Do you paint new suspension parts before you install them?

[montana_jeepn]

I just received a box of goodies from Camelback Toyota. In the box were a set of LCA's. I see that there are a couple small specks of rust on them (normal) where the paint was nicked. I am not building a show car by any means, but if there is something I can do to keep them in good shape, I would like to. Would a little semi-gloss rustoleum be a good idea?

Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[white_n_slow]

You can if you feel like it, but I don't think it's worth the effort. Whatever paint you put on it is just going to get chipped again and rust anyway. No amount of rust that you will see in your lifetime can kill a large chunk of cast steel like a LCA.

 

[Brian757]

Yes, you can cover the mechanically moving parts of the part/object, and scuff it if it's already been painted, to inhibit adhesion. I have done it for a few undercarriage items. Just painted them black and installed them.

It doesn't have to be for a show car, you just want to prevent your parts from oxidizing. But to add to white_n_slow, nothing is going to deteriorate in enough time to ruin the structure of it.
Where in VA are you, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[montana_jeepn]

Thank you gents, appreciate your thoughts. I will just throw them on there then.

I live near Springfield, VA. Yourself?

 

[Brian757]

Thank you gents, appreciate your thoughts. I will just throw them on there then.

I live near Springfield, VA. Yourself?

I'm in Virginia Beach. Roughly 3 hours from you.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Aren't they already painted black?

No need to repaint the whole arm.

Maybe just tape off everything but the exposed spot then paint it.

 

[cobramedic15]

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for them? I am in Alexandria, VA

 

[montana_jeepn]

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for them? I am in Alexandria, VA

Awesome.

The lca's were $170 each shipped. Factory bushings are $80 for one side, then figure in your time.......or the cost of having someone press them out (driving there, etc) was a no brainer for me.

 

[montana_jeepn]

Aren't they already painted black?

No need to repaint the whole arm.

Maybe just tape off everything but the exposed spot then paint it.

They are. I might just use some HD frame paint I have laying around.