camaroman_83

I have an 83 camaro and all the suspension parts are stock and need to be replaced. This is something i'll have to do gradgualy as money allows. I'm wondering if there's a certain order i should replace in. Like should i get new struts and then replace bushings, etc.....or visaversa? Or does it not matter. Thanks for the inputes.

FLYNLOW92rs

iTrader: (53)

The first thing i would do is Sub-Frame Connectors

Then a nice set of shocks/struts would really help out

After that the sky's the limit on how far you want to go

Lower control arms, Strut tower brace, Panhard Bar, Torque Arm, etc, etc

iansane

iTrader: (1)

If you're just concerned with replacing worn stuff then start with steering and front suspension. Get a whole front bushing kit, A-arms, swaybars, balljoints. Make sure you check the tie rods, centerlink, idler arm, pitman arm, etc. Then more into shocks/struts springs, SFCs, wonderbar, LCAs.

If you one of those guys that has to feel everything you put on the car start with shocks/struts, springs(make sure you get and adjustable panhard bar with springs to re-center the rear axle), wonderbar, strut tower brace, SFCs...
and the list can go on forever....

camaroman_83

There's a bushing kit in Summit that says it includes everything you need to update the front and rear suspension. It's high performance polyurethane. Says it's $117.95 for my car. Anyone ever bought this kit, and does it sound like a good deal?

TomP

It's by Energy Suspension? Yeah it's a good kit- not necessarily a good deal, tho. If you bought all those bushings individually, you'd see that the "kit" only saves you $2 or $3. Don't buy it in "Red", buy it in "Black"- black is code "G", meaning Graphite-lubed. When I rebuilt my suspension, I already had a few Energy Suspension bushings, so I bought them separately. Buying the kit is a good complete package, but it doesn't save extra money.

But if it's absolutely bone stock, here's what I'd do absolutely first, all at once:

1. Front brake hoses
2. Lube job
3. Struts
4. Alignment

Front brake hoses are only rubber, and they deteriorate over time, and can blow out. The hoses are only $15-$20 each. If you know how to do brakes, you're set. If you have the slightest doubt (don't know how much you know cars), bring it to a front end shop. It should cost $40/side for the hoses; they have the high-dollar brake bleeding stuff so it won't take them long.

A lube job costs you $15 for the gun and $3 for a tube of grease.

Absolutely next on the list would be:

1. Center link
2. Idler arm
3. Alignment

The center link and idler arm wear out over time- just due to the design of our suspension. Even if that car never hit a pothole, those pieces wear out.

Now note that you've gotta get two alignments. If you do all of this at once (start saving!), you only have to get one alignment.

The $16 Haynes 82-92 Camaro manual (in Pep Boys and similar stores) has torque specs and procedures for changing those parts out yourself. You could change them, and then drive straight (and SLOWLY) to an alignment shop.

With a car that old, I'd seriously worry about the 7 things I listed before you even think about bushings or subframe connectors or LCA's.

Oh and usually a Pittman Arm doesn't wear out unless you really hit something large and solid (like a tree).

camaroman_83

Sounds like a good start. So after i get the second alignment i should start to change bushings? Will these changes affect the alignment at all?
And the reason i asked about the kit was mainly because i was wondering if it would save money. I'd prefer to get the pieces as i could afford so if i'm not saving alot i think i'll just get them as i need them. Thanks guys for all your input.