FRONTEND REBUILD

Well here is where it all begins. After seeing my maybe 6mo old tires wear down to nothing I decided to rebuild the front suspension on the Nova.  I took the wheel off the drivers side, then removed the drum and hub.  After that I pulled the Tire rod totally off and removed the shocks and sway bar end link.

At this point I had a few rusty bolts so I gave them a nice spray of PB Blaster and then I got a wild idea.   I've already got the tire off and I will be removing the entire front suspension, oh hell why not pull that nasty inner fender out.  This will give me a few less pounds over the front end.  After I get the wires organized and get it all cleaned up and painted it should look nice.  Now if I only had Disc Brakes.

Well im to a stopping point now I have everything disconnected from the drivers side front end just need to remove the springs and drop the steering box and diagnose it.  The outer tie rod looked pretty chewed up and in definite need of replacement.  Cant wait to see how she sets and how she rides after I get this all together.

Ok well more work today.  I got the spring out the spindle off and both a-arms removed.  I then cleaned up the a-arms and removed both ball joints.  At this point its all ready to be degreased and blasted.  The upper ball joins came out with the help of a air chisel and the lowers popped right out with my hydraulic press.  Once blasted I will send them off to have the a-arm bushings pressed out and new ones put in.

Today I took some time to sandblast a few parts and degrease the rest.  I also went ahead and removed the inner fender, shock, sway bar end link and brake components from the passenger side.  Time for lunch and then back to the grind.  I got back out there and got a few more things blasted still waiting to drop the pass side spring out.  But I think I may finish blasting what I have do a tool round up and then go from there.

Well I got a lot of stuff done as far as painting the brake components, and some steering pieces.  Along with that I have ordered a front end kit with inner tie rod ends and an idler arm, plus a set of Poly Body Mounts from www.espo.com.   Yesterday I broke down and ordered a set of Moroso Trick Front Springs and adjustable Summit front shocks.  This should finish off the pieces I need and make her set nice and handle better.

I started on the rest of the A frames and decided it was too much of a hassle for my blaster so off they went to a local industrial sandblaster and for $25 they will strip all 4 down to bare metal in a few days.  Cant beat that and saves me a lot of work.

Well a day later they had my a-frames blasted and ready to go.  Man they looked nice.  I also took both my drums to Biers to have them turned but one was at the limit and was showing hard spots so I ordered one new one which is shown below the other is being turned as we speak.  I managed to get the brakes reassembled and ready to go.  Next is new bearings for the hubs and hopefully the suspension parts will show up soon so I can start on the Sub frame bushings.

Today my parts arrived. I got my front end rebuild kit from www.espo.com (all made in America), my Moroso Trick Springs, and my Summit 3-way adjustable shocks.

After alot fo swearing and tossing of tools all the bushings and bal joints are installed.  I also got the new body bushings in with no problems whatsoever and no rusted mounts.  On the ball joints I did have to tack weld one of them in place since the hole was slightly out of round.  I have to finish the passenger side frame rail and then I can start reassembling it all.

Well after splitting my head open I finally got the lower and upper a-frames in place.  Next week in go the springs and shocks to finish it up and then off to get an alignment.  I also took the time top reseal and refill the steering box.  In addition to the completely new front brakes I added some SOLO-BLEEDERS from Earl's/Holley.  They should really speed up the brake bleeding process. You can also see below the much beefier idler arm compared to the original.

Well everything got blasted, painted and I began the reassembly.  It all went fairly smooth.  I followed the direction in my service manual and got everything bolted up.  Then with the help of some listserve friends I got everything torque to spec.  With the Moroso springs and the Summit Adjustable Shocks the front end movement is amazing, so loose and should help with my traction.  I bolted the sway bar back in and bled the brakes.

Then after a quick trip to MIDAS it was back and aligned.  I took it for a test drive the next day down to the local car show.  AMAZING is all I have to say.  It tracks so straight, handles so nice, the steering is nice and firm and no odd sway or lean to the car.  I am glad I did this and wish I would have done it a long time ago.

Well that was a job worth doing and turned out great.  I only have a few suggestions, do not skimp on the parts, get good stuff, American made and do it right.  It may cost you a bit more but front suspension is one thing you don't want to go wrong when racing or just cruising around.  Take your time and the results will amaze you like they did me.