Disc swap means suspension rebuild, I think

[drooartz]

So my engine rebuild is on temporary hold (should be some exciting news there in the next few weeks, if all goes well) so I'm reading myself for the disc brake conversion. I've got pretty much the entire front from the 74 Midget (shocks through tie rod ends) sitting on my shelf.

I'm assuming that "while I'm in there" I should rebuild the suspension bits at the same time that I'm working on the brakes. Can't see any reason not to. The plan would be to completely disassemble the suspension bits and replace as necessary (with lots of pictures posted for advice).

I'll have more questions once I start tearing into things later this week.

 

[Bruce_B]

That's what I did Drew. As long as it's all taken apart why not? Plus they look so nice and clean when they're new and painted.

 

[Sportsdoc]

I'm in the middle of rebuilding the entire front suspension. Just put the new spring in the driver's side with rebuilt a-arm/swivel axle and Peter C. rebuilt shocks. So far, so good.

 

[John Moore]

I should have a front end off a '69 sprite waiting for me when I get home to swap my BE over to disc brakes. I'm interested in finding out what I need to do to rebuild too. I would imagine the kingpins will need to rebuilt, on my B I sent the out to have new bushes installed and reamed. Is it the same on a spridget?

 

[Bruce_B]

John...it's the same process. Send out the kingpin and the swivel axle. Someplaces will even swap it with the springpan. Saves time...but of course costs more.

 

[drooartz]

I'll be documenting what I do, so I'll share what I learn. Since this is all new territory for me, it'll be a lot of sharing!

 

[Sportsdoc]

I sent out my swivel axles still attached to the a-arms and the reconditioned ones were returned that way with a new bushing kit. Both sides cost $475 total. Considering the kingpin reamer alone is $360 plus the fact that I would have no idea what I was doing anyway trying to ream the kingpin bushings this made the most sense to me.

 

[drooartz]

Richard - where did you send them?

 

[Sportsdoc]

I sent mine to Ted Schumacher at TS Imported Automotive. Here is his website:

https://www.tsimportedautomotive.com/

Give him a call, he is very helpful.

 

[Sportsdoc]

Let me try that again

TS Imported Automotive

 

[Bugeye58]

Drew, before you shell out some hard earned cash, make sure the bushings actually need replacement. On the last three I've done, the kingpins and bushings were fine.
Jeff

 

[drooartz]

Richard, thanks for the link.

Jeff -- how much disassembly do I need to do to get to where I can inspect (or take pictures so y'all can inspect) the bushings and kingpins?

 

[Bugeye58]

Drew, disconnect the shock and check for lateral movement of the kingpin in the swivel axle. There should be no discerible play. Vertical play can be adjusted with selective fitting of the upper shims. If you have telescoping gauges, you can measure the ID of the upper and lower bushing, as well as concentricity.
Jeff

 

[drooartz]

Thanks, Jeff. Should have some time tomorrow to play a bit with this; I'll be back with pictures and questions. Luckily, working on the suspension bits is fairly easy in my case since they're sitting on my shelf right now. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

 

[John Moore]

How does one check the lower trunion? Just look/feel for wear or play?

 

[jlaird]

Yep, does it wiggle from side to side and or up and down.

Grab the tire front and rear and top and bottom.