So, I'm going to do a complete rebuild of my front suspension this summer, those +233,000 mile factory rubber bushings have got to go! I plan to use a PST front rebuild kit, and also buy new struts, strut mounts, springs, front calipers, hoses, and a rag joint. So I checked prices (via http://www.federalmogul.com , http://www.summitracing.com , and http://www.p-s-t.com ) for the center link, idler arm, and inner tie rod ends. I can't believe a stubby little inner tie rod end costs almost as much as an idler arm! Here's the price breakdown:

(From SummitRacing, put MOG- in front of the part #)

MOOG's:
Centerlink, DS1049, $65
Idler Arm, K6249, $55
Inner Tie Rods, ES2227RL, $46 ea, need two; total $92
TOTAL: $212

PST's:
Centerlink, (no part # on website), $45
Idler Arm, (no part#), $40
Inner Tie Rods, (no part#), $35 ea, need two; total $75
TOTAL: $155

So if I went with "all" PST, I'd save $67.

I know the general idea is that Moog is better than everything, but how bad can PST's be? I really don't think I -have- to replace these parts; they're not the originals anymore, but they do have +100,000 miles on them. The PST front rebuild kit comes with two outer tie rods (with poly bushings), so, should I just get the PST tie rod ends, and get the center link & idler from Moog?

As a comparison, If I go with JCWhitney's, it'll cost me about $80 for all four things! So I guess PST can't be completely bad. What do You think?

 

can i ask you a question? do PST parts carry a lifetime warranty? i know moog parts do. lifetime warranty is a good piece of mind. or just in case i screw somethign up i can get another. i can pick them up at a local Oreiley's. if PST parts carry lifetime, it may be a worthwhile purchase. i only put moog parts in my ROC though

 

Do a search on here for PST and you'll have your answer. Yes they are cheaper for a reason. PSC in Az sells a complete rebuild kit for our cars using all US made materials (ES and Federal Mogul) for $279.95. PST consists of inferior quality (hence the cheaper cost) imported pieces. www.performancesuspension.com (800)572-3768.

 

Not gonna change the outter rods and ball joints?

 

I opted for the PSC kit myself.

 

I'm in the process of getting mine back together...if I can get those damn coil spring isolators

Anyhoo, I thought about buying those complete kits and passed because of the bad stories that I had read on the boards. I went with all Moog ball joints, inner/outer tie rods, center link, and ES bushings and grease boots. Quality is top notch and I'm confident that the stuff won't break. I don't want to have to pull all of this apart again. I'm cheap by nature but I'm liking this peace of mind I have with my new parts.

Tom, I'd go with the ES/Federal Mogul (Moog) stuff. But if the budget won't allow, do what you have to do.

 

It all comes down to your driving style. If you plan on abusuing your car then go with Moog if you drive like an old woman than stick with stock replacements. Myself I tend to stick with the brands that are better known, the ones that have proven themselves in severe duty situations.

 

I went with the PST kit, ordered Moog adjusting sleeves from rockauto.com, and got the inner tie rods from my local parts store. Call me an idiot if you wish, but I couldn't justify paying TWICE the amount for a Moog inner tie rod over the other brand. I looked at both, quality looked excellent on both and the other brand wasn't like it was thrown into a bag with a label on it - packaged the same way with a protective sleeve on the tie rod. I'd venture to say they probably came from similar if not the same manufacturer.

One question... did GM put Moog tie rods on originally? Has anybody witnessed a broken stock tie rod? I personally haven't. What I'm replacing the old with has got to be better just for the fact that its new. I'll take my chances and let you know if something breaks.