62 Skylark - front/rear suspension parts

[AVAman]

Purchased a couple months ago. Looking for parts referral - need to purchase all front suspension bushings and ball joints and rear suspension bushings? Not easily found (if at all) when searching online (61-63) - perhaps same parts used on a different buick or gm model (?). There is a seller on EBAY (NJ) who has front suspension kit (not Chinese crap), but no rear kit (?) - I want to do one-stop shopping and would rather support a forum related supplier.

Thank you in advance to anyone whom can provide that info!... Tony

 

[TODD]

The compact 1961-63 Special/Skylark Y-body cars are not like other Buicks - before or since. Their closest relative is the '61-63 Olds F-85/Cutlass and to a lesser extent the '61-63 Pontiac Tempest/LeMans.

Buick Master Parts books show the rear suspension arms w/bushings but not separate bushings. The shop manual indicates the bushings are replaceable however. The part numbers match for the '62 Skylark and the '62 Cutlass
(Upper 578320/Lower 584272).

Here is a Prothane rear bushing kit for the Cutlass:

7322 | Cutlass | Rear Control Arm Bushing Replacement Kit

Polyurethane Rear Control Arm Bushing Kit Oldsmobile Cutlass 1961-1963. Lifetime Warranty. In Stock. Upgrade over OE. Red or Black. Ships Immediately. | Prothane 7322

www.prothanesuspensionparts.com

Here is an A-1 Shock Absorber listing showing the original Moog part numbers:

Chassis Parts - Buick Special,Skylark, 1961, 62, 63

The rear axle bumper is GM part no 577992 for the Buicks with 13 inch wheels. Cutlass also used this number along with the '63-65 Riviera. Found some used items out there. These might not need replacing. A more thorough search could turn up some reproduction bumpers.

 

[AVAman]

Your assistance has been tremendous. I actually ended up ordering front suspension kit from supplier on ebay - they are a mix of moog, dorman, etc and come with a "lifetime" warranty. Ordered the rear kit from prothane per your link. A-1 = YIKES $!

 

[AVAman]

Follow-Up...

I'm lowering car 2" by cutting springs - the max without screwing-up suspension dynamics - and I don't mind a little stiffer spring since I'm sticking with ALL rubber bushings ilo urethane - yes, the poly may last longer, but they are really squeaky and even worse with a stiffer suspension - been there, done that with my lowered V8 (Rover 3.9) MGB - not appropriate for the SKYLARK. Decided to bite ($) the shocks/rear suspension bushings and purchased from A-1 springs. Custom made hydraulic shocks (I did not want gas with "canter" ride - plus my wife says I have extra) and rubber oem-type bushings for the rear 4-link suspension - major dinero compared to poly though. Ultimately, since I'll have my wife flick MY ashes into the unused ashtray - it's c'est la vie and a shot of fine tequila with regards to cost!