Other Thoughts:
The last time I looked the lower Ball Joint boots were in the $5-$6 each range.

But, what is missing in the equation when comparing changing the Boots to changing the complete Ball Joint is the effort it takes sometimes to get an Old Ball Joint out to replace it or the added expense to have some one else do it.
I believe can change the Boots with out removing the Wheel Hub and Rotor.

Changing the Boots is something that is way easier to do than going through the effort or expensive to pay someone to remove an otherwise good Ball Joint.

Not everyone has a Vice that is mounted on a Sturdy enough Work Bench that they can put the Steering Knunckel into so they can beat out the the Old Ball Joint. Or maybe not even a heavy enough Hammer.

Also by retaining the same Ball Joints there is a good chance you will not need to have the Front End aligned.

You, are more likely to need an alignment if you do not use OM Ball Joints; assuming the Old Joints are originals.

Whoever is doing the job has to decide what options are best for them.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

This is true but if you do the proper checks to see if the Ball Joint is OK and you clean it up and regrease; and install a new Boot you are going to get several years of use out of that joint.

If after those several years the Joints have gone bad you can install New Ball Joints.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

As stated earlier in this post, the passenger side needed to be replaced. The drivers side boot was split and when I removed the knuckle, the ball joint was full of grease and brown rusty grease.... Since I was doing all that other work, uppers and brakes...................... why not change both lowers. If i need an alignment, might as well change both. Never heard of getting half your car aligned!

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1985 300SD

there is a thread on here somewhere about piping in SS 3" tubing for about 200.00 i'd go that route... >

front pipe
mid muffler (resonator)
Muffler at tail end
misc hangers
one seal
clamps for pipes

Where's the thread on SS 3" tubing? Is 3" too large a diam?

I guess, the only connection I have to worry about is the first one, near the engine (as far as the dismantle part of the job)....

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1985 300SD

Full 3 inch exhaust: to load on a 87 300SDL?

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Anyone these guys? "Time Valve" for a complete exhaust system made from Stainless.

http://www.timevalve.com/

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

My total was ~$500. That included the oem (ANSA) muffler. A new flex pipe too.
I did not replace the resonators, instead had the guy run a straight pipe back to the muffler. He welded on a support on the pipe at the stock hanger positions on the side, so I could use those hanger points with stock hangers.

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83 SD

84 CD