18FEB2008: Pics start on the second page: here

Ok,
So I got my bonus this week and the second to last week of February scheduled off so it's time to go shopping:
When I acquired my car I paid the indy who had been servicing it for the last 15 years to go through it with a comb and tell me everything I needed to do to get it to 80% (Mechanically sound, just not pretty).
On the list (and to be tackled now):
All Tie Rods (left, right, and center) center (1) + Left & Right (2) Febi or TRW? does it matter? (At least one vote for Febi)
Upper Control Arms (UCA) left & right + Bushings x5 (4+one screw-up)
All 4 ball joints (Do I need to buy 4 or are two included with the UCA's? ANS: Two are included, only need to buy 2)

So while this is both a series of bookmarks and journal for my project it hopefully will be useful documentation for others, I also have some questions:
Tie Rods and UCA's I think I'll be fine with these tutorials: Tie Rods and UCA replacement I'm wondering what the best & safest way to do the LCA Ball joints would be (anyone in Sac want to help?)

Also, I have no specialty tools for this job yet, but have budgeted the following above parts:
$100 tools (looks to be more than this)

• Ball Joint Separator $18

$450 Tires 4 + spare. (are these OK?)
$200 alignment. (Have not gotten quote from dealer yet, is my guess too far off?) edit:$120 seems to be the going rate.

So, here are the big questions:
1) What else should I look to do/inspect while doing this work?

• guide rod mounts
• guide rod to spring mount bushings (Actual name is??)
• steering damper (Other than a chronic pull to the right steering is fine, skipping this).

2) Besides a Pickle fork for the ball joints, what specialty tools will I need?

• Skip the fork get a lever (we'll see, I can borrow the fork, may not have the budget for the lever)
• not needed:Ball joint press tool for while LCA is on the car (HELP!!! Someone toss a part number my way!) edit: ball joint not in LCA, it's in the spindle remove spindle from LCA and walk to machinist

3) Brand and component selection? Febi parts when available, Else TRW. Tires are Dunlop P185/65R-14 85H BSW HR rated.
4) Are my Estimates Correct?
5) Anyone want to help? Beer/Pizza (Scotch&Cigars if so inclined if you bring tools ) Feb 19-24 is my window to do this.

• Lobster? no Steaks? Maybe.
• Scotch is Bowmore darkest&17, Invarity, Aberlour, The Speyside, and some others. Cigars are out of stock, but would likely be Valetubaho Reds(sp?)

Cheers,
-nB

__________________
'83 300D Turbo
Current: ???K mi - 19.2mpg -> 17.4mpg -> 22.9mpg ---> ODO Died
bought at: 233.8K mi - 10MPG For $1.00
3.5 cylinders work: 320 320 100 340 280
Got insurance? FarmersReallySucks.Com