re: struts & more

[David Coleman <dcoleman@blackrock.com>]

my 2 pennies:

I've replaced everything, including the road grime, under my 4kq, with
the exception of cv joints.

unless the boots are torn, leave the cv joints alone (not a common wear
item -- if boots are torn, but only recently, repack 'em and put new
boots on).  They're kind of expensive, too.

i've replaced each wheel bearing, at 6-month intervals between each
one.    I don't think the rear struts have to come out to replace the
bearings, although the fronts do.  but if $$ and time is no object,
replace them now.  

Incidentally, i put Boges and eibach springs on for a *significantly*
better handling (although body roll is still apparent -- work around
it)...much better than sears gabriels...!

Control arm bushings are a common wear item, and, having done all 8 of
them at once, i'd make sure time is something you have plenty of.  You
will need to realign after struts anyway, so go for it.

Howzabout the swaybar bushings?

lemme know what you do.

-dave

>I have an 86 4ksq with 144k miles on it.  The shocks are in dire need >of
>replacement.  While I was in there I thought that I would replace the
>strut bearings and put new boots on the CV joints.  Tie rod ends will
>probally part of this job.  I have not inspected the front ones yet
>but the rears had cracks in the boots.