Date:         Wed, 11 May 2011 16:08:05 -0400
Reply-To:     Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Front end suspension
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

So I finally got a new tire and I took Gertie ('85 1.9) in to have an
allignment done. They couldn't do it - said I need upper control arm
bushings and upper ball joints. The shops price parts and labor was almost
$800 - not saying that isn't fair (I'd bet it is) but I can't swing that.

I sourced the parts and included lower ball joints and tie rod ends for less
than $200 from our vendors. So the question is having never done this work
myself, what does the esteemed list say for a project like this as a DIY
project? Should I even try it? I could find myself some experienced help
too.

I know those upper control arm bushings need to be spot welded - that I'd
need someone else for anyway.

What other pit falls or hassles am I looking at?

The guy at the shop said I might consider replacing the long mounting bots
as well. What are your thoughts on that? Anyone have a part number or a
source for those?

--
Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'90 Carat (Grover - the noble parts donor)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus