A little bummed out.

RDubya · Poncho Master!

A little bummed out.

67rag396 · Poncho Master!

Randy, I understand your frustration. I have not yet tackled any front-end work due to lack of knowledge (maybe talent). Having said that, I have tackled more and more every year for the past 10 years. I can tell you that most of the mechanical work is not rocket science. A good manual and someone (probably help available from this site) with some experience can probably walk you through it.
My main fear is the front springs, because I have never tried to deal with them.
It's good to learn new stuff and builds confidence for the next steps.

Good luck
Rick

87 player bird · Poncho Master!

Careful if you are going to tackle this on your own. Most of it is pretty easy, but you could (no joke) kill yourself if you dont use the proper coil spring compresson tool.

RDubya · Poncho Master!

Thanks for your comments Rick. I've done some cosmetic stuff this year and i'm looking forward to experimenting more.

Mike is that specifically what it's called? I have a Hayne's manual i was looking at and all it does was show a diagram and didn't tell me what the tool was called! It also stated that a mechanic should do the idler arm as well. I have the Pontiac service manual i still have to read. Youtube has some handy videos and there's some good online articles that show how to do things but I know i'll need some experienced help on hand so as not to do some serious physical hurt to myself.

unburt · Guru

The front end of your car is not as complicated as you think. You will neeed to decide what y ou want to replace. Does the car need full steering gear, inner outer tie rods and centre link. Do you want to replace springs also with ball-joints?. The car is worthy of all new pieces but it basically a restoration job and a safety concern. The tools you need can be borrowed from the nearest Canadian tire store they have a lend a tool program. When doing front end work take measurments from the stuff you take off and reaplly to the new parts that way you can drive with confidence to a alignment shop. I did a complete replace of my front end and i was only out very little buy just using a tape measure and some one eye squinting.

87 player bird · Poncho Master!

That's what we always called them. Should be able to pick one up at any reputable tool place.( Do not buy one that is made offshore) as the tension on that spring is enormous. I'd hate to read about you in the paper my good man.

87 player bird · Poncho Master!

Hey Andy, I like your ride. Clutch car? 400 w72? ws6?

unburt · Guru

It is a 400 but a vintage 73 block 10 over and 10 cut crank with eldelbrock heads comp cam valve train works really well. The stock 400 and all parts are in storage i kept everything when i ripped the car down. The tranny is a 350 with a 2000 stall and 323 gear. I would like to go to a 200r for some highway cruising and also it has a 274 first gear vs the 350s 252 for a better launch out of the hole. The suspesion was all replaced with poly front and back this made the car handle like its on rails. The best money spent was a set of frame connectors from F body touring, they completley changed the ride with regards to body shake.

427carl · A Poncho Legend!

87 player bird wrote:

Careful if you are going to tackle this on your own. Most of it is pretty easy, but you could (no joke) kill yourself if you dont use the proper coil spring compresson tool.

Call Tiny and get some advice

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

If you aren't sure about the coils, I'm sure Tiny would give you a good price to swap them and you could do the rest of the work.

Todd

455gto · Poncho Master!

I'm no mechanic, but do my own work. As for the front steering ....I kept it all together taking it out(outer + inners). Then put your new parts together the same way. I just did coils for the first time last year. I left the nut on when I was seperating the A arms. Make sure you have the GM sevice manuel and also go to the junkyard and check out other T/A's of your year.You'll see how peices come apart

67BBSD · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

wonder if it needs all that-maybe a picky guy ?

don't worry about it-park it and hide it a while

big stuff coming nov 9th