I guess it depends what you're buying. A set of pistons and rings for my Jeep would cost way less than 2-3 pistons and rings (nevermind all 8) for my Benz. But then again, the pistons & rings for a 4.5 last 400-500k on a maintained engine vs 200-300k on the Jeep 4.0 before oil burning and slap becomes a big issue. I just picked up a set of rockers (both sides) for my XJ for $50 shipped. But good brake pads F&R for a 108 are about half as much as front pads alone for the XJ, nevermind the rear shoes.

No way to get around rebuilding worn carbs, but a lot of times people throw parts at an MB it may not need versus finding the actual issue. The mechanic my parents went to for years did that on occasion, I guess if you throw enough parts on it you'll eventually get lucky and solve the problem!

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Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k