Front end rebuild - What else should I expect?

[dgs]

Howdy,

I've got the deluxe rebuild kit for my '60 from Kanter and a set of air shocks. I've been putting off digging into this, but the wife and kids are going to be gone for a week so I'm thinking it's time.

The Kanter kit includes:

• Upper ball joints
• Lower Ball Joints
• Outer Tie rod ends
• (2) inner shaft kits per side
• Stabilizer link kit

What I'm wondering is what else should I plan on replacing "while I'm under there"? I notice there's no inner tie rods or idler arm included.

Just wondering what kind of extra $$ this project is going to cost me before I dig in.

[Guest]

front end

I did this last winter. You're going have to pay to have the bushings pressed into the arms. (about $60 in California). You're also going to have a joy unbounded compressing the springs. I used the threaded rod type and it was **** lining the rod up thru the hole in the upper arm while compressing the spring. I'm told the strap type is easier (????) It was worth it. Rides like a couch on wheels.

[dgs]

Where did you go to have the bushings pressed in?

What are the two spring compressor types? The only one I've ever used was a loan-a-tool from Autozone when I did the struts on my Escort. If I remember right it has 2-3 assemblies that each went outside the spring with hooks. Something like this:

Is that the screw type? What's the 'strap' type look like?

[Guest]

When I reworked my front end I also replaced all the rubber bushing while I had the springs out as mine were dry rotting.

[Guest]

You can go to any auto machine shop. Ask auto zone they'll have a local place to get bearings pressed. Agree with last member. replace rubber bushings as well. BE VERY AWARE of where and how many shims come out when you remove arms or your alignment will be way off. As for the spring compressors you showed, they are for struts and won't work they must go thru the center of the spring

[dgs]

When I reworked my front end I also replaced all the rubber bushing while I had the springs out as mine were dry rotting.

I think the Kanter kit includes all the rubber bushings too. Thanks for the help folks.

[tarps3]

you'll be very happy with that Kanter kit.
I installed the same thing in my 60 Bird a few years ago and it made a HUGE difference. Everything fit perfectly.
I also installed new shocks and front springs.

[tbird430]

The Kanter kit is well worth the money.

[Meridious]

This will definitely have to be done to my recent buy....60-model. I've done a few front-ends before, but this looks like a challenge...especially the shim-alignment. I find it odd that the shim-placement doesn't change after installing a NEW front-end...seems like changing to a new one would cause the shims to need to change. I guess I just can't wrap my head around the logic.

My Bird runs ok but shimmies around curves and squawks and creaks...I have not looked, but I don't need to ...it would not be worth messing with unless a complete change is done...I certainly won't change one piece without changing it all.

Do it right once.

[Alexander]

You will need to realignment the car and the shims will change after the rebuild of the front suspension. Mine was significantly different after the rebuild.

[dgs]

I find it odd that the shim-placement doesn't change after installing a NEW front-end...seems like changing to a new one would cause the shims to need to change. I guess I just can't wrap my head around the logic.

The alignment will definitely change, however, you should put all the shims back in as they were when you put it back together. It likely won't be right, but it's as good a guess as any for getting it to the alignment shop.

I just went through this along with Alexander. Bcomo is about to do part of his too. There's a lot of recent threads on it, look around. I took a bunch of pics during the process and have them on my web site in my gallery. I still have a few more to put up of getting the last bits wrapped up.

Unfortunately, I got it ready only in time to drive it a few miles and then put it to bed for the winter. I'll have to wait until spring to get the alignment done and really enjoy it. Even that short drive showed a marked improvement in how it rode and drove.

[bcomo]

After talking with dgs, I've reconsidered, and ordered the Kanter kit to do the whole enchilada.

[Meridious]

After talking with dgs, I've reconsidered, and ordered the Kanter kit to do the whole enchilada.

Any particular supplier that you ordered from?

[dgs]

Kanter is the supplier. They have a complete front end kit with:

• 2 Upper Ball Joints
• 2 Lower Ball Joints
• 2 Outer Tie Rod Ends
• Upper Inner Bushings
• Lower Inner Bushings
• 2 Stabilizer Link Kits

It's $230 for the Squarebird kit. If you want new upper A-arm shafts, its $320 for the deluxe kit.

I used their kit on mine and was very pleased.

[Meridious]

Ahhhh, I see. I thought "Kanter" was merely a parts brand-name. That is great. Thanks for the info.