Made the front end kit purchase, here's what I learned
11-23-2001, 10:29 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Made the front end kit purchase, here's what I learned
After calling around to several vendors again and asking specific questions about the parts in their kits, here is what I have learned.
1. The HD idler arm listed in Vette brakes is not the same as the MOOG arm, but both have larger diameters than the Zip arm. The Zip arm is almost the same as stock, a hair narrower (according to them)
2. The inner tie rods and sleeves which are not included in the Zip kit can be purchased separately, but are usually not necessary. The sleeves provided with the VBP kit will not always work on the stock or other replacement vendors Tie rods. (They said that they should, but that some vendors don't use the same threading) Kind of strange if you ask me.
3. The bushings included with the Zip kit are Energy suspension. These are not the same as the Polygraphite, but the new formulation does include more graphite in the mixture. The % graphite which according to Polygraphite, directly relates to the squeeking, is higher in the polygraphite brand name, but energy suspension says that at higher percentages, the bushings lose compressive strength.
4. The remainder of the parts in the different kits are all about the same.
So, I bought the Zip kit and supported the Forum. Saved from $50-170 depending on the vendor.
I the ordered some KYB shocks, the VBP 460 lb front springs and new front bearings.
I'll deal with the suspension first, then brakes and finally steering.
Thanks for all the help to this point.
Expect more questions as I get going on these projects in the next couple of weeks. :cheers: :cheers:
1. The HD idler arm listed in Vette brakes is not the same as the MOOG arm, but both have larger diameters than the Zip arm. The Zip arm is almost the same as stock, a hair narrower (according to them)
2. The inner tie rods and sleeves which are not included in the Zip kit can be purchased separately, but are usually not necessary. The sleeves provided with the VBP kit will not always work on the stock or other replacement vendors Tie rods. (They said that they should, but that some vendors don't use the same threading) Kind of strange if you ask me.
3. The bushings included with the Zip kit are Energy suspension. These are not the same as the Polygraphite, but the new formulation does include more graphite in the mixture. The % graphite which according to Polygraphite, directly relates to the squeeking, is higher in the polygraphite brand name, but energy suspension says that at higher percentages, the bushings lose compressive strength.
4. The remainder of the parts in the different kits are all about the same.
So, I bought the Zip kit and supported the Forum. Saved from $50-170 depending on the vendor.
I the ordered some KYB shocks, the VBP 460 lb front springs and new front bearings.
I'll deal with the suspension first, then brakes and finally steering.
Thanks for all the help to this point.
Expect more questions as I get going on these projects in the next couple of weeks. :cheers: :cheers:
11-23-2001, 10:52 PM
#2
Senior Member since 1492
Re: Made the front end kit purchase, here's what I learned (phoenix)
Wow! Talk about research. You seem to have squeezed every cent outa that purchase. Good Luck. Take your time. For me that was an enjoyable repair.
11-24-2001, 12:40 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Aug 2001
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Re: Made the front end kit purchase, here's what I learned (phoenix)
Hey,
I also used the Muskegon Poly kit and all went well. Best price I could find, and quality was great, except for those squeking poly bushings. If I had it to do over again, I would use the rubber bushings
I also used the Muskegon Poly kit and all went well. Best price I could find, and quality was great, except for those squeking poly bushings. If I had it to do over again, I would use the rubber bushings
11-24-2001, 08:25 AM
#4
Melting Slicks
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Re: Made the front end kit purchase, here's what I learned (Dwaynes69BB)
Dewaynes69BB, you said "If I had it to do over again, I would use the rubber bushings". I'm just curious, why? Squeaks?
Phoenix, thanks for the info. I hope to be doing this job soon myself. Pics & tips would be appreciated after you finish the job. :yesnod:
Phoenix, thanks for the info. I hope to be doing this job soon myself. Pics & tips would be appreciated after you finish the job. :yesnod:
11-24-2001, 09:08 AM
#5
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Re: Made the front end kit purchase, here's what I learned (jerryp58)
Oh yea, forgot to mention that there is very little graphite in the Muskegon poly bushings. They are the older style made by a smaller producer. (At least that is what the salesperson told me. She couldn't confirm it with tech)
11-24-2001, 09:49 AM
#6
Burning Brakes
Re: Made the front end kit purchase, here's what I learned (phoenix)
I had a heavy duty idler arm that was way bigger than the stock idler arm. I can't remember who I bought it from. When I put side mount headers on my car , they would not clear the heavy duty idler arm. This thing was really heavy duty it weight a lot more than the stock arm and stuck down about a 1/2" lower.