Strut bolts/camber bolts? tie rods? LCA? Help!
 

Recently i replaced the shocks on my 88 gxl. My OEM nuts and bolts were rusted and stripped so i decided to hit up pep boys for new ones. The ones i got weren't bad but they had a little black plastic sleeve thats used to adjust the camber. I got them in the first time but today i destroyed them trying to replace my knuckles.

Basically, what kind of bolts do you guys recommend to use for the front struts? i paid like 30 bucks each set from pep boys for those pieces of trash so i'd rather get something good this time

Also, while removing my knuckles i stripped the tie rod crown nut which i couldnt find ANYWHERE so i'm assuming i need to buy new outter tie rods. Whats good? or will the local pepboys/autozone ones do the job?

Finally, while removing the LCA from the knuckle i popped the bushing. How bad would it be to drive the car home like this? Its currently at my dads house about 10 miles away. Do i need to replace the ENTIRE LCA? or can i just replace that popped bushing? Where should i buy them from?

Sorry for all the noob questions but i really can't find any good sites or brands for rx7 suspension parts unless its for drifting or something i dont want/need

Thanks in advance!

mazdatrix.com

Start by looking there.

Which bushing did you 'pop' on the LCA and what do you mean by 'pop'

I've already checked out mazdatrix and they dont have anything i need, i called up the dealer and the castle nut is 5 and change and strut mounting nuts are like 6 or so. 30 bucks for essentially everything i need. I was just wondering if there were aftermarket bolts that would allow adjustment or camber like the ones i bought from pep boys..... just a higher quality one.

The 3 main things that hold the knuckle onto the car are
1.strut bolts
2. tie rod
3. LCA? I was assume since it is attached to the lca. Which is on the very bottom (could be mistaken for a ball joint)

While using a tie rod separator to remove the LCA from the knuckle the tool put enough stress on it to pop/tear the grease filled bushing. I wish i had a photo for reference but if you've worked on our cars you should know what i'm talking about.

ball joint attaches the LCA to the spindle assembly,so that is what you must mean..right?
you may be able to get a generic "grease boot"( honestly,I am stuck on what to call that damn part..lol!).NAPA may carry stuff like that.
If not then a new ball joint.
Mazda does not sell the rubber thingie separately.
Part# FB-01-34-550 lower ball joint.Comes with it's little black rubber bootie..
aftermarket..MOOG should make the ball joints too.

I'm gonna guess so, on mazdatrix's website that looks like what i messed up.
Front Suspension and Steering Parts
86-88 Front Ball Joint

Can i get away with replacing just 1 or should i do both sides for safe measure?

S4: Ball joints bolt to LCA and are replaceable without replacing the LCA.
S5: Ball joints are molded into the LCA and you have to replace the whole LCA

Sounds like you just need the ball joint.

As far as the camber bolt, I found one for my subaru that some people like but if you have really sticky tires it sounds like it will pull the bolt out of your alignment. I bought them for my subaru but have yet to install them.
http://www.whiteline.com.au/product_..._number=KCA412

get proper camber plates if you need more camber, those cam type bolts don't belong on any real performance car.

SO. All new OEM bolts/nuts from mazda tomorrow. No BS camber bolts etcetc. Got it.

how bad is it to drive with a busted ball joint grease bushing? Whats the worst that can happen

avoid driving in wet weather otherwise the water will rust it out, ball joint failure is no joke.

Am i better off getting it straight from mazda, or order from mazdatrix, or go aftermarket? and again i ask can i get away with replacing just 1 or do i need to do them both?

Really appreciate your quick responses btw.

I went with Mazda parts..Ordered them and found out JUST after I ordered them that I could have had MOOG parts cheaper.
The Dealer can get the ball joints.( that part number I gave you)
If you do one,I Myself would just Break down and do the other side for piece of mind.(which is what I did anyways.lol!)
You DO not want to Screw with having a ball joint GO on you..
Remember the last thing to go through a Fly's mind when he hits the windshield is his ass..(not relevant but has a Proverbial ring.....)

Just ordered my nuts and bolts at mazda.... I'll wait a week and replace both ball joints. Thanks guys