Front end on a 124
 

Looking at doing my front end. Struts are shot, and I guess I'm supposed to change out the strut mounts too when I do the strut. Ball Joint are done too I'm thinking of just doing the whole control arm, but I really don't want to fuss with a spring compressor, or loose me head in the swap. Is it as easy to do as on Wheeler Dealers with a jack?
Also, do I need to change this(below)? I guess it's the steering idler, the guys at the Tires Plus said this is contributing the the slop in the front end, and honestly the passenger side does have some play from 3-9. is it this, or tie rods, and how hard is this to fix?
Thanks a ton guys
Samson

Check play in the steering box only at center, should be play off-center.

The LCA can be changed without a spring compressor, I've done it on a 124, but not recommended. Rent a good spring compressor in the tool-rental program on this site.

So should I not worry about the idler? I don't want to have to get another alignment after the one I'm going to need for the struts, mounts, and control arms.

The idler doesn't affect the alignment.