Where does it all stop...

[Brian Smith]

I am doing a 96 brake upgrade soon. If I am pulling off the spindles I am going to replace the Strut/Spring combo in the front. I have decided that the monroe sensatrac/moog cargo coil combination is right for my budget/intentions with the car. Then I realized that I need to replace a lot of the suporting components to really do service to my investment of time and money. I will only be doing the front suspension right now as it is logical that I tackle it all at once with the brake upgrade. Having studied other posts and the diagram created by federal mogul (http://www.shotimes.com/images/trwsuspension.jpg )I have compiled a list of parts available from rockauto. I have been pleased with their service in other situations and I think it might be best to get all my parts from them. Their prices seem reasonable. I want to make sure I am not forgetting anything that should be replaced WHILE THE STRUT IS OUT, and also make sure I have the right parts.
-Moog upper strut mounts:
k8630 (*2) $37.79 (not police I know, but also not police prices)
-Moog Control arms w/ ball joints
k8577 $60.70
k8579 $58.79
-Moog greasable endlinks
k8702 (*2) $26.89
-Bumpers/bellows
k7296 (*2) 14.17
-Strut Rod Bushing Kit @ control arm
k8613 $5.16 (*2)
-Strut Rod Bushing Kit @ frame
k8516 $20.79 (this one is tpr I think)
finally, of course, the struts and springs. (sensatracs are on sale at pepboys for 20.00 according to a circular).

Is there a particular part number for the sensatracs? Will I be needing anything not listed above? I know that I dont NEED to replace the endlinks while doing this procedure, but they are shot. Is it necessary to replace the control arm bushings? If so what is the part number for these bushings? Rockauto lists them, but they do not verify if they are rubber or tpr...? Also, is there a part called a coil spring seat which is necessary? Is this a part which wears? This part is also listed on the rockauto site. Does anyone have a list of necessary hardware which should also be ordered in advance from ford?
Finally, I am going to get the cargo coils, like I said, and I want to cut a coil so it doesnt ride too high. Does one do this with a hacksaw or what? (forgive my ignorance)

Sorry for the length of the post! If you have gotten this far, thanks!

 

[luigisho]

My best advice is first check out the shonut website. He lists all the replacement bushings with Moog (and other) part #'s. When I ordered all the bushings for my '90 from Rock Auto I had a few Moog parts that were incomplete from the factory. It was a bit of a pain to return them and wait for replacements and pay for return shipping. If you can find parts locally within $20-30 of the total (including shipping cost) I would go that route for part return purposes. I spent in excess of $350 getting all the front and rear bushings, mounts and control arms.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

brian, it looks like you are on the right track.

however, I would strongly suggest you check prices and availability of the same MOOG parts from CarQuest (my fav.) or Napa. My local Carquest price-matched the RockAuto prices, and I didnt have to pay an arm and a leg for shipping. Because RockAuto will rape you for shipping

As for the sensatracs, Ill get some part number for you. I still have the boxes that mine came in. My original struts are in them
:EDIT: 71780 and 71781

Also, do you have your MOOG CC spring info/part numbers in order? check my sig if need be

 

[Electricat]

If you are going to tear things about that far, you might as well replace the tie rods at the same time.....

 

[DemonNeno]

Also, repack those halfshafts with grease. Commonly overlooked and the #1 killer of CVs....

 

[Brian Smith]

Thanks for the part numbers notsoslow! I will check out NAPA, we dont have carquest near here (Maryland). I will look into the tie rods, electricat. Demon, I replaced my halfshafts about two months ago, so they should be in good order, but of course will be inspected.
Does anyone have the list of requisite hardware off hand? I know the pinch bolts for the bottom and top of the strut, as well as the ball joint need to be replaced...
Thanks for the interest and replies!

 

[luigisho]

Don't forget to have a BFH, A BFPrybar, and maybe a torch to help remove any corroded fasteners. Oh, and new fasteners.

Shonut's list is very complete.

 

[Brian Smith]

merci beaucoup!
Has anyone cut the coils themselves? How is it done? Die grinder? Hacksaw? Butter knife?

 

[luigisho]

All of the above have been used. Except maybe the butterknife. Go with Ginsu.