I'm having a hard time finding a bushing kit for my front control arms. I also can't find upper ball joints. Am I missing something? Are there parts that could be cross referenced from a different application? I did a search on the forum but didn't find anyone else with this same problem. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Andrew
Originally Buick only offered a complete control arm with ball joint installed as the upper ball joint is welded to the control arm. The BJ is replaceable. You need to cut the weld. Ball joints are available. You need upper bushings?? Are they rubber??? They are also available. Try NAPA. Tom T.
Thanks Tom. I never would have guessed. I guess that's why no one is offering the parts. I've started to pull the front end steering and suspension apart and now I can see what you are talking about. Everything actually looks to be in pretty good order. I'm changing out shocks and springs so conventional wisdom had me replacing everything else as well.
Andrew, be very CAREFUL about what you may want to replace just because you have it apart & the "While I'm at it I might as well comes into play". MANY parts available today are "CHINESE" & will almost undoudtedly will wear out before the original parts that are in there already. Even some of the BIG NAME parts are garbage. When these cars were new most of the parts were made in the good ole USA where there, at one time, was a sense of pride when the parts were produced. I NEVER replace parts at my shop unless they have proven to be worn out. The only front end parts I've replaced on my '64 Riv. with over 300K on it was the center link. I know because I've owned this car since new. Just don't replace for the heck of it. I've been doing this for more than 50yrs. & the quality has taken a nose dive in the last 15 or so years. Even NAPA has fallen into the cheap parts trap. Sure, like there belts are made by Gates, but to NAPA specs. They start squeaking within a few weeks & then I have to replace them again at my expense. Sure they will supply the part at N/C but who pays for my labor??? This goes for alot of parts available today. All I'm sayin' is just be cautious. Tom T.
Tom..couldn`t agree more with your comments. I encounter several situations currently on the HD trucks in my fleet where the belts are taxed to their limits. The Gates belts stretch after initial installation but after an additional snugging up stay adjusted. A similar Napa belt (but they`re made by Gates?!) stretch and stretch and stretch...I always insist on genuine Gates belts and hoses. Tom Mooney
Tom, left a message on your phone tonight. Question on the quads. Maybe you can give me a call at my shop??? TIA, Tom T.
