Front end kit recomendation

[stealthbob]

I have read bad things about pretty much every vendor out there and its hard to keep track. I know the forum admins prefer to keep things positive so please, anyone recommend, rather than dump on one of the big 3 (Kanter/Bob's/CARS) for this kit? Are there other companies I should look at?

I would rather not piecemeal it out, it's a full replacement kit I am after for my 54 76R...Santa said I can finally get it.

[Mark Shaw]

Bob,

Check with Lamar... AKA Mr. Earl....

[Marty Roth]

Stealthbob,

I had great results for kits/parts/steering/springs/suspension for several of my cars in dealing with ESPO (Eastern States Performance - Springs 'n Things)

http://www.springsnthings.com/

800-903-9019 or 570-672-9413.

Every time I've checked all of their stuff was MADE IN THE USA, and very reasonably priced - easy to deal with. A quote from their website:

"We sell suspension and chassis parts including leaf springs, coil springs, shackle kits, u-bolts, end bolts, bushings, tie rod ends, ball joints, rubber and poly etc for AMC, Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Lincoln, Mercury, Plymouth, Pontiac etc. Although our specialty is American cars and light trucks in the 1950's through 1990's we sell suspenion parts for all makes, models and years."

[MrEarl]

Bob,

Check with Lamar... AKA Mr. Earl....

he he he, he had already, I told him to check here...... I only know how to tear them apart. Hope to learn how to put them back together in my upcoming second career.

[Bhigdog]

I've bought a number of front end kits from Kanter. Like most (all) repro stuff they were not perfect but they were serviceable. My gut feeling is that one maker is supplying most vendors. ESPO is local to me and I bought new rear springs for my Chrysler from them. Their prices were excellant but I wanted to see before I bought so I picked them up. The fit, finish & quality were excellant at 1/2 the price of other more well known vendors. Not sure if ESPO sells "Kits" but it might be worth while to inquire................Bob

[stealthbob]

I really like the convenience of one kit but at what cost?

I will report as to what I got and how it went...thanks for the comments, I'm guessing that there were many who restrained from blowing up one or all of the vendors mentioned. Like Banks I think we have all had issue with one parts vendor or another.

[Marty Roth]

Tell Laura? at ESPO what you want to do - she will likely either have a kit, or will pull together the stuff you'll need, oh , and consider replacing the springs/shocks at the same time - it does make a difference - she has supplied for all of my Caddys and 2 Buicks, as well as my former Impala and Bel-air.

Stick with rubber instead of neoprene IMHO you don't want the stiff ride, or the squeaks.