68 front suspension, steering and clutch rebuilds

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 front suspension, steering and clutch rebuilds

Terry thankx again. You or anyone else know the answer as to whats the correct power steering fluid?

Dave------

Use any of the following:

GM #19329448, aka Delco 10-5073 or equivalent thereof (32 oz)

GM #12345866 (16 oz)

GM #12345867 (32 oz)

The above two part numbers are a synthetic power steering fluid, especially desirable for cold climate operation. However, these are a superior fluid, albeit more expensive. These are what I use and recommend.

[David M.]

Re: 68 front suspension, steering and clutch rebuilds

Thanks for the part numbers Joe

[David M.]

Re: 68 front suspension, steering and clutch rebuilds

To follow through with this thread here's whats done so far:

1. All new pump, lines, ram, control valve installed. All tie rods are newer and tight. All dust boots replaces with poly.
2. All new Upper/Lower A Arms with OEM rubber bushings, with all new hardware installed.
3. Restored spindles, dust plates, rotors, calipers, bearing seals installed, whole system bled.
4. Rubber dust flaps installed. We used the 69 versions with the plastic fasteners. Had to drill holes. Highly recommend this on a non Flight car.
5. Front stabilizer bar with new end links, frame bushings and fasteners. Bushings all poly.
6. New shock bushings and all fasteners.

The bleed process was simple on the steering system. Let the ram do most of it while on the lift. Then ran the engine to get the final bleed. Used the Delco 10-5073 clear fluid Joe recommended(TX Joe).

Whats left:
1. The steering wheel jerked hard to the left when I was at lock position in that direction with the engine running. So I need to preform a control valve balance.
2. Drop the car on the suspension and tighten all control arm bushings.
3. Reinstall the radiator shroud, fan etc... with new rad to shroud seals.
4. Still have to drop the trans and look at the clutch. The TO bearing will be replaced at minimum as well as the main shaft U Joints and trans seals.
5. Get it aligned.

#5 is where I have questions. I pulled (and reinstalled) about 1.5" of shim from the drivers side rear upper. Thats a lot of shim. Only 2 shims on the forward bolt. The upper shaft is at quite an angle to the frame. It actually caused the tire to contact the frame ever so slightly on that side. Bent upper? Not sure. All new now. I know it doesn't look right at all.

I'm currently searching the Rochester NY area for someone with the proper knowledge and equipment to align this car. I know it requires a 4 wheel alignment. Thrust alignment? Can anyone tell me what I should be looking for in shop alignment equipment and what questions should I be asking the tech before making the appointment to be sure I have the right guy?

TX
Dave

[Richard R.]

Re: 68 front suspension, steering and clutch rebuilds

Dave,
For an alignment, try corvette specialties in Buffalo. They restore corvettes and do their own alignment in house. Larry is the guy. 716-688-8765

[David M.]

Re: 68 front suspension, steering and clutch rebuilds

Thanks Larry. Ill start there.