Front end is worn out, replacing ball joints, steering, and suspension. Was going to start with one of these kits from SS396 (http://www.ss396.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=chevellecamino&Product_Code=DIX-70&Category_Code=SUSPENSION)

Also going to do disk brakes at the same time as I have drums all around right now. Anyone have some recommendations for 'Pro Touring' upgrades I could do instead of all these stock replacement parts? TIA

Have you tried to search at all?
I mean, jeebus... you're asking about brakes AND suspension suggestions? Do you REALLY think this is the first time this question has been asked? If you are unwilling to even attempt gathering ideas on what's available, how in the nine hells are you going to pick what's best for your plans?

/facepalm.

Why do I even read threads like this. I'd like my 45seconds back.

Hey Dan (DMAX) welcome to Pro touring.... the search features will lead you into a whole world of knowledge. Dan (GenPac) has been very helpful in the past as well but may be having a bad day. He has a ton of knowledge (i've read many of his posts and got tons from them).


My Opinion for balljoints and suspension components is: In general the concensus is to use MOOG replacement parts or the DANA Spicer components (from napa or rock Auto.com) again do a search and you'll find tons of info.

As far as Pro Touring stuff:
I went with Front end parts from SCandC.com Mark has an unbelievable wealth of knowledge and doesn't just sell his products. Check out his site give him a call and be prepared for an earful.

try to determine a budget before you start buying parts and decide what you want to do.

Hey Dan (DMAX) welcome to Pro touring.... the search features will lead you into a whole world of knowledge. Dan (GenPac) has been very helpful in the past as well but may be having a bad day. He has a ton of knowledge (i've read many of his posts and got tons from them).


Yes, bad day. Sorry, OP.
Like Ben said, determine your budget and ofcourse, exactly what you want out of your car before you start buying parts.
I wouldn't even rebuild the front end until you know for sure what parts you want to replace, suspension wise so you don't end up buying double of anything.

Have you tried to search at all?
I mean, jeebus... you're asking about brakes AND suspension suggestions? Do you REALLY think this is the first time this question has been asked? If you are unwilling to even attempt gathering ideas on what's available, how in the nine hells are you going to pick what's best for your plans?

/facepalm.

Why do I even read threads like this. I'd like my 45seconds back.

l:)

Love posts like this. Its a way to shake out the thin skinned and since we dont need no stinkin' pansies dropping our testosterone level to the lowest common denominator I can only say - ain't nuttin wrong wit dat dare. :D

But to the OP - dont get discouraged or fret. GenPac is a bad dude and very helpful. Disclaimer that I am neither of those but love it when folks twist off every now and again.

OK now that you have gotten a light slapping from the start MY TURN!!!!!!
Answer these questions
Budget
Year of car
Miles you plan to drive after yearly
YOUR ABILITY WITH A WRENCH
What do you have for tools and equipment
Place you plan to do the work
Time line for build

What else will this car need, how is body, frame, engine and transmission.

Like Ben said, determine your budget and ofcourse, exactly what you want out of your car before you start buying parts.
I wouldn't even rebuild the front end until you know for sure what parts you want to replace, suspension wise so you don't end up buying double of anything.

Exactly...

Do you want a basic rebuild with just a little added performance and a Pro Touring "look"? Or do you want significantly improved handling, but still on a budget? Or even "all-out" corner-carving beast, willing to spend whatever you need to achieve your goals?

Also, an important factor is wheels and tires. Probably the most important factor if you mainly want the look and mild performance upgrades... What do you want/afford, and will you be able to get them at the same time or first?

Most Big brake packages will require larger rims to even roll around the garage There are some budget choices such as those Cragar steel "D" holes in 17" sizes, but still a bit of coin... Can look goofy, but you can still run drum brakes with nice wheels, IF it can't all be done at once... But remember to have a basic idea of what brakes you'll want, as some brakes packages might push the wheels out, so while they might fit with drums or stock discs, they might rub with new brakes (maybe more than 1/4" further out on some step ups)...

Things like sway bars, steering boxes, shocks, etc are relatively easy to change out later, IF the budget doesn't allow for them... New control arms, brakes, bushings should be considered safety items, so replace them first if its time...

BUT, I will applaud you for coming here, before spending money on a stock rebuild and then wishing to upgrade... Hang around, it informative and fun...


Personally, I like the SC&C Stage 2 package I just put on mine... I currently have stock discs, but while the stock spindles aren't the ultimate, there are still quite a few bolt-on brake upgrades I can get if I get the bug... The Stage 2 lowers the car, has new ball joints and replaces the upper arm (and bushings)...

OK now that you have gotten a light slapping from the start MY TURN!!!!!!
Answer these questions
Budget
Year of car
Miles you plan to drive after yearly
YOUR ABILITY WITH A WRENCH
What do you have for tools and equipment
Place you plan to do the work
Time line for build

What else will this car need, how is body, frame, engine and transmission.

x2:beers:

Thanks for the replies, sorry about the broad "what should I do" post earlier. Anyway, I want this to be a driver car, not a show car. I'm trying to do my research now, then start wrenching in the fall.

I'm interested in performance rather than looks, I want better handling. So, what I want to figure out is which parts I can use from more modern cars to get that handling.

I have a garage full of tools and access to a full machine shop, so don't hold back with comments.

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx214/holzerd/Chevelle/IMG_0520.jpg

Nice looking car. Looks like maybe you could have fun before the work and take it in the dirt. Got some clearance for mud there. :D

http://www.scandc.com/index.htm

Try there. Call or email. If you get Mark on the phone he will help more than you want him to. Busy guy, small(er) shop but great folks to work with and wont oversell you or steer you wrong.

There are lots of options out there from sc&c to dse to air ride shockwave set ups to putting a package together using other vendors but then you have to make sure you arent cobbling something together and not getting what you want out of it in the end.

Just some ideas because when it comes to my front suspension I did just that and in the end will be going back to sc&c for correction. I did a swap that will work, functions, looks nice but all in all, in the end, isnt going to put the car where I want it. And its all new from spindles to brakes to uppers and lower. Its all going to come back out eventually for the better stuff.

Nice ride!

As far as newer vehicles that you can get parts from to use on your car.... the only thing that comes to mind is the Jeep Grand Cherokee fast ratio steering box change-over
Do a search for details, it's a cheap and easy way to get a faster ratio gearbox

First thing to do is get that thing lower if you want handling. Nice looking ride!

Nice looking car. Looks like maybe you could have fun before the work and take it in the dirt. Got some clearance for mud there.

Ha, funny you say that ... here's my daily driver


http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx214/holzerd/Jeep/jeepmud.jpg

Dan, your Jeep has tusks. I love it. Looks like a damn warthog.

~Z