Hi all,
well I went to Big O Tire to get the front end aligned for my 1983 242DL and they came back and said they couldn't do the alignment, cause the vehicle's front suspesion needs about a $1,100+ worth of work. I naturally about died, but not before saying thanks... I'll get back to you. So here is there list of things I need done and there cost:
-Front Lower Ball Joint- both sides- $110 each
-labor for Ball Joints- $105
-Stearing Gear Assembly/Stearing Rack- $500
-labor for stearing gear assembly- $171
-wheel bearing seals- both sides- $12 each
-repack wheel bearings- $95
-wheel alignment- $70

Okay, so you all should know that this car has been sitting in my parents backyard for almost the past twelve years with flat tires and the front wheels cocked to the right some. So I'm thinking that the front suspension does need all this work- if not more. But my main question is- how hard would it be for someone like me, something of a novice, to replace the ball joints and the stearing gear assembly? My dad is willing to help and he has a lot more experience on vehicles, but I don't know that he has done this specific type of job. I ask on how hard it would be, cause I was looking around on the internet at part prices and I could save myself some $300 in labor and almost $400 on parts. But I do want to ask what brands are recommended for the ball joint. I'm only seeing rebuilt power steering racks from Atlantic Enterprises- are they good? Also on ther power steering rack- the reason they told me it needs a new one is because it "pops" out doing something, I don't recall what. But I do have to hold the steering wheel when driving about 15 degrees to the right to go straight- is that the power steering rack or is that the alignment? They told me eventually the steering wheel would continue going right until it was upside down. Would this indicate a back PS rack? I also need to replace the boots, cause they're both just falling apart- is there any specific brand recommended? Also, I was looking FCP Grotons and they've got a suspension kit that includes: 2 outer tie rods, 2 ball joints, 4 control arm bushings, 4 upper sway bar bushings and 2 lower sway bar bushings for $80total. Would this be a good investment? And would is stretch much beyond a novices ability to do? My dad as I said earlier would be helping, but I'm not sure he'z familiar with some of the stuff in the kit either. So yeah, any advice, warnings, part source recommendations would be great. Thanks again for the help all!