Suspension rebuild question

[VRGSVET]

Hello CAC!

The suspension bushings on my 80 have never been replaced. Of course, most of them are dry-rotted and cracked, if not completely torn. I have read many opinions between rubber and poly. I think I'll go poly, if for no other reason, they are easy to find as a whole kit. I also plan to replace the ball joints and shocks, and possibly the rear spring at the same time. I would like to do the work myself, but don't have much experience with suspension work. So, I'll take it to the local Corvette specialty shop here in Vegas. I plan to purchase the bushing kit, shocks, ball joints, etc. in advance. My question is, what other parts will I need to provide? Are there other suspension parts that wear and will need replaced? Are there bolts, nuts, and other bits and pieces that I should buy? I'd like to hear your experieces with suspension rebuilds. Thanks.

Paul

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Paul,

I bought my front rebuild kit from The Last Detail. They have two or three kits with varying levels of parts. I think I bought their most expensive kit for about $200 and had to throw in new shocks and the power steering ram to have a complete rebuild.

Bob

 

[1979toy]

Is there a reason for not letting the local shop provide the bushings that they are going to replace? I think that if you talk to them about the work that you want to have done and what parts you need you'll find that their prices can be competitive.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I talked to my shop and he could not match their prices with their supplier and did not have an arrangement with The Last Detail. So I took a risk and supplied my own parts and let the shop warranty only the labor.

 

[Brett73]

If you plan on replacing the rear spring or even just r&r the spring I would replace the four bolts that mount it to the differential with new grade 8 bolts. JMHO.

Brett73