I'm getting my 1972 Skylark convertible on the road. The first order of business is brakes (more below). The suspension is original, so it seems like a great time for a rebuild. I've looked at the "kits" from online retailers, but the kits (e.g., Moog parts) seem more expensive than simply ordering the same Moog parts from Rock Auto. Am I missing something here? In any event, here is my parts list. Please let me know if I am going astray somewhere, either by part selection or quantity. (Clearly, I've never done this before.) FRONT Part No. Qty Upper Control arm bushings(pr) K5196 2 Lower Control Arm Bushings(pr) K5149 2 Upper Ball Joint (ea) K1508 2 Lower Ball Joints (ea) K5103 2 Inner Tie Rod End (ea) ES406L 2 Outer Tie Rod End (ea) ES406R 2 Tie Rod Adjuster sleeves(ea) ES2004S 2 Idler Arm (ea) K5143 1 Center Link (ea) DS749 1 Sway Bar Bushings (pr) K5241 1 Stabilizer Bar Link Kit (std) K8266 2 Shocks (ea) KYB KG4513 2 Coils Spring Set 5398 1 REAR Upper Control Arm Bushing Kit K5161 2 Lower Control Arm Bushing Kit K5161 2 Coil Spring Insulator (pr) K6203-2 2 Coil spring kit 5385 1 Shocks KYB KG5504 2 Will I also need to order coil spring adjusters or camber/caster shims? How about bolts for the control arms? Any other hardware? As for the brakes, does it make sense to order one of the kits or go the separate parts route? I'm debating between the four- and front-wheel conversion kits. I don't really need discs on the rear, but once I factor in new shoes/drums/ cylinders for the rear, its only $140 to upgrade the rears to disc. I know that I'll likely need to go to 15" wheels. Since my 14" wheels will need reconditioning anyway and my tires are 15+ years old, I might as well spring for new wheels and tires (that's another discussion). Sorry for the long post, but I would appreciate some feedback on the suspension parts list and the brake upgrade. I'm learning here and have a reasonably thick skin, so please be direct. Thanks.
my advice is the same everytime i see these types of threads. only replace what is loose! the 45 yr old gm parts are far superior to what is available today! even the moog stuff. the bushings are a no brainer of course. tossing good parts to replace them with junk is foolish and a waste of money. they clean up pretty quick anyway with a wire wheel...
