[s-cars] Suspension and Alignment ?'s

[Jim Fleischer]

Gents,

Hope the holiday season has touched each of you in your own way and your trusty Audi of choice got you to your holiday destinations!

Now that my fuel delivery woes are behind me, I will be addressing some abnormal tire wear on the inside front passenger tire this winter, and before I get an alignment, I'd like to take a good look at some normal wear items in the suspension that might be causing this.  Car has 127K, I've owned it since 55K, and there has been no suspension work done to my knowledge.  What should I look at inspecting/replacing at this point as usual/preventative maintenance, without breaking a meager budget?  I'd rather go in and replace stuff myself, then have it aligned instead of being told at the shop I need to replace this this and this to get a proper alignment.  I'd rather put my money into parts than labor, if you know what I mean.  

Also, I wouldn't mind messing with the alignment a little myself.....I guess I've been reading too many Grassroots Motorsports stories about setting up your own car!  Is this even possible with the urS?  Anyone doing it themselves?  I've messed with Jeep CJ's alignment before, but that's simple.  Any thoughts?  Am I nuts?

Thanks guys.  Wishing all on the list a Very Merry New Year!

Best regards,

Jim Fleischer
'95 urS6 avant, starting quite nicely lately