Front End Parts & Tires for '69 Polara...

[Don Stolfi]

Good Afternoon, all...

The mechanic who has worked on my Polara previously was here this morning to check out a couple of issues I was having with my Polara, primarily pulling to the right when going down the road. Conclusion: the front end needs to be gone over - tie rods, ball joints, bushings for sure, but he said we might as well replace other steering components (since they look original) while we're at it, so it will be as new. (I guess you can get a front end "package" with everything needed.) He also recommended getting new tires, since the ones on the car are at least 14+ years old.

He is already booked out to October, so he thought I should shop around over the winter to find the best deals on front end parts and tires. So, after this long, sad story, I am hoping to get some input from the forum on where to start my searches.

Thanks!

Don

 

[73Coupe]

I got most of my parts from Rare Parts and MOOG, all American made and will be the best deal / value in the long run, because I don't expect to have to replace anything for a long, long time....

If you're approaching it from an initial cost approach, you'll likely end up with cheaply made chicom parts that will cost you more in the long run.

 

[Davea Lux]

US made parts only, Chicom parts are mostly crap and some are unsafe. Do it right the first time and save yourself a lot of grief. As noted above.

Dave

 

[Wonderwagon]

Pm me, I made a spread sheet, would be happy to share

 

[CBODY67]

When you get it all done, you might consider using some Ford-spec disc brake chassis grease. It is black and has "moly" in it, as most other OEMs don't. Valvoline also has a synthetic version of it, too, for a reasonable price (I get it as Pep Boys, locally, but it should be available other places, too, or direct via online purchase from Valvoline?).

I was put onto this by a friend about 40 years ago. Found the synthetic stuff later.

Just some thoughts,
CBODY67

 

[Don Stolfi]

Pm me, I made a spread sheet, would be happy to share

Tried to PM you, but got a message that your mailbox is full.

 

[LocuMob]

I've used everything, Moog, (old Moog even!), P-S-T, and Norris McQuay. I haven't had an issue with any of them. I'd prefer old stock Moog over anything, but with at least 5000 miles on the P-S-T parts, I haven't had any issues. Price was my determining factor with that purchase, fix two parts and look at my car all year, or drive it. I went with Moog parts from RockAuto for the '68 I just took to Illinois and Wisconsin. They helped my car pulling to the right when you let off the steering wheel, but not entirely. The alignment guy told me the steering box itself was bad. Maybe, but it's ok for me to deal with, so I'll direct money elsewhere. Craig is more than happy to set you up with parts for your car, and they are made in the USA. I have a Rare parts Lower Ball Joint coming, so I'll put that on the '68 as well, just need a drivers side, as I have had the upper ball joints for almost twenty years! (More A body parts being stolen for a C body car!)

 

[mobileparts]

Hey Scott / LocuMob ,
So you did scoop up that guy's one left over Ball joint -- that was too good to pass up -- I am sure you saw my response to the effect that if you didn't grab it -- I would have....
And now, I have a BEAUTIFUL pair of MOOG in the glorious old school blue and yellow box -- LOWER BALL JOINTS !!!!! For 1 Lucky Winner !!!!!
When you get done with your trip, call me ;
Tomorrow 1:00 P.M. (12:00 your time) we are in
Lambitch field vs. the Fudge Packers. SKOL VIKINGS!!!

 

[LocuMob]

Hey Scott / LocuMob ,
So you did scoop up that guy's one left over Ball joint -- that was too good to pass up -- I am sure you saw my response to the effect that if you didn't grab it -- I would have....
And now, I have a BEAUTIFUL pair of MOOG in the glorious old school blue and yellow box -- LOWER BALL JOINTS !!!!! For 1 Lucky Winner !!!!!
When you get done with your trip, call me ;
Tomorrow 1:00 P.M. (12:00 your time) we are in
Lambitch field vs. the Fudge Packers. SKOL VIKINGS!!!

Yes sir I did, it was too good to pass up. And seeing your post, I knew I made the right call. I'll ha e my phone charged up, and will call you.

 

[Wonderwagon]

Tried to PM you, but got a message that your mailbox is full.

fixed try again if you'd like