I plan on purchasing the thirdgen front end rebuild kit from Spohn. Question is, do I need any "special" tools to install this kit (meaning, something the everyday joe wouldn't normally have in their toolbox)? (http://www.racecarsinc.com/spfrendreki1.html).

Thanks!

 

I'm pretty sure you need at least two specialty tools. A ball joint seperator. And ball joint press? I'm not totally sure but the kits instructions should tell you. Some local auto parts stores (Auto zone, Checker,Schucks, Kragen, Advanced auto, Etc..) rent tools...

 

You should read the ad closer. It's advertising MOOG parts with Spohn tie rod adjusters. I think you would save some money if you priced out those same parts separately. I did and it came out to $397.00, only I bought the Hotchkis tie rod adjusters. Just a thought.

 

That's a lot of money for those parts. Except for the tie rod adjusting sleeve, I bought all the same parts, MRC from NAPA (MRC is MOOG with the NAPA name so I have been told) for just under $200 (plus tax). I spent another $35 for UMI's adjusting sleeve.

MRC 18832 Idler Arm - $35.99
MRC DS-1049 Center Link - $50.49
MRC 1027 Ball Joint $15.19 (2)
MRC ES-2226-R Tie Rod End $20.59 (2)
MRC ES-2227-L Tie Rod End $20.59 (2)

Auto Zone rents those for basically free. The Ball joint press is quite the workout if you don't have an impact wrench, and much easier to do with the A-arm off the car. If you remove the A-arm, then you may as well change the bushings, I'm having a brake/alignment shop do that for me now.

 

www.rockauto.com has the best prices I have found on Moog parts. Plus there are discount codes on here, I think I found them in the vendor review section.

I replaced my balljoints last year. Then a week ago I replace the A arms with UMI A arms. So I have A arms with Moog ball joints in them available, all they need is new bushings.

 

I am getting ready to do this too. I got all the parts from Auto Zone for $198 even, plus the extra to order the Spohn adjusting sleeve's.. so about $250 for it all.

You also need to read the Spoh site, it does not include balljoints, those are another $50 option.

 

Hello,

We have the tie rod end adjusting sleeves available for $34.99 a set- www.umiperformance.com/2103

You may also want to consider Falcon brand suspension items, they are less expensive and we have never had a problem. By Moog is good, one of the best.

Hope that helps!
Ryan

 

Thanks for all the valuable info. I appreciate all of the feedback. I'm a newbie wanting to as much of the work myself as I can.

Another question, I have some play in my wheel. Ok, I have a lot of play in my wheel. From what I've read so far, the front end re-build will help correct this. Am I on the right track? What are some of the common causes of this?

Thanks!

 

Next most common cause of play in the wheel is the rag joint, which is the connection between the steering shaft and the box.

While you're in there I've always had good luck re-adjusting the box as a worn one can cause some play too. It should be removed to properly adjust. There's a tech article on montecarloss site that describes the process.

 

I tried this route today on the idler arm listed and it says "Made in Taiwan".

Is that where Moog is being made now?

 

Auto part store's 'white box' parts can be pretty much any piece/manufacturer over the years. No real guarantee one day to the next exactly what's going to be in that box.

 

Well after seeing this I'll probably just stick with TRW as those match some parts I already have.

 

Another question, I have some play in my wheel. Ok, I have a lot of play in my wheel. From what I've read so far, the front end re-build will help correct this. Am I on the right track? What are some of the common causes of this?

Thanks![/quote]


Does the kit come with the centerlink & idler arm, those are notorious for going out. If not you should get those also.