Front End Rebuild - Almost done... this time.

[srwilson]

For one of my winter projects I decided to focus on the front-end. Super glad to have this good resource for the ins and outs of doing front end work.

Actually, after reading some of the prior post on the subject, I was a bit reluctant to get things going. However (at the risk of jinxing myself) I haven't had any big issues pop up. I think the most difficult was getting the spring to align between the control arms while using the spring compressor and floor jack. Dang fingers were always in the wrong place.

Will be putting the sway bar back on tonight and loading the car down with two passengers and 120lbs for the final torquing

Next on the agenda is taking a good look at the rear suspension. I'm sure there's something to do back there.

[focodave]

That's looking really good -- clean and tidy.
You'll be really glad you did this after it's all done.
A pain in the neck, but well worth the effort.

[v6spider]

Very nice!

[4uall]

Looks really nice, great job

[Weelan]

Good job! I'm getting ready to attempt to change my shocks today. I'm a bit nervous, but I'm sure it'll be ok.

[4uall]

@Wheelan aka Ryan

This might help for the back

http://forum.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtop ... it=+shocks

[Tuc124]

Ryan: how did it go with the.shocks. Just did mine on my '69 a couple of weeks ago. The fronts were easy. The rears were a bear. The old ones were actually originals, the only marking was the word "Fiat". Now I know why the PO never changed them. I couldn't believe they still had some rebound. Amazing for a 45 year old shock. I went with KYB,s. Made a big lmdifference.

Blair. Aka Tuc124

[Weelan]

@4uall aka Jay

Thanks! I've already got it bookmarked!

Blair: I only managed to get the fronts done today. I took way too long to do the first one. The second was done in no time.

I think my shocks are originals too. I assume they were seized up? When I put the new KYB GR-2's in and pushed down on the fronts, they're way easier to compress and they bounce back what seems like a lot more. The ones I took off were stamped Way Assauto. Now I'm not sure if I want to change them now. It's been a while since I drove the car, but I don't want it to be floaty.

I'm glad the fronts were really easy to change, but I also want to cut the springs down a bit. Even though I don't have a cutoff wheel or whatever so that'll have to wait.

Question: (this is a long post I know sorry...)
How far are you suppose to tighten down the top nut? I know you aren't suppose to crush the bushings too far, but how far is far enough?

[Tuc124]

Ryan, I'm sure there is a more precise method, but I just tighten until I know the rubber is compressed about 50%. Basically I'm "eye balling it" and trying to to put the same amount of torque on each one. I'm sure someone will describe a more accurate way but this how I've always done it on numerous cars.

Good luck, Blair

[Weelan]

Thanks, I didn't tighten them very far.

Did you happen to see what your originals were? I've been reading more posts, a lot of people are saying the KYB's are still really sporty. I think I'll try to tackle the rears soon. Maybe tomorrow or the next day.

[Tuc124]

The originals on the rear just said "Fiat- made in Italy"
Everything I've heard or read here says the KYBs are a good choice.
Konis are overkill unless your going to race. You're also paying for the name.

Blair

[4uall]

Hey guys, I found the specs for the front shock absorber bolts.

top nut = 11 pounds

bottom bolt/nut = 36 pounds

Original shocks rock

[Weelan]

Thanks! There's no possible way I'll get a torque wrench in there, but I can get a feeling for it on a different bolt.

Your other post that has the picture of that old shock was actually the one that made me realize that the springs don't have to come out. I don't know why I didn't realize that looking at it, but thanks!

[Weelan]

The originals on the rear just said "Fiat- made in Italy"
Everything I've heard or read here says the KYBs are a good choice.
Konis are overkill unless your going to race. You're also paying for the name.

Blair

I missed this comment before, thanks Blair, mine say thrat as well.

Ok great, I'll go through with changing the rears too then. Thanks!

[michaelj]

Thanks for causing an argument in my home gents! The wife thought I was done spending time and money now that I have my engine rebuilt and stuffed back in. Now I have to do the suspension!! Those pics were awesome. ARRRGGGHHHHH!!!!