Author Topic: Front end rebuild  (Read 5911 times)

Offline cuda lover

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Front end rebuild
« on: February 21, 2015 - 07:14:57 PM »
The steering is loose on my 340 73 CUDA. I was thinking of replacing the warn out parts. I am just using it for street driving, not racing.

I got a quote for $2500 from a mopar shop near me.

Is this something I can do my self i found this complete replacement kit for about $440. or is it something best left to the experts?

http://www.p-s-t.com/s.nl/it.A/id.166/.f?sc=12

advantage if I do it my self, i can clean and paint all the old part before putting them back and stiffen up the lower control arm as I have seen recommended.

http://www.forebodiesonly.com/forum/showthread.php?6287-PST-s-Stiffening-Plates-Install

« Last Edit: February 21, 2015 - 07:18:52 PM by cuda lover »
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Offline Moparal

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2015 - 07:25:51 PM »
Shops charge more for list price on parts and hourly rate on labor. It is not hard to do at all.  I am doing one now for about  $800 parts and labor for a member here.  Certain specific too;s help the job go quicker, but still can be done without them.  Just be sure to buy quality brand parts.

Offline dfrazz

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2015 - 08:34:48 AM »
I went with all Moog parts when I rebuilt the front suspension on my '71 Challenger.  FYI, PST admitted some of their parts are from China so I choose Moog.

Offline Katfish

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2015 - 08:57:54 AM »
If you don't mind wrenching, you could do everything for less than $1000, including buying the speciality tools.
In addition, you'll find things you'll need/want to replace while at it.

I ended up buying new UCAs, torsion bars, strut rods and brake lines, in addition to all the standard front end rebuild parts, still under $1k.

Offline cuda lover

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2015 - 11:31:43 PM »
I agree I think I will try it myself, and go with the moog parts, sounds better
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Offline 1 Wild R/T

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2015 - 02:41:17 AM »
California plates... Where are you located? Someone local may be able to give you pointers...
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Offline dave73chally

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2015 - 08:20:27 AM »
Are there any full exploded view diagrams of the front suspension that could help in the rebuild?
73 Challenger
512 / 4spd / Hotchkis & QA1 Suspension

Offline HP2

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2015 - 09:30:39 AM »
Yes, the Factory Service Manuals show everything you need to know about suspension components, alignment basics, as well as the R&R for all the components, exploded diagrams, and assembly techniques.

They actually have all that information for every system and assembly within the car. Well with the $25-30 you will pay to acquire one. Highly recommended.

To the OP, yes, you can do a vast majority of all the work yourself. The tricky part of the work will be pressing bushings in/out of the control arms. If you don't want to buy tools for these two procedures, you can always take the bushings and arms to a machine shop and have them do it for you. Additional questions along the way can be addressed here.

Offline cuda lover

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #8 on: February 23, 2015 - 04:39:45 PM »
Yes, the Factory Service Manuals show everything you need to know about suspension components, alignment basics, as well as the R&R for all the components, exploded diagrams, and assembly techniques.

They actually have all that information for every system and assembly within the car. Well with the $25-30 you will pay to acquire one. Highly recommended.

To the OP, yes, you can do a vast majority of all the work yourself. The tricky part of the work will be pressing bushings in/out of the control arms. If you don't want to buy tools for these two procedures, you can always take the bushings and arms to a machine shop and have them do it for you. Additional questions along the way can be addressed here.

thanks for the information, I think I will give it a try, just trying to figure out the components I need to order.

From what I have seen most people think that the neopreme is too hard/stiff for the lower control arm bushings and use rubber for that but then neopreme for the rest. one person recommended to me to use offset bushing for the lower control arm to increase the caster for a better ride on more modern tires.
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Offline roadman5312

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #9 on: February 23, 2015 - 04:46:47 PM »
offset bushings upper control arm. not lower.  :2thumbs:

Offline BIGSHCLUNK

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2015 - 04:50:41 PM »
Its not really that hard to do.But getting it up on a rack really helps!  :grinyes:
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Offline crash340

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2015 - 01:46:19 AM »
Offset bushes in the UCA
Greg

73 Cuda
Brisbane, Australia

Offline HP2

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #12 on: February 24, 2015 - 09:39:47 AM »


There are a lot of variables to using urethane in the lower control arm bushing as all manufacturers seem to take a slightly different approach which may or may not require further mods to the bushings as well as possibly reusing shells, etc. Simple route is just use stock rubber bushings to avoid all the pitfalls of urethane.

To rebuild the front end you would want upper/lower ball joints, inner/outer rod ends, strut rod bushings, upper/lower control arm bushings (offset upper bushings installed opposite of the instructions to maximize caster), idler arm, and possibly a pitman arm as well. The PST kit is decent, but you probably don't need the upper control arm adjuster cams and the tie rod sleeves. However, I bet they include these  jus tin case they get trashed in the rebuild process. Personally, I've never replaced them in most rebuilds I've done.

However, before just replacing everything, you can assess if everything is still serviceable by going through some basic analysis. The service manual does outline all the means to check these joints forexcessive play. The looseness in the steering box could very well be the stock mopar over-assist, or a slightly worn gear set that could be tightened with the adjuster nut. How long have you had your Cuda and has it always felt this way since you've had it?

Offline cuda lover

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Re: Front end rebuild
« Reply #13 on: February 24, 2015 - 09:46:49 AM »

 The looseness in the steering box could very well be the stock mopar over-assist, or a slightly worn gear set that could be tightened with the adjuster nut. How long have you had your Cuda and has it always felt this way since you've had it?

I have only had it for about a year and a half now, but the steering was that way when I got it.

I tried adjusting the steering box adjuster nut, but it did not seem to make any difference.

All bushings and front end pieces are original. So I figured I would do the front end suspension, and see if that fixes the problem. if not then on to the steering box, but it has headers which seems like it might be a little bit of a task to get it in and out.

My challenger had front end suspension done by previous owner with existing steering box and it drives real nice, no slop.
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