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Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

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Old 05-24-2017, 07:22 PM
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Car: 86 Trans Am WS6
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Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

Hey guys, I've been neglecting my thirdgen for a while now and putting all my money into my jeep. I really want rebuild the front end steering and suspension since I redid the rear suspension last summer.

here's the parts list I have going so far on rockauto..



I Still have to buy new struts, sway bar end links, and a couple other things as well that's not listed. does anyone see a way to save some cash with that list? thanks.
Old 05-25-2017, 01:16 PM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

This is a 3rd generation Camaro/Firebird message board.

That said, parts cost what they cost. RockAuto is about as reliable a source of the right parts at the right price as anybody. You might beat em if you pound the pavement hard, but they're not too far out of line.

Beyond that, DO THE WORK YOURSELF (while not screwing it up or cutting corners) is the best remaining way to minimize $$$$ outlay.

For a Cheeeeeep, check 4wheelparts.com, orw.com, even summitracing.com, etc. for competitive bids.
Old 05-25-2017, 01:25 PM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

Try Amazon. They sometimes have great prices.
Old 05-25-2017, 02:09 PM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

I just changed out all of my steering components except for the steering gear box. Summit Racing ended up being the cheapest with Moog parts rather than my local places like NAPA, Oreilly's and Autozone. I don't remember if I priced with Rockauto.
Old 05-25-2017, 02:35 PM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

My car has never seen the insides of a shop since I owned it so no worries there..

ill price it all out on summit and amazon. Just trying to free up some extra coin. Thanks guys
Old 05-25-2017, 02:38 PM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

Originally Posted by sofakingdom
This is a 3rd generation Camaro/Firebird message board.
Did you think I was trying to get jeep help on here? This is for my 86 trans am lol. I meant that I felt bad for putting all the money into my jeep lately so I want to redo the front end on my trans am
Old 05-25-2017, 06:44 PM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

Are all the parts in need of replacement?

Watch the drag link threads here on third gen. There were some on the aftermarket that weren't correct.
Old 05-25-2017, 06:54 PM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

Originally Posted by jmd
Are all the parts in need of replacement?

Watch the drag link threads here on third gen. There were some on the aftermarket that weren't correct.
I saw a thread about that not having the correct angle, it was a MOOG part if I recall correctly. Im gonna do more research before I finally place the order, thanks for reminding me
Old 05-26-2017, 08:02 AM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

I'm using the Moog drag link with no problems. Looked just like the one I took off of the car.
Old 05-26-2017, 08:26 AM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

If you're replacing the strut mounts, you may want to consider aftermarket pieces, since it's not all that much more expensive.

https://www.foundersperformance.com/...-strut-mounts/

Otherwise RockAuto is about as good as it gets for most pieces. Summit might be cheaper due to the free shipping. Make sure to find a 5% RockAuto code while you're comparing.
Old 05-26-2017, 07:22 PM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

The part that people have been getting versions of that are wrong sometimes, is the idler arm. Which by being wrong ends up locating the center link at the wrong angle. (not level)

I've never had that problem myself but others it seems are finding it very commonplace.
Old 05-26-2017, 09:56 PM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

I did get the correct Idler arm with my Moog stuff. It is a little beefier than the one that was on there.

Last edited by J. Chris Davis; 05-30-2017 at 08:26 AM.
Old 05-30-2017, 08:05 AM
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Re: Anyone see a way to save some money on front end rebuild?

I am in the middle of my front end rebuild and what I do is pull up rockauto to look up parts and cost. Then compare Amazon, Napa, Oreiley's, etc ... for the best price. Found Moog strut mounts for 1/4 the cost on Amazon with free shipping. Just have to search...




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