Front suspenion work

[phil_long]

Hey guys, my steering wheel has a lot of play in it since i had the car(i thought all old cars had play in the wheel).  Anywho, here of late, my has been shaking at certain speeds, and Im starting to think that I need to do some work on the suspension.  I know for a fact that I need springs because someone said something to me a while ago(car wasnt running at the time so i ignored it). I need to know what I should purchase so I know Im safe on the road. Please keep in mind that I just spent a lot money getting the car fixed, so my funds are limited right now. Lol. what would be the first purchase for some of you?  thanks

[SuperSix]

A pistol

[SuperSix]

How many miles on the chassis? Do you know if any front suspension components have been replaced?

[phil_long]

A pistol

Hahahahaha.  Have one of those.
Im gonna assume that all is stock Supersix. I'd estimate roughly 150k on the body? I wish I knew. Sorry I cant be more help.

[Just a Six?]

Go to your local front end shop & ask for a free estimate (maybe it's $25?) & see what they list as being weak. Personally I don't touch front ends or transmissions & a breakdown of needed work can come in handy for your buddy that does work on them. They usually credit it back if you do the work there. If not you still have a good idea whats going on for small $$
 
If the steering wheel is loose inside you can do that with $20 in tools. I have a few writeups with pics I stole from here & there when we did mine & modded the column shifter for a T Brake which I still have never used except playing in the parking lot. 

[phil_long]

Thats a great idea.  Guess i could go and do that.  Thanks.  Let you know what they say

[TRICKSIXPA]

A shakey steering wheel is usually driving on tires that need to be balanced. You will notice it when your driving on the highway. First thing I would recommend would be shocks and springs. All those bushings and ball joints on the front control arms add up really fast. Labor is killer if your getting it done at a shop and most places will charge you extra to allign the front end cause of the extra work needed. Some will charge you but not properly adjust the alignment. Good luck

[Top Speed]

Probably the ball joints and also most likely the upper control arm bushing by the down pipe.

[phil_long]

A shakey steering wheel is usually driving on tires that need to be balanced. You will notice it when your driving on the highway. First thing I would recommend would be shocks and springs. All those bushings and ball joints on the front control arms add up really fast. Labor is killer if your getting it done at a shop and most places will charge you extra to allign the front end cause of the extra work needed. Some will charge you but not properly adjust the alignment. Good luck

[phil_long]

I figured the alignement and/or wheels would've been fine because the car doesn't pull left or right. I priced some parts and yes, they do add up fast.

[Pyro6]

First thing you want to do is a "dry park" test. With the car on the ground, sneak under the car while somebody does you a favor by shaking the steering wheel back and forth like a NASCAR driver does on a caution lap to clean his tires. Watch all the tie rod ends, idler arm, and pitman arm connections. Just cause it isn't a joint it doesn't mean it can't have play. Next, floor jack each lower control arm as far past the spring perch toward the wheel as you can. Get that same schmuck that is doing you a favor to pry moderately under the tire and you watch the upper control arm bushings and both ball joints. Zero play is the spec. The lower ball joints are wear indicator but rarely do they cause a shimmy. Like mentioned earlier, I would want to be assured ALL tires are balanced and not "out-of-round" or a belt shifted. As also can happen: take a torque wrench to all lugs. I like 90 ft lbs. By now you should know IF you need to buy something.

[Pyro6]

Forgot, rule of thumb is the only way an alignment can cause a shimmy is if the caster is excessively positive. Rarely happens.

[phil_long]

Got it. Thanks. I'll probably take it to a shop.  Wouldnt want to take any chances of me missing anything

[earlbrown]

I'd make sure the steering box is adjusted too. That's a nice and free.

[phil_long]

I'd make sure the steering box is adjusted too. That's a nice and free.

Unsure of the location of that? And, how do I know if it's adjusted properly?