Front control arms and other front suspension components

[HotRaud90]

Upon inspection of my front upper control arms, I saw that the boots on the ball joints were torched (see pic below).

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/23/666a10be6f2023bfd0c33881c030a6 67.jpg

Started looking for solutions on the net, seems the consensus was that it is easier to swap in new control arms than press in new ball joints.

This got me thinking about the rest of the front end suspension. Looks to me like most of it is original, car has 87k on clock. Should I be replacing other susp. parts at the same time?

Thinkin about doin Monroe severe service shocks all around (struts for those who refer to it as that). Should I replace the springs at the same time if they are original? Maybe do lower control arms as well?

My main concern is that it will be counter productive to do these things separately. Will it require a front end alignment tune up each time a component is changed out? I realize it will prob be easier to just change it all while its torn apart the first time, just a lot more money and time required up front versus spreading it out. I may be over thinking it.

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[Comin' in Hot]

Just do it all and do it once.

[MOTOWN]

Yeah I do a full front end rebuild, and be done with it.

[fastblackmerc]

Just do it all and do it once.


Yeah I do a full front end rebuild, and be done with it.

+3..............

[lifespeed]

Yes, do it all. It will drive much nicer.

[HotRaud90]

Welp, that's what I was afraid I'd hear. Love the idea of going with all new parts and the difference in handling it will bring, not so stoked on dumping the cash into it that I'd rather be saving to S/C the car.

Here's what I have planned so far with some choices that I need advice on. Most, if not everything, will come from Rock Auto.

Shocks: Monroe Severe Service
Springs: Moog (80668)
Upper Control Arms: Moog (CK [stamped] or RK [forged/cast], not sure yet)
Lower Control Arms: Moog (RK80392/1)

As far as the upper control arms go, I've seen the debate about the stamped and forged models. I was just goin to get the forged cause I like the look better, but it seems that the ball joints are serviceable with a grease fitting on the stamped version. Is it worth it?

Also, is there anything I can use to coat the boots for the control arms that will keep the rubber healthier over the life of the arm?

As far as springs go, what's the life expectancy? I'm fine with keeping them on there if they're still good, even if they are 13 years old (not sure if they've ever been replaced). Will the Moog suffice if there's a need to replace? I don't want the car to sit any higher than it does now.

[Logizyme]

KYB's over the Monroes anyday.

Never seen a set of Monroes go 30k and not leak.

The aluminum lower arms are the better performers, but the steels will be cheaper. Uppers I don't feel like there is much of a difference between the stamped and cast. weight vs rigidity prob balances out, not that you would even notice. The Ford ones are all sealed joints, and honestly it is what I would suggest.

Never heard of a panther spring being broken, and unless it is, there is no reason to replace it unless you are unhappy with the ride height.

[lifespeed]

Springs sag, the cars are old enough to justify replacement. And they are known to break when they get old. I like the sealed Ford parts. Moog had a good reputation, but I hear they are Chinese these days. It is easy to forget these are old cars now.

[1Marauder]

It is easy to forget because we are old owners now...

(Not you Logizyme)

[HotRaud90]

KYB's over the Monroes anyday.

Never seen a set of Monroes go 30k and not leak.

The aluminum lower arms are the better performers, but the steels will be cheaper. Uppers I don't feel like there is much of a difference between the stamped and cast. weight vs rigidity prob balances out, not that you would even notice. The Ford ones are all sealed joints, and honestly it is what I would suggest.

Never heard of a panther spring being broken, and unless it is, there is no reason to replace it unless you are unhappy with the ride height.

On the contrary, I've heard lots of good things about the Monroe's. I've heard lots of good stuff about the stiffer KYB's too.

The only reason I thought about the serviceable ball joint model (non-sealed?) is because it would be nice to be able to re-grease the ball joint instead of pressing in a new one or, in my case right now, having to buy a whole new arm because pressing in a new one is a PITA.


Springs sag, the cars are old enough to justify replacement. And they are known to break when they get old. I like the sealed Ford parts. Moog had a good reputation, but I hear they are Chinese these days. It is easy to forget these are old cars now.

I'm hesitant to change the springs as I don't want to fool with the ride height. I would hate it if I slapped new springs on and it sat higher than it does now. Then the trouble of cutting a spring, waiting til it settles, blah blah blah...
Anyone with experience on the Moog springs?