Where to get steering parts and how to install them?

[sixpack_sid]

I just bought a brake conversion kit for my 68 Charger and when I pulled the wheels off to start installing, I saw that a lot of the steering parts are worn and the bushings are bad. I would like to replace the ball joints, tie rods, etc. Where can I find these parts at a good price? Any advice on changing the parts? I talked to an auto parts guy today who told me that when you change the ball joints on the old Chryslers, they screw into the control arm. It takes a special tool to unscrew them and usually when you take them out, the screw comes out along with the ball joint and if that happens, you need to replace the control arm.
Any help would be great! I have replaced these parts on my Blazer, but I'm kind of new to Mopar. When you replace the lower ball joint, is the knuckle part of the assembly or is that a separate part?
Thanks!
Sid

[maxwellwedge]

Upper ball joints don't wear out anywhere near as fast as lowers so make sure they are shot before replacing. Lowers are part of the knuckle and the whole part is considered the lower ball joint. Get a good name brand (like Moog) although that does not guarantee they will be good as new originals.

[oldcarnut]

I got prices from Rock Auto and the local auto parts price matched most of them plus there was no shipping costs.  I did however buy everything to completely rebuild the k frame assy/suspension from disc to disc.  There are a couple threads here that go through the whole setup that may help you a lot.  Here's one http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,15396.0.html

[SRT-440]

I just installed a Performance Suspension Technology (P-S-T) super kit on my 70 RR but u can go to Just Suspensions, Moog for a complete kit. It replaces everything that is replaceable. Since ur gonna have to tear it all down u might as well replace all bushings. It's not a "hard" job but it isn't fun..LOL. 

[b5blue]

You can get NEW upper control arms with bushings and ball joints installed from a shop on ebay for 140.00, I've got a set and they are nicely made and think they will work out fine. You'll save buy not having to buy the remove install tools or worry about stripping the ball joint threads. Any parts house like Auto Zone can get Moog tie rods, idler arm, lower ball joints and bushings for the lower control arms next day. Special tools can be gotten from Mancini. 

[sixpack_sid]

Thanks a lot for the great advice! I looked on the Rock Auto website and WOW! Do they have good prices! I didn't see an ad for free shipping, but at those prices, I don't mind paying for shipping. I will also bookmark the thread you suggested Oldcarnut.
B5blue-thanks for the heads up about the shop on eBay-I'll check it out!
SRT-440 how long did it take you to replace the bushings? Are they hard to change?
As always, you guys come through! Thanks for the help!
Sid

[oldcarnut]

Thanks a lot for the great advice! I looked on the Rock Auto website and WOW! Do they have good prices! I didn't see an ad for free shipping, but at those prices, I don't mind paying for shipping.

I guess I should have been a little clearer.  I worked up a price sheet from Rock Auto with everything I wanted.  I took that sheet to the local store and they priced matched Rock Auto everything there.  Since the parts were part of their normal stock, even if it was next day stuff, there was no shipping costs.  Also you should research some of the threads on the poly verses rubber bushings.  Lots of different opinions and experiences.  I looked at the kits but I was using both rubber and poly mixed and the kits didn't have it the way I wanted to go.  Hope this explains it.

[b5blue]

UCA's ebay # 380227384421   

[runningman]

Check out my ad in the for sale section....