I just bought my '86 240 wagon (150k miles) in October and we have been so in love...until now. I took it to the shop for the first time for an oil change and a general inspection as I am about to leave on a 2000 mile road trip. Then, I get "the call." Per my mechanic, here is what she needs:

new outer tie rod ends
new front wheel ball joints
new rear axle bushings
front wheel alignment
new muffler system (current one has a serious rust problem)
oil leak at engine rear seal
reseal transmission gear box
*might as well replace the clutch plate as long as they are in there
oil leak around oil pan

What?! I have been driving around, thinking my car is just fine and now I am looking at around $3000 in repairs. So, my question is.....can I do any of this myself? I have some free time and I can follow instructions....how hard can it be? (I'll pause here for the hearty laugh that all you weekend mechanics are letting out) Obviously, I do not own a lift- does that mean I am pretty much out of luck? It kills me to go and spend $300 on an oil leak knowing that 30 cents of that is the part and $299.70 is labor.

somewhat happy holidays.....

-Signora Stella