Steering & Suspension DIY recommendation?

[txp135]

After the forum's help, I was able to order the follow parts for my car....


Front and Rear OE M-tech springs and shocks
31 12 1 139 991 Fr control arm
31 12 1 139 992 Fr control arm
31 12 1 141 097 Thrust arm with bushing (M5)
31 12 1 141 098 Thrust arm with bushing (M5)
33 32 1 126 476 Pitman arms rear (2)
32 21 1 136 450 Idler arms – front
33 31 1 129 760 Mount, rr.x-mmbr (2)
33 17 1 131 903 Subframe bushing (2)
33 52 1 132 270 Strut Mount (2)
31 33 1 124 322 Spring pad Lower Fr (2)
31 33 1 128 523 Spring pad Upper Fr (2)
33 53 1 133 670 Spring pad Rear (2)
33 53 1 133 671 Spring pad Rear (2)
31 35 1 134 582 Sway bar link fr (2)
33 55 1 135 307 Sway bar link r (2)
32 21 1 138 854 Center Link – TRW
32 21 1 135 666 Tie Rod (2)


Hopefully that's everything I need for the Steering and Suspension.

All I've done so far on my car is changing the DME chip, wiper blades, microfilter, air filter, glove's compartment and hood shocks. Pretty easy/light jobs. And while it took me a little time to figure this stuff out because I was doing them for the first time. But they turned out to be easy.


After I get Steering&Suspension done I still have to do inspection II on my car. Get rid of the CEL. Fix the A/C.

Questions for guys that did this job yourself:

1) Is this a job for one person?

2) Would you recommend I do this myself or take it to the shop?

3) How much time would it take for a Noob to finish this job ?

4) How much money would I save doing this myself?


Thank you.

[632 Regal]

1) Is this a job for one person? yes

2) Would you recommend I do this myself or take it to the shop? do you have the tools to separate the ball joint ends/ torque wrench?

3) How much time would it take for a Noob to finish this job ? plan on a long afternoon

4) How much money would I save doing this myself? about double your parts cost unless you got a cheap kit from tha bay, then about 10 times because youll be having it done again shortly.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

I was taking my time and it took me a weekend for whole new front end a set of eibach springs.

I had air tools, ball joint separaters, spring compressors and lots beer.

I saved $800, and spent only about $200 on special tools for the job.

Ramps, metric impact sockets, front end service tool set and springs compressors.

[Vanguard]

My experience with this was the same as Bob's. The rear springs and shocks took about 3 hours by myself. The front including the suspension took between 6 and 8 hours. It's much easier when reinstalling the finished assemblies in front if you have an extra person as well.

[markus]

dont worry little buddy ill still be around to help you.

are you replacing the shocks and springs as well? if not then it should take about a good day.

if you are replacing spring pads then i would suggest atleast replacing the shocks at the same time. you said u didnt want to change the springs but i would still do shocks.

i would suggest getting a balljoint separator instead of a picle fork. i hear they work wonders and save you a lot of effort and aggrivation. i have done this job before. the shittiest part is getting the center link separated from the pitman arm that hangs out of the steering box because a brake line is right in the way and the area is already tight.

another part that sucks is separating the thrust arm balljoint from the steering plate. it took me a sawzall and a benchtop vise to remove it. and it took a lot of force. but for the most part the effort is definatley worth it if you have brake shimmies and steering play. you probly wont have to do this job ever again or atleast for another 50k.

[txp135]

oops, forgot to mention. Yes I am changing the springs and shocks also. Front and Rear. I don't have any tools other than a a generic set of craftsman from Sears. Please help me with a list of tools I need to acquire. Thanks.

[Vanguard]

In addition to the hand tools, you'll need a floor jack, jack stands, spring compressors, a large pipe wrench, a torque wrench, pickle fork or tie rod press.

[632 Regal]

Bring it over, we will knock off the whole thing in 4-5 hours. I can now replace the thrust arms alone in 30 minutes without going under the car, first time took me 6 hours.


oops, forgot to mention. Yes I am changing the springs and shocks also. Front and Rear. I don't have any tools other than a a generic set of craftsman from Sears. Please help me with a list of tools I need to acquire. Thanks.

[markus]

dont forget thet big ass hammer. i have spring compressors i can bring. when do u want to do this?

[txp135]

----Where are you located?

lol, I just found it in your profile. I might need an oil change before and after I bring it over.


Bring it over, we will knock off the whole thing in 4-5 hours. I can now replace the thrust arms alone in 30 minutes without going under the car, first time took me 6 hours.

[txp135]

Could someone please recommend the torque wrench I'd need for this job? I went to Advance Auto and the only choices they had were 1/2" or 3/8". Both of them cost about $65. Are these okay or there's certain brand you'd recommend? Thanks

[markus]

i have a $30 one i got off ebay and had it for 6 years now. It needs to be replaced but for $30 i cant complain.

just go to your local sears and get a craftsman one for the same price. if it breaks you get a new one. you wont need the most pricey one unless u plan on using it everyday like a $350 snap-on one.

[Vanguard]

If you got a harbor freight nearby I'd head over there. There the same import stuff you'll find at Advance for a lot less. I added a shorter 1/2 drive unit for under $20 recently.

[632 Regal]

I aquired a "Cobalt" torque wrench for a great price, same makers as craftsman. Do a search on google, I think I ordered it from home depot or something.


Could someone please recommend the torque wrench I'd need for this job? I went to Advance Auto and the only choices they had were 1/2" or 3/8". Both of them cost about $65. Are these okay or there's certain brand you'd recommend? Thanks