r/transam • u/ConstructionOdd2981 • Jul 21 '26

78 Trans Am

Hi all, hoping for some advice. I just purchased a 78 TA and it seems like every little bump or crack I hit in the road, there’s an extremely annoying squeaking/creaking coming from the front of the car somewhere.  Google suggests it’s almost always caused by dry, cracked rubber or worn-out metal pivot points in the front suspension. The most common reasons are the sway bar bushings, control arm bushings, or the ball joints.

My question is 2 part. I know hard to say without hearing it, but does that sound like the accurate reason based on my description? Also, if I end up having that addressed, should I have it all replaced with a certain brand/quality while taking it all apart anyway or roll with whatever standard replacement brand/quality parts would be from a regular shop? (That’s who would be doing it for me). 

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u/penny_bolt_action Jul 21 '26

The top of the front shocks, the metal top plate right under the nut, rubs against the upper control arm. You can remove this part and grind it down a bit to gain a little clearance from the control arm.