Jeff,
Definitely get the shocks rebuilt. Peter C at Worldwide does the best.
If the front end has not been maintained by the PO, you probably have
worn kingpin bushings and a worn fulcrum pin (in the A-arm). If you need
the bushings to be replaced, you also will need a special reamer to get
the size right. This is also a job to farm out, and I had Peter C. do
mine as well.
Worst case, you'll need new A-arms and a front-end kit that has the
kingpin and bushings, fulcrum pin, and all new bushings. Now is the time
to go to polyurethane if you're so inclined.
If you have all the parts, a fill R&R on the front end will take a
Saturday for someone who hasn't done it before, depending on how many
seized fasteners you encounter. In your case, you'll probably have one
Saturday for teardown and diagnosis, the lag time while you order parts
and get the shocks rebuilt, and another Saturday to put it all together.
As for the bar, you have stock rims? If not, might be the rims and not
the bar.
Good luck.
-=Chris
Chris King
http://home.comcast.net/~kvcbk/
<-----Original Message----->
>From: Jeff Foster [tr3.4.me@gmail.com]
>Sent: 7/19/2009 4:22:38 PM
>To: spridgets@autox.team.net
>Subject: Re: [Spridgets] front end rebuild
>
>The front end of my 73 Midget is making a fair amount of noise so I'm
>contemplating taking it off the road for a rebuild. I'd like to have
>it as a dependable everyday driver and highway ready should I decide
>to ever hit the road with it (perhaps, a 450 mile drive to Elkhart
>Lake).
>
>I've never attempted anything like that so I'm asking for advice from
>the most learned list.
>
>The twice-previous owner added hydraulic tube shocks (KYB I think) but
>the original lever shocks are still installed also. My thought was to
>remove the tube shocks and have the lever shocks rebuilt. Any
>comments for/against that approach.
>
>Also the front sway bar interferes with the rims when turning very
>sharply so I'm guessing its an incorrect aftermarket bar and will
>probably look for a suitable replacement.
>
>What all parts are recommended for replacement/rebuild? How difficult
>a job is it? Is this a job better farmed out to someone who knows what
>their doing to begin with? How long can I expect to have it off the
>road assuming there's nothing majorly wrong and I can easily source
>any special tools required? Are there any special tools required?
>
>Any upgrades or modifications suggested?
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