Had done a search on front suspension and did quite a bit of reading on this topic. I have a few quick questions:

1. Are the steering parts(idler arm, center link, tie rod ends and ball joints) sold by CarQuest made by Moog? The parts guy there told me the components are made by Moog and just put in CarQuest boxes.

2. I redid my rear suspension last spring and had used stock rubber bushings. Do I have to use stock rubber for the front(would rather not after all I've read) or can I go with poly?

3. How can I tell if my pitman arm is shot and needs replaced?


Thanks guys.

I just bought tierod ends, etc from CarQuest and they are Moog in CarQuest Boxes. I've been running GW del-alum solid bushings on the front and rubber rear ones ( until I can change them out ) without any problems.

Yes the CarQuest parts are made by Moog. I have also had very good luck with the generic McQuay-Norris line sold thru Autozone. In fact. the M/N tierod looks beefer than the Moog when I compared them and were much cheaper in cost.

I am running HOEngineering "Duragraph" bushings in the front lower arms, Hotchkis upper arms with their poly, upper BMR adjustable rears with their poly and SSM liftbars on lower rear with their poly bushings. No problem. Things are nice and tight.

If the pitman arm moves side to side when the steering is thrued, its worn. Their not that much to replace.

Scott,
On a 70 chevelle, if you have play(looseness) at the pitman arm to center link connection,the center link would need replacing as that carries the joint. Unless the nut comes loose while driving the pitman arm will never wear out.

Thanks for the replies fellas.

Scott