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Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 12:02 pm Post subject: a few things
Alright, i installed new springs in the back today. can already tell a huge difference. I also have front springs to install, but thats gonna happen next weekend. What other small parts do you all recommend to change at the same time as the front springs? Another thing. A while back i posted about a strange banging noise when i take right turns. Could never figure out what it was, until today. Turns out the cover for where you put the gas in has no latch, so it just opens and closes, making a bang noise, no big deal. Probably try some velcro or something, lol, who knows.
P.s. any tips on what parts to buy for front during spring install is a big help, thanks _________________ 1984 El camino, V8 with wheels spinning in the back, thats the only way to do it
Necoa #: 14
Location: 5(NC,SC)
Joined: Dec 07, 2001
Posts: 1761
Year: 1978
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 1:13 pm Post subject:
Go to a junk yard to get the spring thing for the gas door. I would change the upper & lower ball joints with the springs. _________________ 78 Camino SS, 355,built 700r4,3.23
Gallery78 Camino SS, 355,700r4,3.23
MSGT 145 AW
NECOA #14
cool, i was planning on making a trip out there sooner or later, might as well be sooner. And for the ball joints, think the parts stores would have them? or is them something that usually has to be ordered? _________________ 1984 El camino, V8 with wheels spinning in the back, thats the only way to do it
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 1:53 pm Post subject: Front end spring change and more
Steve, If you are going to replace the front springs that would be the time to check and change the ball joints upper and lower, but if you have not done that kind of job before you should read up on it and become familiar with the process. There are also a couple of tools you will need such as a spring compressor and ball joint press, if you have a few miles on your El Camino the upper and lower control arm bushings will probably need to be done too. What I’m leading up to is a whole front-end restoration. Not counting the springs you can probably do it for about $250.00 but again if you have not gotten into that type of effort before you need to do your home work and possibly ask some one to give you a hand who has done it in the past. The front springs will not fall out like the rear ones did once you jacked up the car and disconnected the shocks. They can be very dangerous if you aren't careful. If I insulted your capabilities I’m sorry just want you to know what you are getting in to. Good luck
Harald K
not insulted at all. I'm going to find where to rent a compresser from before i do it, and i'm having help from someone who has some experience. so ball joints and control arm bushings...probably all i will be able to afford right now, don't see a complete rebuilt happening anytime soon. thanks for tips _________________ 1984 El camino, V8 with wheels spinning in the back, thats the only way to do it
Necoa #: 572
Location: 10(IL,MN,WI)
Joined: Jan 28, 2003
Posts: 3617
Year: 1984
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 2:15 pm Post subject:
Yes, I agree with Harald K, if your going to replace the springs, you might as well replace the upper and lower ball joints and the contol arm bushings while you've got it apart. Better to do them now then to find out you've got to replace one of those parts a few months from now and have to take it all apart again (and find yourself using a lot more four letter words). Also there are a few members stripping Elkys for parts, why not contact them, and see if one has a fuel tank filler door with a good spring. I found one on Ebay and bought it for $5.00 plus shipping. Velcro could be used but that's tacky, just don't use superglue! Acauth1 is stripping 3 Elkys, he's bound to have a good door...or maybe you could drill a hole in the door and install a key lock, that will keep in closed. _________________ "The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
thanks for the info. I would like to try to keep my door, so i don't have to go through any painting, tomorrow i'm gonna go to u pull it and search for some stuff _________________ 1984 El camino, V8 with wheels spinning in the back, thats the only way to do it
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 4:24 pm Post subject: do it right the first time
Steve, Since you are on a budget before you start tearing your front end apart inspect it closely and determine what needs to be replaced first. I read that your front springs had been cut before if this was not done well and then aligned properly after it can cause rapid wear on front-end parts. I don’t know where you live but in most parts of the country you can get a set of upper ball joints for about $35.00 the lower ones are about the same, the next part to inspect closely are inner and outer tie rod ends. If you can’t steer the thing driving stops being fun. After that check the idler arm and the center link, still steering. Last check the bushings like I said earlier if you change the springs that is the time to do the bushings. It needs to be aligned once you put it together and if you change the bushings down the road you will need to do it again. If you shop around you can find a complete kit from suspension techniques and some others for a really good price under $200.00 for everything I mentioned. Once you put the new springs under it any worn parts will become even more apparent. It is a lot of work to tear all that apart you it would be worth your time to wait until you can do it right Harald K
I would add that a proper spring compressor is a must!!!!
I just finished doing a front end rebuild on a Chevelle and we got one of Auto Zones loaner compressors for coil springs that was NOT any fun!!!
It was for coil springs but the Tiawanese that made it had never seen a GM car much less a lower control arm for one!!! As it turned out once the spring was compressed and installed the compressor head would not come out the opening in the lower control arm!!! GRRRRRR!!!!
It didn't miss by much so I was able to grind a little off the control arm opening and got it out but I wasted a good hour doing battle with the stupid thing. Once I got it out I took my grinder to the compressor head and radiused the edges and notched the claws so I would not have that problem on the other side.
Snap On makes a proper spring compressor, if you can borrow or rent one from somebody that's the way to go.
As others have advised, rebuild the whole front end. This is a labor intensive job and you don't want to be doing it again to relace something later that you could take care of now. _________________ Ol Paint and me
454/700R4/3.31 posi
8.30 @ 82.23 / 60ft @ 1.82
AND
14.5 mpg average on HRPT 2006
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Steve, If you are going to replace the front springs that would be the time to check and change the ball joints upper and lower, but if you have not done that kind of job before you should read up on it and become familiar with the process. There are also a couple of tools you will need such as a spring compressor and ball joint press, if you have a few miles on your El Camino the upper and lower control arm bushings will probably need to be done too. What I’m leading up to is a whole front-end restoration. Not counting the springs you can probably do it for about $250.00 but again if you have not gotten into that type of effort before you need to do your home work and possibly ask some one to give you a hand who has done it in the past. The front springs will not fall out like the rear ones did once you jacked up the car and disconnected the shocks. They can be very dangerous if you aren't careful. If I insulted your capabilities I’m sorry just want you to know what you are getting in to. Good luck
Acauth1 is stripping 3 Elkys, he's bound to have a good door...or maybe you could drill a hole in the door and install a key lock, that will keep in closed.
