I'm beginning to stockpile parts for a complete suspension overhaul, upper front wishbones, drop links all around, tie rods, arb bushes, rear arms and shocks/springs, the only things I don't need to do are front lower wishbones. It's going to be very expensive, but I'll be doing this myself so at least there's no labour. It does keep crossing my mind how much I'm spending on this Alfa, some by necessity, some by 'just want it', I'm pretty sure a brand new car on a £400 per month deal wouldn't be a daft idea.
Anyway the main thing for writing in Coxy's thread is that I was looking at some photos I took of my suspension in December and the rear all looks a bit tired. In the photo, there's a bush to the right of the spring, I assume this is part of the rear wishbone and if so, that's a 229 euro part. I've never seen a thread where anyone has talked about replacing rear wishbones, so I assume they're not getting stressed anywhere like the fronts. Does anyone know if you can get hold of just the bushes for these because another £400 on those wishbones and it's all getting a bit silly. I just want to get the car as sturdy as poss.
The other thing is where Coxy has compressed the spring to get the unit out, would this need to be done if the wishbone was removed? I assume not, but I'm abroad so can't look under the car. I'm planning on buying a Clarke hydraulic spring compressor, so would also need some regular compressors if there's no way not to remove the strut without compressing it. I also notice that the rear shock bolts are put in the wrong way around, great! If anyone has the part number for these rear shock bolts, I'd appreciate it, or maybe the eper drawing.
With regards to the rear lower shock mount bolts, are there any internal threads or it is just a regular nut and bolt so it could be angle ground off and just knocked through, buy some new bolts and save grief trying to manoeuvre the whole bolt out?
It's going to take a few months to stockpile this, but should be fun. Hardest part is going to be getting boxes delivered without the Missis seeing them, she's getting so pizzazzed off with me spending on this car