First I want to post this here in the TBI forum because my car is a 305 TBI and I know someone around has been thru this before. So moderators if you have to lock this I understand but I hope you don't because I'd like to hear the TBI crowds view on this not just the suspension crowd.

Thanks

Background.

The car has 225,xxx miles on it, original engine and tranny never had any problems from either. The front struts were replaced 47,000 miles ago. The idler arm was replaced 85,000 miles ago. The left front wheel bearing was replaced 1,000 miles ago.

Today the car couldn't be aligned because the tech discovered the left ball joint was wasted almost ready to break. The right ball joint was in slightly better condition. The end links for the front sway bar are wasted as well but this is an easy fix.

Should I just get the ball joints and end links replaced with stock parts? Should I get a front suspension kit from Energy Suspension or PST or Global West or what? Would this be the time to do springs as well?

I need your advice as this is my daily driver/beater. I can drive the other car for a few weeks so I have time to shop around and do this right. Any suggest are appreciated.

Please no lectures on greasing the car and this would never have happened, it's always been done greased promptly at oil change time and I'm the original owner.

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91 RS Camaro 305TBI w/198,500 miles

99 TransAm

72 Vette

 

I know energy suspension makes good bushings and they're on the inexpensive side. GM replacements are about the same price from a dealer. I probably wouldn't go with energy suspension again since they don't carry the 36mm front sway bar. That just tells me that they don't give a ****. It's your call on everything. I would go with Global West stuff if it were me. They are a great company. If you were going to do springs I would also change shocks/struts at the same time. KYB has cheap replacements and lots of people like them. As for springs, I don't know what you'de want since it's just a daily driver.
If you don't get much feedback I'll move it to the suspension board.

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, Jon (350 TBI!)
91 Red My website

 

I'd use Moog for all of it. As far as stock stiffness replacement parts go, there are none better.

 

I appreciate the input folks...please keep it going...

 

I used PST bushing and sway bars on my chevelle. I used the PST polygraphite front end rebuild kit and went ahead and did it all at once. Only prob I have is my car squeaks now, but Oh well.

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69 Chevelle 2dr hardtop blue, bench seats, 12 bolt w/3.73's muncie 4 speed. best 14.5@90

 

Like ChevelleCLM noted, polyurethane tends to squeak if not lubed several times a year. So, if that is a concern, you may want to stick with Moog or GM stock replacement parts for bushings and such. It all depends on what you want out of the car - if it's sole purpose is commuting, may as well use stock parts if they are cheaper.

Also, if you're going to have the front suspension/steering apart, you may as well do everyhting at once. It'll cost more up front, but the car will drive much better, and you won't have to fix anything for a long while (and save on labor if done at shop).

Check the front struts, they are probably ok, but you never know. If you upgrade to stiff springs, you might want to consider aftermarket shocks (KYB, Bilstein, etc).