Suspension

Eliminate Steering Slop with USA-Made & NORS Ball Joints

Is your vintage ride wandering down the highway or making a "clunking" noise over bumps? These are classic signs of worn-out ball joints. At OCPNW, we stock high-quality NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) and OEM ball joints that restore the tight, responsive handling your car had when it rolled off the assembly line.

unlike generic modern reproductions that often require grinding or modification to fit, our inventory features period-correct parts from trusted brands like Moog, TRW, and McQuay-Norris. whether you are restoring a 1960s Mustang, a heavy-duty Chevy truck, or a classic Mopar, our ball joints are designed for precise fitment and long-lasting durability. Stop wrestling with your steering wheel—upgrade to authentic suspension parts today.

The Silent Heroes of Your Suspension: Why Bushings Matter

While ball joints and springs get all the attention, your suspension bushings and grommets are the unsung heroes of your chassis. These rubber cushions isolate the metal components of your suspension, absorbing road vibration and allowing for necessary flexibility during cornering and braking.

Symptoms of Failed Bushings

• Squeaking & Creaking: The most common sign of dried-out rubber.

• Clunking: Indicates the rubber has disintegrated, leaving metal hitting metal.

• Unstable Braking: Worn strut rod bushings or control arm bushings can cause the car to pull to one side or "dive" excessively when stopping.

   

NORS vs. Modern Reproductions Many restorers prefer our NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) bushings because they use high-quality rubber compounds manufactured in the USA. These parts are designed to last for decades, resisting oil, ozone, and road grime better than budget aftermarket options.

Comprehensive Catalog Our inventory covers every rubber component under your chassis:

• Front End: Upper and lower control arm bushings, strut rod bushings.

• Stabilizer: Sway bar frame bushings and end link grommets.

• Rear Suspension: Leaf spring shackles, eye bushings, and shock absorber grommets.

Restore Factory Alignment: NORS Upper & Lower Control Arms

The control arm is the structural foundation of your front suspension, connecting the wheel hub to the frame. On vintage vehicles, these arms often suffer from fatigue, rust, or bending from decades of road impact, making it impossible to get a proper wheel alignment. At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) control arms and shafts that offer superior strength and geometry compared to lightweight modern reproductions.

The Vintage Steel Advantage Many of our control arms were manufactured in the USA during the golden era of automotive production. They feature heavier-gauge steel and often come pre-loaded with high-quality ball joints and bushings (check specific product details).

Our Inventory Covers:

• Upper & Lower Arms: Complete assemblies for Ford, GM, Mopar, and AMC.

• Control Arm Shafts: Precision-machined shafts to fix "floppy" suspension caused by worn mounting points.

• Restoration Quality: Brands like Moog and TRW that fit right the first time, ensuring your camber and caster settings hold true.

Stop the Wandering: NORS Idler Arms & Brackets

Is your vintage car "wandering" down the road or requiring constant steering corrections to stay straight? The idler arm is one of the most common wear items in parallelogram steering systems. It acts as the pivoting support for the passenger side of your center link, mirroring the Pitman arm. When the internal bearings or bushings wear out, it creates dangerous "slop" in your steering.

The NORS Difference At Old Car Parts NW, we avoid the lightweight, "white box" import parts found at big-box stores. Our inventory consists of NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) idler arms from legendary American brands like Moog, TRW, and McQuay-Norris.

Why Upgrade?

• Precision Steering: Restore that tight, "on-rails" feeling.

• USA Quality: Many of our units feature heavy-duty castings and superior greaseable joints designed to last a lifetime.

• Wide Application: We stock idler arms for Ford Mustang, Chevy Impala, Tri-Five Chevys, Mopar B-Bodies, and more.

Sharpen Your Steering: NORS Inner & Outer Tie Rod Ends

Are your front tires wearing unevenly, or does your steering wheel have excessive "play" before the wheels actually turn? Worn tie rod ends are a major safety hazard and the leading cause of poor alignment. At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) tie rod ends that restore the precise, responsive connection between your steering gear and your wheels.

Inner vs. Outer: We Have Both Most vintage steering systems (parallelogram style) use both inner tie rods (connecting to the center link) and outer tie rods (connecting to the steering knuckle), joined by an adjusting sleeve. We carry individual ends and complete assemblies.

The NORS Advantage Don't trust your life to lightweight, sealed "white box" imports. Our inventory features robust, USA-Made parts from trusted manufacturers like Moog (ES Series), TRW, and McQuay-Norris. These often feature greaseable fittings and superior metal composition compared to modern budget reproductions, ensuring your alignment stays true mile after mile.

Restore Your Rear Ride Height: Leaf Spring Shackles & Bolts

Is your classic car "sagging" in the rear or making groaning noises going over bumps? The rear shackles are the critical connection point between your leaf springs and the vehicle frame. Over decades, the rubber bushings disintegrate and the steel bolts wear down, leading to poor handling and that tired, low-riding look.

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) shackle kits and bolts that bring your rear suspension back to life.

Why Choose Our NORS Shackle Kits?

• USA-Made Quality: We feature heavy-duty steel shackles from vintage brands like Harris, Moog, and TRW—not lightweight modern generic parts.

• Correct Geometry: Designed to match the original factory specifications, ensuring your leaf springs sit at the correct angle for proper ride height.

• Complete Solutions: Many of our listings are complete assemblies that include the shackle bars, bolts, nuts, and bushings, making installation a breeze.

Our Inventory Includes:

• Silent U-Shackles: Popular on 1930s-50s vehicles.

• Harris Bushing & Shackle Kits: The gold standard for vintage ride quality.

• Spring Eye Bolts: High-strength replacement bolts for the front and rear eyes of your leaf springs.

Unlock Your Alignment: Cam & Caster Adjustment Bolts

Is your mechanic unable to align your vintage car because the adjustment bolts are frozen solid? You are not alone. The Cam & Caster Bolts (often called eccentric bolts) are the critical hardware that allows technicians to adjust your wheel's vertical tilt (Camber) and pivot angle (Caster).

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) alignment kits to replace stripped, rusted, or seized hardware.

The "Frozen Bolt" Solution

On classic vehicles with double-wishbone suspension, these bolts often rust inside the control arm bushings over decades. When a mechanic tries to turn them to set the alignment, the eccentric washers strip or the bolt snaps.

• Don't Reuse Damaged Hardware: Once the "cam" (the oval washer) is rounded off, your alignment will slip while driving.

• Install NORS Quality: Our inventory features USA-Made high-strength steel bolts and hardened washers from trusted brands like Moog and TRW. They hold their settings better than soft metal imports.

Our Inventory Covers:

• Lower Control Arm Eccentrics: Common on Mopar A, B, and E-Bodies and vintage Chevy trucks.

• Upper Control Arm Camber Kits: For Ford, Mercury, and GM passenger cars.

• Strut Rod Adjustment Kits: To dial in precise caster settings.

Level Your Ride: Coil Spring Spacers & Boosters

Does your classic car sit too low in the front or rear? Over decades, coil springs naturally lose their tension and sag, leading to a tired appearance, tire rubbing, and poor ground clearance.

At Old Car Parts NW, we offer a cost-effective solution: Coil Spring Spacers and Boosters. These high-quality spacers are designed to safely restore your ride height without the expense of replacing the entire spring sets.

Why Install Coil Spacers?

• Fix the Sag: Quickly lift a drooping front end or rear end to level the vehicle's stance.

• Stop Tire Rubbing: Gain the extra clearance needed for wider tires or fender skirts.

• Budget-Friendly Restoration: A perfect solution for springs that are just "tired" but not broken.

Types of Spacers We Stock:

Our inventory includes various NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) options:

• Rubber Donuts/Insulators: Sit on top or bottom of the spring to reduce noise and add modest height.

• Twist-In Boosters: Insert between coils for a quick, adjustable lift.

• Aluminum Spacers: Solid spacers for permanent ride height correction.

Cure "Death Wobble" with NORS King Pin Sets

Is your vintage truck or pre-1960s car experiencing violent shaking at highway speeds, often called the "Death Wobble"? Or perhaps your steering feels loose and "wandering"? The culprit is likely worn-out king pins. Before ball joints became standard, the King Pin was the heavy-duty pivot point connecting your steering knuckle to the axle.

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) King Pin Sets designed to restore factory-tight steering precision.

The NORS Advantage: Steel vs. Nylon

Many modern "quick-fix" reproduction kits use soft nylon bushings that wear out quickly. Our inventory features USA-Made vintage kits (often from Moog, TRW, or McQuay-Norris) that typically include:

• Hardened Steel Pins: Precision-ground to withstand thousands of pounds of force.

• Bronze or Metal Bushings: The gold standard for durability (some may require reaming for a perfect custom fit).

• Complete Hardware: Includes heavy-duty thrust bearings, shims, lock pins, and freeze plugs.

Restoration Grade Parts For:

• Vintage Trucks: Ford F-Series, Chevy/GMC C-Series, and Dodge Power Wagons.

• Classic Cars: Ford Model A, early V8s, and pre-1955 solid-axle passenger cars

Other suspension parts refer to the various components in a vehicle's suspension system that are not shocks or springs. These parts include control arms, sway bars, ball joints, bushings, and more. They play a crucial role in maintaining the vehicle's stability, handling, and overall performance on the road. Vintage NOS Other Suspension Parts are newly manufactured parts that are no longer in production, specifically designed for older model vehicles. These parts are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts looking to restore or upgrade their vintage vehicles to their original condition. They offer durability, reliability, and authenticity to ensure optimal performance.

The Vital Link: NORS Pitman Arms (Power & Manual)

Is your steering feeling vague, or is there a "dead spot" in the center where the wheel turns but the tires don't? The Pitman Arm is the primary connection between your steering gear box and the rest of your linkage. It transfers all the force from the steering wheel to the center link.

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) Pitman arms that eliminate slop and restore positive steering control.

Why Choose NORS?

• Safety First: The Pitman arm endures immense stress. Our vintage USA-Made units (often Moog or TRW) are forged from high-strength steel, superior to many lightweight cast reproductions.

• The Correct Fit: One of the biggest challenges with vintage cars is finding the right arm for Power Steering vs. Manual Steering setups. We list specific applications to ensure you get the correct spline count and drop geometry.

• Integrated Joint: Many vintage Pitman arms have a built-in ball stud that wears out over time. Once that joint is loose, the only safe fix is replacing the entire arm.

Applications For:

• Mopar: A, B, and E-Body muscle cars (Charger, Challenger, Dart).

• GM: Chevy Impala, Chevelle, Camaro, and C10 Trucks.

• Ford: Mustang, Falcon, and F-Series Pickups.

Stop Brake Dive & Restore Caster: NORS Strut Rod Assemblies

Is your vintage car "nose-diving" when you hit the brakes, or pulling to one side despite a recent alignment? The Strut Rod (often called a Brake Reaction Rod or Radius Rod) is the critical suspension link that connects your lower control arm to the front of the frame. Its job is to hold your front wheel steady during braking and control your Caster angle.

The Hidden Danger of Rusted Rods On many classic Ford, Mercury, and Mopar vehicles, these rods sit low to the ground and suffer from severe corrosion. If a strut rod snaps during braking, the entire lower control arm can collapse.

• Replace, Don't Risk: We stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) Strut Rod Assemblies forged from high-strength USA steel.

• Better Adjustment: Many of our NORS units feature cleaner threads and superior bushings compared to used parts, making precise alignment adjustments possible again.

Fitment Includes:

• Ford/Mercury: Mustang, Cougar, Falcon, Fairlane.

• Mopar: A, B, and E-Body (Charger, Dart, Barracuda).

• GM: Select models using brake reaction rod designs.

Tighten Your Cornering: NORS Sway Bar Link Kits

Is your classic car leaning excessively in turns, or do you hear a distinct "clunk" or rattle when driving over uneven bumps? The culprit is usually a broken or worn-out Sway Bar Link (also known as a Stabilizer Link). These links connect your sway bar to the suspension, and after decades, the long bolts snap or the rubber grommets disintegrate.

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) link kits that are superior to generic hardware store bolts.

The Easiest Handling Upgrade

Replacing your sway bar links is one of the most affordable and effective ways to improve your vintage car's road manners.

• Stop the Rattles: Eliminate that annoying metal-on-metal clunk caused by missing grommets.

• Reduce Body Roll: A tight connection ensures your sway bar engages immediately when cornering, keeping your car flat and stable.

• NORS Durability: Our kits often feature heavy-duty bolts, correct-length sleeves for proper geometry, and high-quality rubber cushions that outlast cheap modern imports.

Universal & Direct Fit Options

We carry specific link kits for Ford, GM, Mopar, and AMC applications, as well as universal kits in various lengths to fit custom setups or modified suspensions.

The Backbone of Your Steering: Center Links & Drag Links

If your vintage car wanders across the lane or has a massive "dead spot" in the steering wheel, the issue often lies in the main connecting rod. Depending on your vehicle's design, this is called the Center Link (in parallelogram systems) or the Drag Link (in older solid-axle setups).

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) steering links that serve as the anchor for your entire front end.

Restoration Grade Steering Linkage

This bar takes the most abuse of any steering component, connecting your Pitman arm, Idler arm, and Tie Rods.

• Safety First: A worn center link ball stud can separate, causing total loss of steering. Do not ignore "clunking" noises or excessive play.

• The NORS Advantage: Our inventory features heavy-duty USA-Made forgings from legendary brands like Moog (DS Series) and TRW. These links are built with superior steel and tighter tolerance ball studs than lightweight modern reproductions.

Fitment For:

• Classic Cars: Relay rods for Chevy Impala, Chevelle, Ford Mustang, and Mopar B-Bodies.

• Vintage Trucks: Heavy-duty drag links for Ford F-Series and Chevy C/K trucks.