Looking to improve handling on an all-original 72 malibu. I’m on a budget, don’t need to go all out. Of obvious need are the front bushings, which have essentially rotted away. Based on reading past posts I’ll be going with either pst or performance suspension (polygraphite). If I prioritize other components, what’s next most important? will a new anti-sway bar work a miracle on its own or require other improvements to be of benefit?
thanks

If this is just a driver car there's nothing wrong with using rubber components like it was originally built. If everything gets replaced up there including the center link and springs, it will drive like a new car.

Hi,
I just got finished doing a front end rebuild on my 72, like you I was also on a budget and had never done it before. If I were you, since you will already have the control arms off to replace the bushings, it would be wise to replace the ball joints since theyre relatively inexpensive. Adding a bigger sway bar should help a bit, you've most likely got a 7/8" bar now, and could step up to 11/8" or even 11/4". If your control arm bushings are shot, chances are that your sway bar bushings are also in need of attention. Even if you dont spring the cash for a new bar, you would probably benefit by replacing the worn out bushings, something that is pretty quick and easy to do. A good pair of shocks can make a big difference also and they're not too expensive. A little tip to save yourself some cash would be to rent a ball joint press from Autozone (just give them a deposit and it gets refunded 100% when you bring the tool back) and you can use that to press out all the ball joints and bushings and also to press the new pieces in. I won't lie, when I did this it was hard as hell to get those things out but I was getting quotes around $250 to have this done by a shop. Well worth the effort in my opinion. If you can afford a set of new springs, now is the time to replace those as well. You will probably realize that once you start replacing stuff, it gets really hard to stop, simply becuse it is easier to just do it once and get it over with. Hope this helps!

thanks for the advice, it really helps to get the personal experience opinion. i guess i'll just start by removing the control arms and checking out the ball joints and sway bar bushings like you suggested this weekend. thanks also for the autozone rental tip, i'll definately check into that.