986 front suspension refresh

[BFleming]

I bought a 2000 Boxster 2.7 last summer, which is a fantastic car - except for creaking front suspension! It seems to be coming from the front left lower arm(s), and is most noticeable when turning the steering to the left (funnily enough not to the right).
Having done a couple of track days in the car I'm thinking about polybushing as much as I can up front, but if I'm stripping it all down anyhow...
a) what should my shopping list look like? New arms/ball joints or just rebush my existing (is that even an option)
b) I want to do the top mounts too as the bump stops are perished / bellows are loose
c) front anti-roll bar bush size - any ideas?
d) where to buy it all? I'm not looking for OEM (or OEM prices) by the way!

Thanks in anticipation!

Here's a picture taken this weekend!

Edited by BFleming on Thursday 25th April 13:46

[edc]

Easiest and most cost effective approach is to get new Meyle or TRW arms or refurbished ones from Hartech. Personally I would avoid the poly bushes. With the arms the issue isn't so much the rubber bush but the ball joint.

[BFleming]

Thanks for the info; I've ordered everything I think i need, so will begin the strip-down this weekend, then refit as parts arrive. It doesn't look too bad, but liberal doses of WD40 and a fresh disc on the grinder are standing by! Photos to follow.

[BFleming]

I got a fair bit of the work completed this weekend; new top mounts, drop links, lower coffin arms, bump stops & protective sleeves on the shocks. Two absolute pigs of jobs - removing the drop links, which I seriously reckon were original, and removing the top mounts which were definitely original. Well, the top mounts literally fell apart, leaving an aluminium block fused to the top of the strut. Culling 2 slots in it to insert a pickle fork, copious amounts of heat, wd40 and finally a bearing puller got it off.
I put 2 new front discs and new pads on while I was at it; some finishing off to do next weekend, and it might be good for another few years.

[mainline]

My top mounts and springs were shot and I had most of the same parts replaced on my 2001 986. It felt so much better afterwards.

[BFleming]

mainline said:

My top mounts and springs were shot and I had most of the same parts replaced on my 2001 986. It felt so much better afterwards.

Agreed - complete transformation & all very taut now!