I'm looking to rebuild the front end of my 67 El Camino, and was wondering what company you choose. What was your final cost?

DJ
Check out WWW.P-S-T.COM , They have complete GM kits for $289 original, or $359 for poly graphite.These kits have all the front end parts except the drag link, which they sell separatly.Prices incl. shipping.

Rene
66-malibu

I have a '67 and went w/ PST too. I was real happy w/ the results--I replaced frnt/back springs/shocks at the same time, plus inside/outside tie rod ends and idler arm, all in one go--I figured it made sense in the long run. Total cost was somewhere around 650.

Did you guys notice a considerable difference with the new front end parts? My 68's front end (I think) is all over the place at about 60 mph. I would be going nice and straight and all of a sudden the car jerks to the right! I believe is due to the front end being so old (30+ years!)

I also went with the PST super front end kit for my '67 Chevelle. I also replaced the center (drag) link as it is a wearable part. I have an entirely new steering system now.

I did notice that the steering is more solid now with less play and less wandering.

Strohm

Don't forget the rag joint.

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Pat Kelley
66 & 67 El Caminos

DJ-

I also rebuilt the front end of my 72 El Camino using PST's polyurethane bushings. My handling has been greatly improved, and my Camino drives like a new car. The only drawback is that polyurethane doesn't give as much as rubber, so the ride is much firmer. But is a reasonable compromise for superior handling. Good luck!!!!

dj,
I also used the poly kit from "PST".I was very satisfied with the quality and fit.I went ahead and replaced all 4 coils,shocks,front tires.rebuilt front brake completely.this car is a daily driver,been driving it for 4 years.It handles like a dream,you won't think you are driving the same car!cost was in the $800 range.Well worth every penny,it went from being a hazzard to a dream!Only thing that I didn't like was that the first 90 days the front end sit up a little high.Those springs settled down gradually. yes the poly bushings are rather stiff,but good handling has a price i guess. Go for it!

I wouldn't get too excited over PST as I found out I could get the same Energy Suspension bushings for half the price through Summit. I found the phone number for E/S in the venders midway of the Summit web site and asked them what the story was. The black bushings have graphite added and are marketed as poly graphite through PST.
I also looked at the differences between the Global West kits and the mass produced Hotchkis kits and chose the Global West. I also went to the bone yard and cut the front end off a mid '70s firebird for about $100. Thats not a bad buy when you consider I was able to use everything from the taller spindles and brakes including master cylinder to the larger sway bar and the steering box. The Global CNR-40-B kit has the rest of the goodies including the tubular upper A-arms and I also added the springs. The Global bill was about $650.
This set-up is supposed to change the geometry of your suspension to make it ride and handle like a Camaro.
Sorry to report that I can't confirm the results because the engine is still on the stand. I'm really looking forward to getting my '66SS back on its feet again. I also want to thank every one for their input when I've needed some answers.

I'll add my $.02 on the POLY vs. OEM rubber bushing debate (argument).

Supposedly the POLY is impervious to envirmental degredation i.e. ozone in the air WILL ROT rubber, but NOT POLY bushings.

Is that statement true? I don't know. IF it is, that would be enough for me to go with the POLY bushings in my frontend rebuilds.

The PST solution is a good way to go and you'll get good parts at a good price. The Poly used to be problematic in the early days and made it "squeeky" but since they have improved the graphite impregnation, the squeeks are virtually nil.

One point was made that you should consider. Replace your coil springs, front & rear along with your rear arm bushings. You will have a completely new suspension and you won't regret the few extra dollars to do the whole job.

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The proud owner of a Canadian 64-SS with ZZ4 Power!
Team Chevelle Gold Member #37
Canadian Classic Chevelles & Beaumonts Member #350

There is a better solution than poly bushings. They are called Dell a lum or something like that. Suppose to be as solid as poly but more forgiving. Say the handling is improved by these even though they are less rigid.

I think you are thinking of Delrin. Delrin is a hard machineable plastic (great stuff actually). It is harder than nylon, with less lubricity. It is my understanding that Derlin gives the hardest ride of all. I believe that it is what NHRA cars use. Probably not what you are looking for.

I think David is referring do Del-A-Lum bushings marketed by Global West.

http://www.globalwest.net/1964-72%20A-BODIES.htm

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JeffK ACES #01510
Team Chevelle Gold #72
JeffK@chevelles.com