C3 front suspension questions.

[Brandon Metzger]

Hello,
I am getting ready do do a front suspension overhaul and my '73 LS5. I have a few questions that I hope you all might be able to help me out on. I have lookied things over and don't think it will be to difficult but given that I haven't done this before I figure I could be in for some surprises. All the rubber is shot on the car so everything needs changes. I am going to purchase a front end suspension kit from Dr. Rebuild, front shocks, and a few other nick nacks (Part #6000218). Hear are the questions.

1. Anything to watch out for?
2. How do I tell if the Springs need replaced? Or should I change them because everything else is getting changed?
3. Car has AC and a BB, I know there are spacers, 3/8" and 9/16", for the springs. Are they needed?
4. How do I tell if I need new Bearings? I don't think the car has been properly greased by the previous owner. Again, I don't know if it is one of those "you might as well while you are at it" type things. I read the post on rear bearings and gather the front are a whole lot easier then the rear.

Thank you,
Brandon

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 front suspension questions.

Brandon I would remove all the front end parts and send the A-arms out to have the bushings installed. If the front end is at a height you like now I would not replace the springs. You may want to check the archives on spring removal and problems with replacement springs. Lyle

[Eric Fairclough]

Re: C3 front suspension questions.

Brandon, I have a 72 ls5 and i changed my front suspension last winter. It was'nt to bad. The worst part of mine was on the drivers side lower control arm i had a bolt that was frozen and stripped so i had to cut it off and drill it out of the control arm. I think that was a freak thing though. When i took ot the a arm bushings i found it best to drill the rubber out around the bushing then twist the bar and break all the rest of the rubber out. I used the traditional method of sockets to put the new one's in. The ball joints i just drilled out with a common drill. Inspect the springs to see how bad they are worn ( rust,cracks ). I reused mine and they have 73,000 miles on them. I didn't have any spacers in mine and i did'nt put in any but my front end height is normal. Clean off the bearings and see if there are any hairline cracks,discoloration and see if turn with ease in your hand. You should change the shocks too since your will be taking them off. New shocks gave me about 1" height difference. When taking the upper control arms off note the shims and make sure you put them back in exactly where they were. When i put the springs back i could not use a outside or inside spring compressors. They would not fit. I had to just put a jack under the lower control arm and jack it up slowly and keep hold the spring in so it dosn't pop out. This is easier with 2 people but it worked good. Thanks Eric

[William V.]

Re: C3 front suspension questions.

Brandon,

Unless your LS5 has very low mileage, I would change the front wheel bearings races and seals. They are easy to change, not that expensive and available at any good autoparts store.

Just after I bought my 64, not knowing the car's maintenance history, I thought it was a good idea to repack the front wheel bearings. After removing the hub caps I discovered some master mechanic left both dust covers off. I immediately went the local auto parts store and got dust covers new seals and bearings, However I was a little late. During the bearing replacement, I discovered the right hub spun the RACE. I had to get a good used unit. (64 is out of production)

Good luck
Bill

[Brandon Metzger]

Re: C3 front suspension questions.

Thank you guys. I hope I have as good of luck as you all. Should find out in a few weeks.

Brandon