If changing lower ball joints and other stuff plan to replace that hardware.
The three bolts/nuts  at the ball joint adapter (unless you have the cast
control arms) and bolts/nuts in the lower bushings. These are fine thread,
PC. 10.9 usually with a cadmium or organic coating. The front nuts on the
radius rods are lock nuts. Same thread but different lock design of the
lower ball joints. Note the cheap nuts usually supplied on the replacement
ball joints/tie rod ends.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jeff Lincoln
Sent: Wednesday, January 9, 2013 11:05 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Front End Suspension - 1985

It will soon be time for Gertie to get some TLC to her front supension.
Originally I was just looking at new Upper control arm bushings however - I
figured since I'm going to "be there" already and I am unsure of the
condition of some of the other parts, I amy as well just do everything while
I'm there.

So here is my list - Have I missed anything?

Upper and lower control arm bushings
Upper and lower Ball Joints
Front Shocks
Stabilizer Link bushings
Radius Arm Bushings
Tie Rods and Tie Rod ends
Stabilizer Bar washer plate
Radius Arm Bushing seat

I saw the link posted recently fromt he Been There Done That site re: the
control arm bushings so that will be a big help. However, is there anything
else your collective wisdom says I should be careful of or whatch out for?

Is there any reason I shouldn't do this work myself (with the aid of the
Bently and assistance from a friend who is a certified master mechanic)?

Really any advice is always appreciated.

--
Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus