Front end: Do myself or let mechanic???

[duppyconqueror]

I have an 81 cutlass it is my daily driver.

I want to replace the tie rod ends, control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links.

I am decently handy, but I have never done suspension work should I attempt to do it myself or let a mechanic do it? How hard is it? Also if anyone can tell me what tools I will need other than jack, stands, and wrenches. Any input will be appreciated thanks guys. If I do it myself I'll try to do a write up.

 

[Peter]

control arm bushings and ball joints should be done by someone experienced. dropping those springs out can be dangerous if you dont take proper precautions. saying all this you have to start somewhere to get experience but knowing your limits is one of the best tools you can have so it is up to you how confident you are

 

[YGspider]

yah I've heard some wicked storys about those springs shooting across the shops and really hurting experinced mechanics even.

 

[duppyconqueror]

Damn I didn't realize that was such a hazard I figured It was easy as compressing the spring with the jack.

I'll probably let a mechanic do it. Anyone have opinions on how much a job like that should cost (labor)?

 

[GP403]

Damn I didn't realize that was such a hazard I figured It was easy as compressing the spring with the jack.

I'll probably let a mechanic do it. Anyone have opinions on how much a job like that should cost (labor)?

look into a spring compressor. not 100% safe but way more than a jack and a prayer. In my very limited experience with front end work it involves a lot of swearing and long periods of banging on sh#t with big hammers..... I don't like it and it never works out for me.

 

[Brownianl]

Use a spring compressor, most parts houses will loan you one, be extremely careful, take your time, let a shop press your control arm bushings in and out and you CAN do it yourself.

 

[307 Regal]

As a safeguard, I've heard of tying the spring to an A-arm with a steel cable to prevent it from flying off (in case you have an accident).

 

[duppyconqueror]

thanks for the advice guys

 

[Bowiemontecarlo86]

They charged my cousin 700 to do it all on his 93 blazer. wich are the same as gbodys front end wise. I did all my s
Stuff in a lil over two days. The springs are easy put a rope threw them tie them off u be alright. But let a shop due the bushings once u get the aarms out.

 

[Peter]

They charged my cousin 700 to do it all on his 93 blazer. wich are the same as gbodys front end wise. I did all my s
Stuff in a lil over two days. The springs are easy put a rope threw them tie them off u be alright. But let a shop due the bushings once u get the aarms out.

rope, no. chain or steel lines, yes