Need new pitman and idler arms and lower ball joints

[usraptr]

Currently rebuilding the front suspension/steering components on my '70 'Cuda with manual steering. Finding a huge difference in the prices for pitman and idler arms and lower ball joints.   Performance on line (POL), which advertises in Mopar Muscle, seems to have the best prices I've found so far, especially for LB joints, $29 vs $56 and up.   I know, "you get what you pay for."  Anybody have any experience with their products/recommendations? 

[anlauto]

I would buy Moog suspension parts. Summit Racing has excellent prices. 

[loco340cuda]

I just bought all of the components for a complete front end rebuild for my Cuda.  I found an old school NAPA Auto in town that has a back counter with an older guy who knows these older cars.  I asked him to give me quote on all the components and it came back at just under $600.   At first I was taken back and did some shopping and found that the prices vary all over the place depending on brand and "supposed" quality.  I called him back and said his prices seem high and he said he could also quote me lower priced parts but the ones he quoted me was MOOG.  In the end I went with the NAPA guy as he gave me the best price on MOOG compared to the other places I called.  I did not check with Summit as I did not even think about them.

When the parts showed up they the majority of them were in NAPA boxes and labeled 'Made in USA'      In calling a few places what I found was there is a big difference in the pitman arm pricing.  I paid about $150 for that part.  I'm still wondering if there is really that much difference between the one I bought and some of the other ones at $50.  Basically I'm wondering if I took a bath on that part.   

I'm not sure if what i have posted is very helpful but at least it is another data point for you.

[GreenFish]

Summit and or jegs and or Rockauto.com.. FYI.. summit will price match any advertised price. Use Moog stuff. There is a sticky with all the Moog part numbers

[dougs bs23]

you may also be able to source all the moog parts locally,  try your local parts stores, may be able to get them cheaper and save on shipping costs,   also can go through amazon

[usraptr]

Thanks everybody. I took Alan's advice and went through Summit.  Best prices I found on Moog.  However, they didn't have a pitman arm for a '70 'Cuda.  I also checked Jegs, Rock Auto, Mancini Racing and every other place I could think of but couldn't find a Moog pitman arm anywhere.  So I eventually called Moog and they verified that they don't make one for a '70 'Cuda!!??  Did find several other brands and as loco340cuda stated they vary anywhere from $50 to $200+.  Classic Industries had one from "Restorer's Choice for around $60 but naturally it's out of stock and has been back ordered for several weeks.  They're going to check on an expected shipping date and get back to me.  I also found a few others in the mid $70 to high $80s.  I don't know why but the '70 'Cuda seems to be a special animal when it comes to pitman arms.  I'm not in a big hurry so I'll wait for Classic Industries to call me back with an expected ETA and then decide what to do.

[CUDA JAS]

Thanks everybody. I took Alan's advice and went through Summit.  Best prices I found on Moog.  However, they didn't have a pitman arm for a '70 'Cuda.  I also checked Jegs, Rock Auto, Mancini Racing and every other place I could think of but couldn't find a Moog pitman arm anywhere.  So I eventually called Moog and they verified that they don't make one for a '70 'Cuda!!??  Did find several other brands and as loco340cuda stated they vary anywhere from $50 to $200+.  Classic Industries had one from "Restorer's Choice for around $60 but naturally it's out of stock and has been back ordered for several weeks.  They're going to check on an expected shipping date and get back to me.  I also found a few others in the mid $70 to high $80s.  I don't know why but the '70 'Cuda seems to be a special animal when it comes to pitman arms.  I'm not in a big hurry so I'll wait for Classic Industries to call me back with an expected ETA and then decide what to do.

yes it is a special animal when it comes to pitman arms.

The 71 and up use a different size cross shaft in the steering box which results in a different, more common pitman arm.

I am looking for one to.  Have you looked for a standard steering pitman arm...those are the same through all years I believe.

Jason

[usraptr]

Cuda Jas, yes a standard, OEM style Pitman Arm was what I was trying for.  Still difficult to find at a decent price.

[HP2]

That is due to the small sector shaft steering box you have. Upgrade to a large sector box, and you can find inexpensive pitman arms all day long.

[usraptr]

HP2, my box does have a large sector shaft.

[jimynick]

HP2, my box does have a large sector shaft.

Braggart! 

[CUDA JAS]

HP2, my box does have a large sector shaft.

If that is the case, you should have no trouble finding a pitman arm...look for a 71 - 74.

Now just because I like to give guys a hard time...have you measured the sector shaft to verify that it is the larger sector shaft.

I am kidding of course, I just want to make sure you get the right part.

Jason

[70chall440]

Call the guys at Firm Feel, explain what you have and what you want and I am confident they can help you.

[crash340]

  Firm Feel