After a little creaking (apparently a frozen ball joint) and as a result
what appears to be a cracked frame bracket, in the LF suspension, it is time
for a rebuild. I took the car to a reliable shop and they quoted about $400
in parts and 12hrs labor @ $95HR to do it right on both sides. Given SF
labor costs this is probably a fair figure, however, I am of limited means,
the possibility of being layed off and I would rather take the $1100 in
labor and put it into something else (carbs and ?). Consequently, I may
take this job on myself.
I have been looking at the BPNW, VB and Moss catalogues and it seems to me,
since I would be doing it myself a $400 budget on parts would get me a lot
of iron components in addition to the rubber/nylon and extra stuff like
shocks and springs. (I understand a repair shops need to markup)
I would like to order all the parts before I start, even replacing what may
not actually require it.
Here is what I figure I would order:
Shocks Front ($50)
Springs Front ($30)
A-Arm kit upper ($10)
A-Arm kit Lower ($50)
Ball joint set ($30)
Trunion (L&R) ($80)
Tie rod set (inner & end, nylon bush, and springs) ($55)
Sway bar link assy ($15)
Tool: Spring compressor ($50)
Book: Bentley shop manual ($55)
Is there anything else I should have on hand?
To do it right - what do I need to do?
Should I do it myself or leave it to the pros?
Up till now I have done all of the work on the car, however I have never
done suspension work before, but am somewhat mechanically competent. (I
just put a new engine and trans in my Volvo 122, and never did that before
either).
I assume I would need to send the car out for an alignment afterward, an I
would also pay my neighbor (a retired welder for the city) to weld the
bracket. Would I also need to have a machine shop do any work?
Any help is appreciated.
1976 TR6 CF53003U0
Keith Meinhold
66 Marston Avenue
San Francisco CA 94112
415 585 5998 H
415 336 5336 C
415 836 7775 W
http://www.navyboy.com/
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