I am again getting ready to change the struts/shocks on my 1989 GTA. The idler arm and front and rear end links have already been replaced and a TDS steering brace has been installed. I want to keep the car reasonably stock and do not plan to lower the car. I am planning on 1LE brakes in the future, which I believe comes with spindles. There is only a little play in the steering and the steering box was recently adjusted. I only want to replace what will come off with this job or which is now worn. I will take the car in for an oil change soon and intend to inspect the front end and discuss my plans with my mechanic. The car is a daily driver and is rarely raced hard on the streets.

The following is what I am planning to do for this job:

* Bilstein sport struts/shocks
* Test the springs while they are off and replace only as necessary
* Remove A-arms and install new rubber bushings (now would be the time)
* Front lower ball joints while the A-arm is off
* J&M camber plates
* Edelbrock strut tower brace

The following are my questions:

1. If I am replacing my ball joints is it a false economy not to replace the outer tie rod ends?
2. Would the Edelbrock tie rod sleeves really make a difference if I replaced the tie rod ends?
3. Is there anything else I should consider doing when removing the A-arms?

Thanks for your advice.

 

if you have the a-arms off, replace the a-arm bushing with poly, or derlin. (spl) and do the balljoints. Bead blast the arms too if you can and paint them

if the inner and outer tie rods ends are origional, replace them.

the edelbrock adjusters will now change anything about how the car rides, steers or anything. They are just nice when it come to alignment time, no screwing with the crappy stock crush type adjusters that rot together.

Finally, if you are a glutton for punishment, maybe think about changing the motor mounts. With the a-arms off you can get tot he nuts inside the k-member with ease.

 

Very good, thank you for this. Another mechanic has suggested changing my motor mounts so now would be the time to do this. I am pretty sure these are the original motor mounts as these were not changed when the new engine was installed. The ball joints, inner tie rod ends and the outer tie rod ends are all original so I will add these to the project as well. I intended on painting the A-arms and front sway bar with Por 15 and maybe paint the tie rod ends at this time. The Edelbrock sleeves just look nice and only cost about $35.