I almost have enough cash together now to do some suspension work. First off, the 89 firebird has 195 k miles and both front wheels have hit curbs pretty hard .

I've decided to go with sportlines and Bilsteins all around. I am also ordering the complete poly bushing set.

I have a friend who is going to be helping me put all the stuff on the car.

My question is what other parts should I go ahead and buy to put on the car while we are already down in that area. ( From what ive seen the tie rods look pretty wimpy and bent and the rear panhard bar looks bent.)

What SUSPENSION parts will probably be most needed now vs. what is not as important and could be done later. ?? and money is an issue now so take that into consideration.


Thanks in advance.

 

You might want to go ahead and change out the lower ball joints since you will have the struts and springs out of the front. DO NOT get the cheap ones. Spend the extra money and get the good ones. Trust me on this, most will agree!

 

Okay , so ball joints and tie rods. I think i will go ahead and order the tie rod adjusters.

anything else? what about LCA;s and sway bars, tower strut braces etc.... Is all that just stuff i should just wait on?

 

All this stuff i would wait on. that kind of stuff can been done later. But if you want to get your car up to par, you might want to go ahead and replace both inner and outer tie rods, center link, and the idle arm. But thats only if there bad. After 195 k, assuming that none of it has been replaced, all that stuff is probably shot. Hope that helps

O yeah! Get an alignment when your done!

 

I guess we will have to get it up on the lift and see which of those parts are bad.

Whos the best company to order tie rods, center link and idler arms from?

Another question, should i be using poly bushings or rubber or some of each, say rubber on connections that will produce a softer ride and poly on things that are more anti sway and handling oriented?

I think i read where someone used poly on some parts and rubber on others. If so what are these?

 

When i replaced my steering components i bought Moog performance parts, which i was able to get at O'reilys. good parts!
And on the rubber vs. poly bushings thing.... use all poly. They will last a lot longer and your car will be more responsive. Anybody else care to chime in?

 

Forgot one thing...... You might already know this. but if you are going to use poly bushings, use that clear grease stuff that comes with them. If you dont, they will squeak like a mother!!!

 

The Moog ball joints are the best, make sure you get the "Problem Solver" or enhanced version when you buy.

Also poly is a good way to go.