1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Front end rebuild

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Old Aug 29, 2006 | 11:04 PM
  #1  
kevinpowers's Avatar
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From: covington washington
Front end rebuild

i just bought an 82 gsl for 300 bucks, runs, drives needs a clutch and a front end rebuild. Does anyone know where i can get a kit or what parts im gonna need? Please help
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Old Aug 29, 2006 | 11:34 PM
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
There aren't any 'kits' out there, but any parts store should carry the various tie rods/idler arms/ball joints that you may need. Check out http://www.wankel.net/~krwright/cars/rx7/manuals.html for a PDF of the factory service manual to help you out with the work.

If you let us know more specifically what's wrong, it's more likely that you'll get some good advice.
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Old Aug 29, 2006 | 11:38 PM
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From: St Joe MO
Welcome to the forum.

For the front end, start with the idler arm, tie rods, ball joints, check wheel bearings. If there is still play in the steering wheel, the steering sector needs adjustment.

Clutch kit depends on your useage for the car. For a DD, a stock oem replacement is fine, can be found at autoparts stores and online.
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Old Aug 30, 2006 | 12:01 AM
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan
Front end bushing kits can be found at http://p-s-t.com/sport/sifekpg.html or http://www.mrcmfg.com/respeed/catalog/index.php
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Old Aug 31, 2006 | 01:31 AM
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From: Aragon, GA
It's not that hard, I just had to replace my front end due to a wreck. I would suggest the MOOG idler arm from rockauto.com, the p-s-t.com front end kit suggested by Kentetsu ( it comes with ball joints, outer tie rods, sway bar bushings, tension bar bushings and sway bar end links all in polyurathane). If you get all the parts before hand and get a general idea of the process, it shouldn't take more than 6 hours( thats if you try to reinstall the center link upside down). Good luck.
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Old Aug 31, 2006 | 07:00 AM
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From: PA
Not to hijack this, but on rebuilding a front end: If a front end does not seem to perform well when it comes to absorbing bumps...but it steers and drives fine, what parts would be suspect?

A specific example - there is a place where the road meets a bridge and there is about a 2"+ difference in road height, and when both wheels hit that at the same time, a clunk kind of bump is felt; not so smooth. I did replace the tension rod bushings and the sway bar bushings. I have new struts in the box yet to be installed... Any thoughts?
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Old Aug 31, 2006 | 07:34 AM
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From: Washington, Iowa
replace struts
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Old Aug 31, 2006 | 07:14 PM
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From: St Joe MO
And don't hit those 2" bumps so fast. It's hard on the suspension and can break belts in the tires.
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