out of the hole and when I tapped on that control arm with the hammer to move it a 1/4 inch, it moved about 1 1/2 inches, and took the top of my finger with it. When I pulled my finger out of the hole, it looked like a soup can with the lid half-off. So I flopped it back over, threw a Band-Aid or two on it, and finish putting my front-end back together.

Stupid? Yes. In too much of a hurry to work smart? Definitely. Think twice before doing what I did!

thanks guys.

ive had the car almost 9 years, and i am finally doing the front end. i did everything else, paint twice, 3 motors, 3 rears, 2 trans. rear suspension.

so now its time to get done, and make it worth while to drive.

aaron

no pics of the a arms..
but i got the upper a arm bushings in last night..

and i got these today!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2248.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2250.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2251.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2252.jpg

yes thats a 50cd case.. lol

5.5x11" 175lbs

aaron

installed the new rear springs today..

its almost a little to low for my likings...

also i need new rims and or tires as they rub the inner quarter, and the lips are rolled.. i need about 1/2 both sides..


stock height..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Image002.jpg

stock replacement on left... new 11" on right..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Image011.jpg

new height...

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Image014.jpg


aaron

Wow that dropped it a lot didn't it?

are there any other ways to raise it other then getting a longer spring?
Do they stay in when ya have the frame on jackstands on the rearend hanging?

only reason I ask is I am looking for a set in the future.

I personally think it is cool tucked up in there, but if it is going to rub the tire just at stock height, it isnt gunna work. Bummer.

Matt

nvr rubbed at stock height.

it dropped it about 3", and with only 4.25"bs with a 10" tire on an 8" rim, it needs about 1/2 inch more bs. then there is no rubbing issues.

i was going between the 11 and 12 inch spring, assuming the stock height was 13".. didnt know that it was 14.. or well atleast my springs were 14".so it dropped it 3", instead of the planned 2".

i might unload them for 12" springs.. or get 1" spacers.

the springs fall out with rear at droop. doesnt take much for them to fall out. i need to come up with a way to bolt them in so they dont, or get a real small shock. i still have stock replacement gabriels on there now.

aaron

well front end is done minus the home alignment, and greasing all the fittings.. oh and the driver side bump stop thats waiting for its paint to dry..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2291.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2290.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2289.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2288.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2287.jpg

(pass side with ZQ8 (s10) bump stop)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2286.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2272.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2271.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2270.jpg



modded driver side bump stop
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2280.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2269.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2268.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2267.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2266.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2263.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2264.jpg

aaron

Looking good. I'm about to put C5 brakes on my car. Interested in my front discs? You'd probably just need spindles.

no thanks.
next winter is C5 front ls1 rear.
and i already have the ebrake stuff and caliper brackets for the rear.
if i had a few extra bucks, i would do the disks right away.


aaron

Just out of curiosity what ended up being your total investment on this? I'm guessing $500?

i was thinking about this last night.
i will make an excel spread sheet of all part numbers, and prices.. but off top of my head..

(2) 5.5x9 550 lb black magic springs- 33.99 ea
(2) 5x11 175lb black magic springs- 33.99 ea
(2) hotchstein (bilstein shocks)- 87.95 ea
(2) ZQ8 bump stops- 10 ea
(1) deluxe front end rebuild kit- 285 (after discount)
(2) speedway adjusters (tall)- 40pair (used)

total 656.86

plus i also invested in a sand blaster, and some other tools, and i think i might be missing some other things too.

overall, it looks good, and like it. cant wait to get it on the road, time to get the trans in.


aaron

Well my front end has fairly fresh parts so could get to where you are for around $400 plus a few odds and ends cuz they always come up. Good to know, and the great thing is everything you have done can be built up/added onto with better brakes, stage 2+/ATS Spindles, etc. if you so choose.

i definatly plan on the sc&c upper a arms and tall ball joints. i wish i could do them now.
if money permints, i will do them next winter along with the c5/ls1 brakes.


aaron

[QUOTE=ssclone;132287]and here is what ya'll be waiting for...

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2292.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2293.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2294.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2295.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2296.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2297.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2299.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2300.jpg

and just a reminder from before...

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/island-119.jpg

aaron

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Picture1031.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Picture1030.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Picture1029.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Picture1026.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Picture1025.jpg[/QUOTE]

aaron

looks good, I'd like to see some shots of it out of the garage.

Take it for a spin yet?

Looks Awesome with the drop Aaron. :thumbsup:

Did the new wheels and tires come yet?

i have not been able to drive it because the end of the school semester is now, and i have been spending all my time wrapping things up. i am hoping by next weekend it is done, as there is a dyno day i need to attend.

i ended up getting 2 of the summit stars (weld prostar look a likes) for the rear because my other wheels didnt have enough back spacing. i am very low budget right now, so maybe when i sell my trans am i might have enough for 17" wheels and tires, but im not going to hold my breath.

thanks guys

aaron

Looks great Aaron.I'm over budget on my build and thinking about front tube a arms.I have cpp 2"drop spindles not installed yet.Should I spend the extra money and get the tube a arms?Maybe just the upper ones?Or no there really not worth the extra money spent?

Looks great Aaron.I'm over budget on my build and thinking about front tube a arms.I have cpp 2"drop spindles not installed yet.Should I spend the extra money and get the tube a arms?Maybe just the upper ones?Or no there really not worth the extra money spent?

Ray,

I had recently rebushed stock arms that I replaced with my Global West arms... when I rebuilt the stock arms it was like night and day... when I went to my Global West arms it seemed like a little bit of improvement but not a whole bunch. I may not drive the car aggressive enough either. :confused: The GW arms (and tubular arms in general) do certainly have more of a bling factor though.

Ray,

I had recently rebushed stock arms that I replaced with my Global West arms... when I rebuilt the stock arms it was like night and day... when I went to my Global West arms it seemed like a little bit of improvement but not a whole bunch. I may not drive the car aggressive enough either. :confused: The GW arms (and tubular arms in general) do certainly have more of a bling factor though.

Thanks I was really hoping you were going to say the tube made a big diff,because I want them, just can't see spending anymore over budget right now.

i kept stock because i am on a strict college budget. so i had to make due with that i have.

if you buy any arms, just buy the SC&C stage 2 kit.
tube upper a arms, and tall ball joints. its all thats needed. stock a arms can be used with no issues, i just recommend bracing them as i did at a minimum.

good luck
and thanks again.

aaron

Hey Aaron,
nice work. I'm planning to do the front end also. I'm want to install new steering linkage, box, bushings, and new shocks and springs. Is that a build up that you would recommend to a novice? I would rather do it myself to learn and save some $ than take it to a shop. I have only the basic tools. What "special" tools you need? A Puller, spring compressor..Btw, is there something else that I should absolutely change while i'm on it(I'm already way over my initial budget:()

Thanks

antti

Hey Aaron,
nice work. I'm planning to do the front end also. I'm want to install new steering linkage, box, bushings, and new shocks and springs. Is that a build up that you would recommend to a novice? I would rather do it myself to learn and save some $ than take it to a shop. I have only the basic tools. What "special" tools you need? A Puller, spring compressor..Btw, is there something else that I should absolutely change while i'm on it(I'm already way over my initial budget:()

Thanks

antti

antii..

thanks man.
i do everything myself, so i think its easy..
but really. its not that bad.

you can rent a coil spring compressor from autozone for about 60 bucks, and you get your money back when you bring it back (isnt that wonderful!).
and you will also need a pickler fork for the tie rods. you can use it on the ball joints to break the spindle loose, but there is another type tool that a little easier to use that looks like a nut threaded into a shaft that you turn the nut and it applies pressure to both the ball joints at same time, and cracks them loose.
if you plan on taking the pitman arm off, you will need a pitman arm puller. again you can rent ALL of these tools from autozone (not sure about the nut type BJ remover, but the pickler for sure), and you get your money back.

other than 1/2", 9/16, 5/8. 11/16 and 3/4" sockets and wrenches and half inch drives, you dont need anything else. i dont have all these special tools, but i do have regular hand tools, and i made do with.

you can find a local machine shop or a garage that has a press and have them press the old bushings out and the new ones in..

other than that, its very straight forward.


aaron

edit:
sorry, didnt notice your in Europe, here in the states you can rent these tools from many different auto part stores, you might be able to do the same in your area.

except the sand contains silica, which is very costic and will give you a form of miners lung. must use vacuum and resperator with it..

but i will be looking into other more course media.

aaronIf you have a powerwasher dont be afraid of a media blasting attachment. (It looks cheesy but in this case simplicity works) I use mine with a craftsman 3500PSI unit. No dust and you just wash the mess into your grass when you use play sand from Lowes for a kids sandbox.

thats a good idea for blasting a frame or something.
i bought a cabinet, and ended up getting a 50 or 100lb bag of black beauty.
worked pretty good, but my compressor wasnt up to par.

aaron

antii..

thanks man.
i do everything myself, so i think its easy..
but really. its not that bad.

you can rent a coil spring compressor from autozone for about 60 bucks, and you get your money back when you bring it back (isnt that wonderful!).
and you will also need a pickler fork for the tie rods. you can use it on the ball joints to break the spindle loose, but there is another type tool that a little easier to use that looks like a nut threaded into a shaft that you turn the nut and it applies pressure to both the ball joints at same time, and cracks them loose.
if you plan on taking the pitman arm off, you will need a pitman arm puller. again you can rent ALL of these tools from autozone (not sure about the nut type BJ remover, but the pickler for sure), and you get your money back.

other than 1/2", 9/16, 5/8. 11/16 and 3/4" sockets and wrenches and half inch drives, you dont need anything else. i dont have all these special tools, but i do have regular hand tools, and i made do with.

you can find a local machine shop or a garage that has a press and have them press the old bushings out and the new ones in..

other than that, its very straight forward.


aaron

edit:
sorry, didnt notice your in Europe, here in the states you can rent these tools from many different auto part stores, you might be able to do the same in your area.

hi Aaron,

thanks. I do have regular handtools, even the pickle fork. Did you mean ball joint lifter with that bj remover?
I'm affraid that we don't have that kind of tool rental service here. I will try to rent them from a local garage.
Btw, is hand force enough or do you need air tools?
I will give it a try as soon as my parts arrive.

Antti

i split the ball joints from the spindle with a heavy hammer and a pickle fork. just takes a lot of good hits.
you will need a coil spring compressor though, thats for sure.

good luck.

aaron

This is the best type of tool for ball joints. I need to get one myself.

http://scandc.com/images/Howe%20BJ%20tool%201.JPG

http://scandc.com/tools.htm

car is done!
i set the alignment so it was good enough to drive, but not perfect. i will just have my uncle align it for me to the specs i want

i will report back tomorrow with how it rides.

aaron

car drives pretty good with the 550/175 spring combo.
but my rear brake drum (aluminum) broke, so i could go more than about 15 miles.

but i seem pretty happy with it.


aaron

took it through some nice turns last night, and i am very surprised.
it was flatter and smoother than my 94 trans am through the same turns. they are about 20mph turns i was taking at about 40-45, and i had to question my speed because it was so smooth and felt slow..

i am happy with the 550/175 combo. i cant wait to try a rear bar. front bar is stock 15/16.


aaron

Wanna post up some pics of it now out of the garage?? A little before and after for us?? How much did you end up lowering the front?

ill get some later before i look at my clutch. trans might have to come back out for the 700th time.

i am unsure what the total drop on the front is. the springs are 9.5 tall and the adjusters are set at 3 5/8"

the front x-member is the exact height of a soda can, which is roughly 4.5".

the car rides real nice, handles 100 times better than before. i still need rear springs and a rear sway bar. but i am happy.

and my wheel hop is gone.

aaron

after the drop..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2316.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2317.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2318.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2319.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2320.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2321.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2322.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2323.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2325.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2327.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2326.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/IMG_2328.jpg

before..

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/island-119-2.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/island-119-4.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/island-119.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/island-119.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Picture1030.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Picture1029.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Picture1028.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Picture1026.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/ssclonelq9/Chevelle/Picture1025.jpg

aaron

Better! I bet it was great taking it for a cruise after all that suspension work

it felt real good.
i think it handles like my 94 trans am. if not a little better.
which is a huge improvement over what i had before.

aaron

So I just ordered the 175 rear springs for my el camino. How did you get your old ones out? Did you just unbolt the shock and let it droop all the way down?
looks like I'll be putting new ones in on tuesday :)

Matt

i took the shocks off, and let it droop.
it didnt droop enough so i got a bar and pried them out, because i didnt care.
but you could undo the upper a arms one at a time f you need.

aaron