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1989 Z51 Suspension Refresh

1K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Venicevette 
#1 ·
My new to me 1989 needs a fair amount of work. While I decide on my long-term plans for the drivetrain, I thought I'd get the other systems refreshed and will be starting with the suspension. Here are my questions for the group:

-Shocks - It's a Z51 car. What is the consensus on rebuilding vs new Bilsteins? Any other good options in the same price range?

-Bushings - I can only find urethane replacements. Coming from the jeep world, urethane was generally the worst option below OEM rubber and/or a specialty joint. Anyone having problems with their urethane bushings? Any place to find new OEM rubber bushings for a decent price?

-Tie rod ends, ball joints, etc - Any advice here, or should I just try to avoid Chinese parts? Does the Z51 package make any difference on any of this stuff?

That should probably take care of it, but feel free to throw out other suggestions for things to do while I'm dealing with this stuff.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
options

Being no one has responded yet, I'll add some thoughts though I have not had a need to rebuild mine yet.
I've bought a lot of rebuilt things in the past for cars and other things. If done properly there's nothing wrong with a rebuilt but it's only as good as whoever does the rebuilding.
As far as things go like ball joints etc, this is not an area you want to cheap out on. Buy quality name parts with a decent guarantee. Brands I'd look at are Moog, Delco are 2 I'd definitely consider. Depending on what you're planning, OEM shocks but also look at Gabriel, Monroe or KYB as possible alternatives. I've got Gabriel's on mine but then again it's a cruiser and they work good for me. That's the short list, hope that helps.
 
#3 ·
no way to find rubber OEM bushings for a C4,they are discontinued from years.Poly or Urethane are the only options,squeaky if don't properly lubed.Depend on your goal,if this is a race car or a street car with occasional spirited hills and turns ride.

Z51 Bilsteins are good,if you want more for 260 $ ea. i would go with Qa1 double adjustable.

Moog for tie rods and ball joint no way....
ACDelco for hub bearing ,very pricey...if you are in need,Timeken second choice ,more affordable, but don't know if they send out in China their manifacturing.
Take care of sway bar bushing and end link
If you want go deeper and $$$ lot of sport options at Banski Motorsport ...

https://banskimotorsports.com/C4_Rear_Suspensioin.html

don't forget Van Steel site lot of goodies to dream on...or buy...

https://www.vansteel.com/

and finally Exotic Muscle Emracing site ....same way lot of big stuff

http://emracingcorp.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=318

https://www.vansteel.com/
 
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