I am researching new shocks/struts for my 1989 GTA. I am considering Blistein or Koni. I was considering the edelbrock strut tower brace but was glad to read that post about it not fitting under the hood of GTA's without some modification.

However, my question is when you are replacing the original shocks/struts and springs is there anything else to do while you have these parts off? I know you could put on other parts like a strut tower brace or poly bushings but I am just concerned with what will be taken off with this job. If there is anything else I would like to order it and do it with this job.

Also, I am considering replacing the springs at this time since I am investing so much money. I do not want to lower the car. All have seen is MOOG springs. Is there any other springs to consider?

 

Might as well replace all that old stuff. Strut mounts, ball joints, tie rods, centerlinks, idler arm, ect. I'm about to do the same thing, but I even got new A arms. Might as well replace the sway bar bushings and endlinks. Maybe even the front bearings and A arm bushings. If your car is anything like mine, it all needs to be updated.

I previously replaced just the strut mounts and ball joints, I should have just done it all at once.

 

OK bear with me as this is one part of cars that I am not very good at. Front Suspension 101 was very useful as is the search button and lots of time.

I have found greaseable poly sway bar bushings, are they worth it over normal poly sway bar bushings?

When do you know when you need to replace the A-arms or just do the bushings?

Our stock sway bars seem pretty good. I guess this is the next step in steering/suspension upgrade like A-arm replacement?

Ok strut mounts are not too bad I have seen brands by KYB and MOOG.

The Edelbrock tie rod sleeves looks pretty sharp. I may go with them.

MOOG tends to be the only supplier of tie rod ends, endlinks, ball joints, idler arms I guess they would be good?

Any comments on what I have found so far?

 

I like the ability to grease them at regular intervals without having to take them apart.

A-arms really don't go bad, unless they brake or get bent, so you could just replace the bushings and the ball joints

Springs might not be a bad idea while your in there, but I think your researching them now.

I would go with a solid mount, from either Spohn or Hotpart.

Not a bad idea.

I like MOOG parts myself.

 

What is the point replacing of the tie rod sleeves? Are they any better than stock or is it just one of those things where people only get it because it is shiny and new?

 

Many members replace LCA's/panhard because they're stamped steel and can flex (much the same idea with the sleeves)--and they shiny and new.

JamesC

 

But is it really worth the $40 plus shipping to get them?

 

Worth is a question you have to ask for every part you purchase.

JamesC

 

I saw the strut mounts by Sphoon. I see strut mounts are located up in the wheel well. Sometimes they are called upper strut mounts. Is there a lower strut mount? I have noticed the same thing with ball joints. Some places call them upper ball joints. There is a ball joint on either side of the steering set up but is there a lower ball joint?

I am the original owner and the car has 230,000km on it. Only the idler arm has been replaced. When do most front ends start to go? I suppose different parts wear out at different times, road conditions and how you drive the car all have an effect on the life of the steering and suspension components.

 

3rd gens have upper strut mounts and lower ball joints. Some cars have an upper and lower ball joint, but not 3rd gens. And I have never heard of a car that has a lower strut mount. On 3rd gens, the bottom end of the strut connects to the spindle, which (the spindle) is then connected to the a arms via the lower ball joint.

 

Hey BC GTA,

I am also the original owner of my 1987 T/A, and we are definitely the minority on that point.

I am doing the same suspension rebuild on my car. I remember how well this car handled when it was new and want the same now. I don't want to lower it, but would like the best parts that work well together for an original ride.

I will be replacing the springs, shocks, struts, bushings, tie rods, and the things listed in the rebuild sheet from Front suspension 101.

Please let us know what you decide to put in. Thanks.......jster