Complete Suspension rebuild

[70spider]

Well I got the springs from AR today, which was the last item to get for a complete suspension rebuild. So I have my homework for the weekend planned out, read as much suspension stuff as possible before Pesto under goes the knife next week. If anyone has a chronological list of what do it would be greatly appriciated. I will have the shock towers welding by a professional, but I am on my own in the rebuild, lack of cash.

[4uall]

This might help

http://forum.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtop ... ilit=+fall

Bit of a read/view and I don't know if I would say chronological order more like the order in which I did it first time ever

[msrichmond]

A couple of things I remember from doing this.

If the studs/nuts holding the sway bar brackets to the body are rusty, use plenty of penetrating oil. And even if you do, they can snap off. The fix is to cut a small hole with a Dremel from the side of where the stud broke off, drill out the stud from below and thread a bolt in from the side. Don't count on these studs to compress the swaybar brackets together around the new bushings. I compressed the new bushings in between the brackets in a vice, one end at a time, and tack welded the edge of the brackets together.

The spring compressor may slip on the spring unless you are mindful of the placement of the uneven arms on the compressor.

If you aren't sure, check back before going to the next step.

MikeR ('77 Spider)

[70spider]

4uall,
I have scanned your post before and found the info very helpfull, which is why I went with as much new stuff as possible (new upper/lower A-arm kit, new tie end rod kits, new springs, all new bearings and seals). I do not have your machining skills if I run into any issues. So if I can not get the old bolts to come out with penetrating oil and a little heat than I'll just cut them off.
In the end I may have to sell a few things to get the cash, my $6,000 budget (car + repairs) is in the red , for a shop to do it

[4uall]

Best investment ever




As far as skill level goes, that is why I have the forum

[wizard124]

Buying new control arms will make the job much easier and faster. I did my front end, a first for me. Not too hard.

Internal spring compressor with a 2 inch pipe nipple.
Remember how the shims go.
Coat hanger to hang the brake calipers.
Pickle fork and a big hammer.
Take notes and pictures

[4uall]

[SoFlaFiat]

YOU CAN DO IT!!
And good luck! NO sarcasm!!

[garion]

I too have been reading and re-reading the suspension threads.. I'll be going down this path hopefully around Thanksgiving time..

[SoFlaFiat]

Just my 2cents...
Buying new upper and lower a-arms is a no brainer!! They are so reasonably priced that it makes no sence whatsoever to clean, paint, and press new everything in the old ones!
That said, anybody want some used rusty a-arms with questionable ball joints? Cheap!!

[RRoller123]

+1. Not worth the time and effort, given the reasonable/low price of new A arms, with the ball joints already installed.

[81SPIDERMATT]

next time I will most likely go the new route ... but the confidence building and intimate knowledge I acquired rebuilding what I had was very good for me.... knowing I could bring back to life the old parts was very helpful in attacking the engine seals and timing belt job that followed the suspension ..it was also easier on my wallet to buy little bits at a time . first timer on pretty much everything I have done .... and of course x2 on asking/searching the forum for any and every question that pops up before guessing ... .. Matt

take pictures .. lots and at different angles

[70spider]

Thanks for all the advice, much appriciated. My son hit a dear so the family car is the shop for awhile. I'll have to delay the suspension project until I get it back.

[BEEK]

front end rebuild sounds like a great father / son project now, he cant go anywhere...btw hows the deer doing?

[70spider]

I do not think the deer survived, the front quater panel around the headlight on a Mazda Protege5 is pointed like a harpoon and it tore a fist size chunk out of the deers hindquater .
The body damage wasn't that bad, mostly damage to the trans cooler, radiator, and front upper/lower bumper. Our insurance company is dragging thier feet and work hasn't even started on it .
It would be a great project but I have never done body work and wouldn't have a clue