PTFB control arms/front suspension install tips and recomendations?

[gookc]

Hiya!
I am embarking on redoing the whole front suspension on my 1970 Camaro. The car will mainly be driven for enjoyment/street and car shows. No competition racing or road course.
However, I did purchase PTFB control arms and springs. I am also going to replace all front tie rods, center link, idler, etc with stock replacements from NAPA.
What tips if any do I need to follow when replacing the front suspension?
Do I need to use the shims that were used on the stock uppers?
How about rough estimating position of tie rods?
Any other advice and info much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Kamikaze]

Hey Bruddah!

Yes! I would save the existing shims and reuse them in the same locations for a rough set alignment!

Take your time to clean up the areas where the control arms bolt up to and also flatten out the metal that has pulled in where the bolts were torqued.

The steering linkage parts from NAPA will be fine!

Pre-assemble your tie rod assemblies and measure from the zerk fitings to match up your new ones.

Make sure you get it all aligned well before hitting the Pali Highway or blast up H-2!

 

[gookc]

right on brah!
tanks eh!
How are you doing? and your cars?

 

[Kamikaze]

Busy! Been doing some crazy work to get the customers stuff out and have time with the family!

Momma's car is on a rotisserie now but the kids are getting theirs stripped down. I'm gonna be busier than a Hoale Tourist at Eva beach during Ogo season!!!

 

[77nomad]

I just (literally) put those on my car. Here is a tip i got reading here. Mke your self a jack screw to get the new lower arms in. When they were oringonaly installed the probably bent the metal. Like this.

 

[ks71z28]

Makes sure all parts are centered and use stock tie rod lengths as starting point, be safe!

 

[77nomad]

Just gonna through a small hi jack here. I got my car from another member as a lost interest project. Meaning, from the cowl forward was gone and I got a pile of parts. I did reinstall the sub frame and have the ptfb uppers and lowers. I don't have any shims or referance to set tie rod legnth. Any suggestions.

 

[ks71z28]

Set the pitman arm and the idler are straight forward and parallel, make sure the tire rods are the same length, then measure from center of rear hub, to center of front hub on both sides, this will square up the car. Then adjust tie rods evenly to set toe.

 

[A73]

I just ordered a-arms (both), suspension kit & front sway bar kit.
you're right Nomad, Dave is a nice, honest person to deal with and let's you know what (if any) wait times are for any specific parts.