So I have an 86 Trans Am with the 305. I just ordered a set of the KYB GR-2 Shocks and Struts and I will be installing them this weekend. There is 237K on the car and it is definitely in need of new suspension. I have a few questions but I must make a confesion before I ask my questions... I know nothing of suspension other than the general principals of what its job is/what it is supposed to do and how to install it. I read some of the stickies such as the suspension 101 and the front suspension rebuild parts list ect. I know some other basic things such as urethane bushings are harder/harsher than the rubber and rubber does not perform as well as the urethane on the track but rubber is better on the road for a daily driver. I took a dial caliper and measured the front and rear stabalizer bar (i think thats what it is called) and the front is a 1 7/16" (does this mean it is the WS6 Suspension? The car has performance suspension badging inside but doesnt specify the WS6 package. ) and the rear is the .94". I am looking for a like new ride quality. Would it be worth my while to replace things like tie rod ends and center links ect as shown in the parts list on the sticky while I am replacing the bushings? I will assemble my parts list and put it up on a later post so that if I am missing anything people with more knowledge than me will be able to tell me.

WS6 cars got the 36mm (1.41732in) front/24mm (0.944882in) rear, starting in 86

and if your front end is tight and no defects, car tracks, no tire wear, smimmy ect, I would just replace the sway bar end bushings and sway bar mounts if bad

Sadly... the passenger side front tire does not wear evenly and there is some slop in the steering. There are some cracks starting to appear in the bushings from age (this I know warrants replacement)....

OK, Well if your not cash strapped, you can get the complete front end kit from 1AAuto.com for $134, link bushings included. BUT...Its still outta stock. or you can piece a complete system together for around the same or more. Shop around, but do it all at once!

just replace everything that you can.

So not included in the kit that I will be picking up from napa are these items.
Items
Unit Price
Core Price
Quantity
Subtotal
Discount

Total

Sway Bar Bushing - Front Susp Part Number: NCP 2652176
Product Line: NAPA Chassis Parts
1986 Pontiac Firebird Call Store for Availability - (360) 687 - 3111


$18.49
$0.00
Update
$36.98
$3.68

$33.30Remove


Control Arm Bumper Bushing - Front Susp Part Number: MRC 14203
Product Line: Master Ride Chassis
1986 Pontiac Firebird In Stock


$6.29
$0.00
Update
$12.58
$1.24

$11.34Remove


Coil Spring - Front Part Number: NCP 2773063
Product Line: NAPA Chassis Parts
1986 Pontiac Firebird Call Store for Availability - (360) 687 - 3111


$104.00
$0.00
Update
$104.00
$10.40

$93.60Remove


Coil Spring Insulator - Front Susp Part Number: NCP 2749708
Product Line: NAPA Chassis Parts
1986 Pontiac Firebird Call Store for Availability - (360) 687 - 3111


$9.29
$0.00
Update
$18.58
$1.84

$16.74Remove


Control Arm Bushing - Lower - Front Susp Part Number: MRC 12355
Product Line: Master Ride Chassis
1986 Pontiac Firebird Call Store for Availability - (360) 687 - 3111


$13.49
$0.00
Update
$53.96
$5.36

$48.60Remove


$203.58
Subtotal


The kit from A1auto as suggested by Bob:
Part #: 1ASFK00002
Components included as shown:

• (1) Center link
• (1) Idler arm
• (2) Lower ball joints
• (2) Inner tie rod ends
• (2) Outer tie rod ends
• (2) Tie rod adjuster sleeves
• (2) Front sway bar links

I think that should be everything. I will post another list for the rear suspension as well. Is there anything else I am missing?

Just checked the price for those same parts from rock auto for moog parts... A big price difference.


The kit from A1auto as suggested by Bob: 134$
Part #: 1ASFK00002
Components included as shown:

• (1) Center link
• (1) Idler arm
• (2) Lower ball joints
• (2) Inner tie rod ends
• (2) Outer tie rod ends
• (2) Tie rod adjuster sleeves
• (2) Front sway bar links

2X MOOG Part # K6606 {#340900, 353888, 357733, 397052, 3972052, 459023} Front Lower bumper


1X Suspension : Coil SpringRelated PartsCoil Spring BoosterSpring CompressorSteering & Suspension Repair ManualMOOG Part # 5608 {#460681, 460683, 494672} Sold In Pairs Constant Rate Spring
Front; Standard trans.; Base Model; Heavy Duty; Except Air Conditioning
Front; Trans Am; Except 16" Wheels


1X (Sold as pair) Suspension : Coil Spring InsulatorRelated PartsSteering & Suspension Repair ManualMOOG Part # K160044
Front UpperB$5.10$10.20


2X (Sold as pair of 2 front and rear for front LCA) Suspension : Control Arm BushingRelated PartsSteering & Suspension Repair ManualMOOG Part # K6253 {#14019317, 14039484, 461852} Package Quantity As Shown In Image Incl. front and rear bushings
Front Lower; Contains Front And Rear Bushings


2X Suspension : Stabilizer Bar BushingRelated PartsCenter LinkIdler ArmSteering & Suspension Repair ManualTie Rod End Adjusting SleeveMOOG Part # K6459 {#14094389}
Front To Frame; 36mm Sway Bar Diameter


Subtotal$118.37

when I went over my suspension I have found a broken spring in front. originally wanted to reuse them. springs do not sag. unless you have one broken keep them.
had issues with the top strut plate. one of the 3 slots is double wide to accomodate different production years. you of course can fix by stacking some wdie washers but did not wanted to do that. when you will take em ot you will find the rubber cracked with age and bearings binding.
I'd add a wonderbrace if you don't have one
I went all moog.
also take steering bx out and adjust to get rid of some of the slopiness
good luck