I'm beginning a restoration of a '90 RS. To get it road worthy I have to redo the front end steering and suspension bushings because they are all blown out. What is included in a rebuild for all of this? I am struggling to find kits for rebuilds or what I must replace and if any sizing is different throughout the years or trim levels. Everything that has a bushing connected to it has the old bushing just blown around it. I also do not know if I should replace or upgrade the sway bar, it has surface rust but seems in good shape. Any ideas of what I should upgrade / return use as stock? Any recommendations on struts? I have read a lot of good things about Koni struts but I am not sure. The end plan is to v8 swap the car but I know to return it to running stock first. 200k miles are the underside is solid if that changes anything. Thanks.

 

There might be a "rebuild kit" for the front end that covers the most frequently worn parts.
Your best option, perform an inspection of the current suspension components. See what is warn, what is broken, make a list.
Then, head over to rockauto and start building your shopping cart.
Flavors of parts, manufacturers, etc are a personal preference depending on what your budge can withstand, and what you are planning to utilize the car for (daily driver, autocross, power tour). I will say be realistic in your desires and budget. High end suspension components are great looking add'ons and awful expensive. But if the car is going to be sitting in your driveway or garage most of the time, daily driver parts quality is a perfect low buck solution. The rust on the sway bar if probably surface rust. Take it off. degrease, wire brush, wipe it down, and hit it with some rattle can undercoat. Do the same for the sway bar mounts. Change the bushing and end links are you will be good to go.

 

minimum-just do all these, the cost is not that great
ball joints 2
inner tie rods 2
outer tie rods 2
tie-rod adjuster sleeves 2 (your alignment guy will appreciate these being new if your old ones are in any way rusted up)
centerlink 1
idler arm 1
sway bar bushings 2
sway bar end links 2

next order of business
strut mounts 2
control arm bushings forward (2)
control arm bushings rear (2)
struts 2

most of the above replacements will require an alignment when done, so factor that cost into the decision as to how far you go.

no point in, for example, doing inner/outer tie rods and having to do an alignment then waiting a year to do the strut mounts and having to pay for another alignment.

 

if you're going to swap to a V8, go ahead and do springs

 

Just an FYI you can align these cars yourself really simply, so don't let that stop you from replacing it all.

 

I did countless hours of research and ended up ordering the ac delco idler arm, moog tie rod ends 2 of each, moog center drag link, 2 of the adjusting sleeves, sway bar bushings, sway bar end links, and moog ball joints. I know to get Koni Struts when my budget allows. Any suggestions on springs and strut mounts? I have to stay at the same ride height right now because my car struggles in and out of the drive way, even at an angle it scrapes just a bit. Staying with my v6 for now until I have enough to do a full v8 swap. Don't have the money for that right now. xc Going to fix my coolant leak and oil leak on the v6 and run the new front end rebuild.

 

Thank you so much.

 

Moog on the springs should be a safe bet, and they're fairly inexpensive on RA

Replacement springs will likely bring the ride height up an inch or so compared to the likely wore out originals.

KYB has been an acceptable stock style strut assembly

Inspect your strut mounts by removing the dust cap and observing the rubber bearing isolator while bouncing the suspension a little. A tear or defect will show itself.

 

We (Screaming Chicken) sell the Proforged brand for suspension parts, they have a front end rebuild kit that replaces the steering linkage (everything except the pitman arm). They also make ball joints and other suspension service parts. The front end rebuild kits have been on backorder since March, but we will get 3 on Tuesday (7/25). We have been selling the Proforged brand for several years and have been happy with the quality and have had positive feedback from customers also.
1982-92 Camaro/Firebird Front End Service Kit

 

unrelated to the OP, this is good to know as I will be in the market for such a kit come winter!