DaveO9
Full Access Member
I'm doing all four front control arms, new struts, and sway bar links/bushings. Done with driver's side, passenger side to go.
For the control arms, I'm using Delphi for all four. Looks like the same castings as my original, just about every ridge and casting mark identical. Quality seems good. And I've trusted Delphi for my GM cars many times in the past - they're an OEM for many parts. Went together fine. Price on RA was quite a bit less expensive than that listed for GM OEM or Delco.
For the struts I'm using Monroe Quick-Struts. I was all set to use GM, found the correct ones on RA, and was going to reuse original springs. But I knew I was going to have to get a strut compressor and probably new mounts so it was starting to be a hassle. And there's the added risk of not doing something right with the compressor and busting a finger or worse, so there's that. I happened upon the Monroe's and I'm happy with my decision so far, but of course, I haven't driven it yet. So we'll see.
A couple questions.
1. I'm trying to figure out the origin of the struts I took out. I haven't had any luck Googling the numbers I found on them. They don't appear to be GM. Any thoughts? My rig has just about 200K on it, so I doubt they're original. They still rode decent.
2. An added benefit of the Monroe quick-struts: many reviews mentioned they raise the front 1-2". Sounds good to me - I had purchased a leveling kit, but now I'm thinking I'm not going to use it. Before I started I measured 6" between top of tire and top of fender well at front (8" at rear). Sure enough, I dropped it down off the jack stands after finishing the driver's side and now I'm measuring 7". So just one 1" lower than rear. I think the leveling blocks would raise the front too much - I don't want front higher than back. Seem correct?
For the control arms, I'm using Delphi for all four. Looks like the same castings as my original, just about every ridge and casting mark identical. Quality seems good. And I've trusted Delphi for my GM cars many times in the past - they're an OEM for many parts. Went together fine. Price on RA was quite a bit less expensive than that listed for GM OEM or Delco.
For the struts I'm using Monroe Quick-Struts. I was all set to use GM, found the correct ones on RA, and was going to reuse original springs. But I knew I was going to have to get a strut compressor and probably new mounts so it was starting to be a hassle. And there's the added risk of not doing something right with the compressor and busting a finger or worse, so there's that. I happened upon the Monroe's and I'm happy with my decision so far, but of course, I haven't driven it yet. So we'll see.
A couple questions.
1. I'm trying to figure out the origin of the struts I took out. I haven't had any luck Googling the numbers I found on them. They don't appear to be GM. Any thoughts? My rig has just about 200K on it, so I doubt they're original. They still rode decent.
2. An added benefit of the Monroe quick-struts: many reviews mentioned they raise the front 1-2". Sounds good to me - I had purchased a leveling kit, but now I'm thinking I'm not going to use it. Before I started I measured 6" between top of tire and top of fender well at front (8" at rear). Sure enough, I dropped it down off the jack stands after finishing the driver's side and now I'm measuring 7". So just one 1" lower than rear. I think the leveling blocks would raise the front too much - I don't want front higher than back. Seem correct?
