Front end big buck blues

[1bolt@atime]

Went to take my 70 Challenger for a alignment, lower control arm bushings gone, upper on the way out. Not sure how to go forward, have replaced prior the tie-rod ends, fast ratio pitman arm, idler arm and upgraded to firm-feel #3 steering box rebuild. Have not yet pulled everything apart yet, so I am not sure of the condition of the K-Member yet. Looking at complete front-end change out kits - Magnum Force, QA1 & Alterktion - LOTS OF MONEY.
But, it would be one and done - IF they are worth the price (which one to buy?)for the amount of improvement made to the handling. Any feedback would be helpful, my brain is sliding out.
P.S. not concerned with keeping stock OEM so much, it is a plain-jane challenger with no numbers matching anything.

 

[RUNCHARGER]

Maybe $100 for high quality stock type parts that will last 50,000 miles or more. No problem.

Sheldon

 

[Cudakiller70]

X2 what Sheldon said, rebuild stock.
If you don't like it you can still upgrade and you're not out that much.

 

[moparleo]

Here is a reasonable cost option : Standard rubber ( shorter life but lower cost and quiet, softer ride ) Polygraphite ( longer bushing life, better handling performance ) PST | Front End Parts | Front End Kits | Suspension Rebuild Kits
PST | Performance Control Arm | Adjustable Control Arms

A FEBO sponsor and offer member discounts.

 

[Cudakiller70]

Never used polygraphite. Have used polyurethane before, yes harsh ride and little squeaky. went back to rubber. Wasn't for me FWIW.

 

[1bolt@atime]

Thanks for input everyone.
It's nice to bounce ideas off of people who know what your talking about!
I think I will just go ahead and rebuild what I have, thinking about doing the tubular upper arms with the improved caster. Has anyone used them before - if so, what's the judgement on the PST ones?
Thanks again for any historical input.

 

[quapman]

Check your local parts store and Rock Auto for just the parts you need. Sometimes it's cheaper than a whole kit. Make sure to check your ball joints, too!

 

[340challconvert]

Here's is the list I used as a reference for my front end rebuild from Rock Auto (last year's prices)
This list includes idler and pitman arms, the UCA cam adjusters, and bumpers for $408.

ITEM PRICE_CORE_QTY_ EXT PRICE
MOOG K7041 Idler Arm $ 35.79 $ 0.00 1 $ 35.79
MOOG K7076 Pitman Arm $ 51.79 $ 0.00 1 $ 51.79
MOOG ES319S Tie Rod End Adjusting Sleeve (9/16") $ 13.77 $ 0.00 2 $ 27.54
MOOG K783 Ball Joint $ 38.79 $ 0.00 1 $ 38.79
MOOG K772 Ball Joint $ 21.79 $ 0.00 2 $ 43.58
MOOG K5255 Stabilizer Bar Link $ 5.64 $ 0.00 2 $ 11.28
MOOG K408 Control Arm Bushing Kit $ 23.99 $ 0.00 1 $ 23.99
MOOG ES401L Tie Rod End (9/16") $ 15.40 $ 0.00 2 $ 30.80
MOOG K791 Control Arm Bushing $ 10.56 $ 0.00 2 $ 21.12
MOOG K781 Ball Joint $ 38.79 $ 0.00 1 $ 38.79
MOOG K7016A Strut Rod Bushing Kit $ 12.98 $ 0.00 1 $ 12.98
MOOG K5241 Stabilizer Bar Bushing Kit $ 5.79 $ 0.00 1 $ 5.79
MOOG ES401R Tie Rod End (9/16") $ 15.40 $ 0.00 2 $ 30.80
MOOG K8243A Cam Bolt Kit $ 13.75 $ 0.00 1 $ 13.75
MOOG K3180 Control Arm Bumper $ 5.94 $ 0.00 2 $ 11.88
MOOG K7293 Control Arm Bumper $ 4.70 $ 0.00 2 $ 9.40

Here's the list for the larger tie rods if you want to upgrade!
Part#s for the 11/16 tie rod parts are
ES440S -tie rod sleeve
ES355RL -left tie rod end
ES352R - tie rod end lft outer, rt inner 18.97
ES401R Tie rod end l/rt outer 14.97



I also opted to buy the Lower Control Arm Rebuild Kit from PST $189.00

Item number 131758698965 Free Standard Shipping

Hope this helps
Good luck with the rebuild!