Front end suspension rebuild (Steering and suspension)

[TurboRagtop]

So I finally bit the bullet and tore down & rebuilt my front end and replaced everything (but the steering box):
Installed New:
- Upper control arms
- Upper ball joints
- Lower control arms
- Lower ball joints (thank you Linda Jordan)
- Idler box
- Tie rods (Left and right)
- Center Drag link
- Bump stops, urethane aftermarket
- Upper spring cushions (urethane)
- Bilstein shocks all around (I mean Bil$$tein)

Recently replaced:
- Sway bar bushings

I did a quick DIY alignment, setting just the toe-in with a tape measure and then took it out for a test drive this morning.
And the results are: *drum roll*
WOW!!
I so happy...
It's AWESOME compared to how it was before

Before, when it went over railroad tracks at speed, it would bounce all over the place, doing the CORKSCREW steering thing, and scare the crap out of ya...
Now, with one finger on the steering wheel, it takes the same set of tracks with great composure; total control, zero bump steer and NO DRAMA.
It was a bit expensive, but a BIG thank you goes to:
JT and Lynn at Datsun Restoration Products (Control arms, upper ball joints, shocks and spring cushion)
and
Dean A. at DatsunParts.com (Idler box, both tie rods and drag link)
Here are some pics:
Sorry the pics are in reverse order. Also, rest assured that the locking tabs on the upper ball joint bolts are now locked in place after all fasteners were torqued properly. All cotter pins in place and triple checked. This serious stuff...
Oh yes, all 20-something grease zerks pumped full of grease, but not overly so.

Back together.jpg

Assembled without spring Front view.jpg

Close up of upper control arm.jpg

Front view control arms BJs brakes.jpg

Loose assy on jack.jpg

Close up of upper control arm.jpg

Hanger wire suspended.jpg

Torn down.jpg

[notoptoy]

Nice work and a great project, congratulations on good results!

[Linda]

Excellent work, Karl! Handy to be as talented as you are, and have those nice shiny parts to work with. I bet the car handled great even with 1/2 an alignment done Once the rest of it is done you will be impressed I am sure.
You need a source for an old school alignment shop. Maybe some classic car show guys will have a source for you.
Assuming you had or added longer bolts for the upper control arm to allow for the alignment you want.
Lots of zerks to grease and that is a bit messy but necessary job to protect your new investments.
I think I am a little bit inspired to think about tie rods and steering box gaskets at least. Hope others are also.
The pics are very handy for seeing everything.
Now let’s see a pic from your next fun run
Linda
Solvang 2021!

[Gregs672000]

I just commented elsewhere. I was wondering if you had done the Billstein change. I love them.

[TurboRagtop]

Greg,
At this point I only have the Bilstein shocks on the front. This weekend I plan to put the rear Bilsteins on and then I will report back how the car handles.
So far I am impressed with what they have done for the front end.

[Gregs672000]

Greg,
At this point I only have the Bilstein shocks on the front. This weekend I plan to put the rear Bilsteins on and then I will report back how the car handles.
So far I am impressed with what they have done for the front end.

I think you will be quite pleased. I honestly send a little happy energy towards JT every time I hit the mountains. Or a bump. Or a railroad crossing...

[TurboRagtop]

OK, I put the rear Bilsteins on yesterday and took it out for a test run. The ride is improved over the worn Koni’s I had on the rear, but nothing like the radical difference I saw in the front end.
All told, it is a totally different experience now. Every time I hit a speed bump or cross railroad tracks or hit any rough pavement I am just amazed at the control it has. Every time that happens I am saying good things about JT and Dean.
Thanks!

[Linda]

Very clean. Don’t splash thru any puddles just yet
Alignment might help too, right?
Linda

[Gregs672000]

Maybe the Flexform rear Springs I have help some too. The new Koni I had were in control but stiff.

[JT68]

OK, I put the rear Bilsteins on yesterday and took it out for a test run. The ride is improved over the worn Koni’s I had on the rear, but nothing like the radical difference I saw in the front end.
All told, it is a totally different experience now. Every time I hit a speed bump or cross railroad tracks or hit any rough pavement I am just amazed at the control it has. Every time that happens I am saying good things about JT.
Thanks!

This makes sense. The rear Koni's were probably still functioning to some extent. I think what you'll find is pretty much the same performance as the Koni's but less of a harsh ride when you hit the hard bumps (so overall better control). Very glad you are happy! Enjoy!