Bad News, Good News

[Frosty]

I am happy that Black Beauty is back where she belongs, standing tall, looking proud, and running loud!

Did anybody hazard to guess why the left front lower ball joint failed in the first place? Old and worn out? Defective?

[stratman]

Must have been defective because the front suspension is only about a year and a half old.

[Ringo64]

Yikes! Was it rebuilt or completely new?

[stratman]

Yikes! Was it rebuilt or completely new?

During restoration last year, it was changed from the original drum brakes all around to front disc brakes, so everything associated with that change was new. I don't know for sure about the A-arms and sway bar, but I do know the springs, shocks, bali joints, bushings, etc. were replaced with new.

[Frosty]

OK - you answered my question. The parts were all new, so we chalk this up to a defective part. I was worried that you still had 40+ year old original ball joints still in the car.

I understand re-using the original sway bar and A-arms. Unless you are going to upgrade to more of a pro touring suspension, you would not need to change those things out unless they are damaged.

BTW - a 1 1/4" front sway bar from a WS6 2nd gen Trans Am/Formula will bolt up to your GTO, the stocker is only 7/8". You can find them cheap on Craigslist or eBay (about $50 or maybe less). You just need to switch to large bushings because of the large diameter bar (I got a set of Energy Suspension at Autozone for $14). I've already done it. Indymanjoe is doing it to his Luxury Lemans as well.

[Ringo64]

During restoration last year, it was changed from the original drum brakes all around to front disc brakes, so everything associated with that change was new. I don't know for sure about the A-arms and sway bar, but I do know the springs, shocks, bali joints, bushings, etc. were replaced with new.

Well that blows.

[stratman]

Well that blows.

Yes, but...