I'm shopping around for front end parts, and wondered what you all think is the best use of my budget. I'm looking at new centerlink, idler arm, inner/outer tie rod ends, sleeves, and ball joints. I want good, dependable parts, but don't want to pay for anything overkill. Given that my car will never see the track, which pieces are really worth buying the best (probably moog or napa's top line), and which will be fine even on a budget (probably napa's base parts)? Which are worth the extra money?

 

depends on your budget and if you can do the work yourself. If you don't have to pay to have it put on, spring for the better parts. Better parts should mean that you won't have to do it for that much longer.

I just put in all new Moog front steering components and tightened the steering box up just a touch, and the steering feels just as tight as my '02 WS6.

 

I'll be doing the installation when I put shocks/springs on in about two weeks, so that saves some money. As for the budget, I've set aside about $350 for the project so far (front end, bushings...), but anything I can save will go towards SFCs and going faster. Really my question is how to find the cheapest parts for what I need to do. Like you said, good parts won't wear out as quickly, but how much do center links and tie rod ends actually wear, and how much will higher quality pieces impact the performance of my daily driver? I don't really mind spending more for better parts, but I do want to put the money where it will do the most good.

 

www.P-S-T.com


Polygraphite Front End kit. I think for our cars, it is abour $159, not bad. You can also buy a new centerlink for about $30... at least, that is what I remember spending. I am very happy with their kit.

 

I've read a bunch of posts on this subject since I just did this on my 91 Z. As for the whole PST vs PSC argument - use the search and you'll see what others say - If I remember correctly, PST uses inexpensive foreign parts, and PSC uses all american parts of better quality. I used all Moog components and spent $310. These parts and a slight tightening of the steering box gave the car a better-than-new feeling.

 

Look on Ebay . I just bought a kit that includes everything to redo your front end for 135 bux plus shipping . All TRW and Moog parts too ! Even includes the center link ! Do a search for Jackson's old time parts , they are the seller .

 

what's the exact user id? Doing the search you suggested reveals nothing

 

OK , slap me with a wet noodle . The name is Parts American . Here is the link to the kit I won :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2440459092

Sorry about that ! Dont know what I was thinking ! LOL !!

 

if you go with the base napa part aka Master Ride... it's only a defect free warranty. meaning the part is covered only in defects due to manufacturing or craftsmanship.

for stuff like the ball joints, i would recommend the "napa chassis parts"... they have a lifetime warranty on them.

all of napa's "napa branded" chassis parts (master ride, and napa chassis parts) are made for napa by the dana corporation.