I replaced them because one of the ball joint boots was split. Never was any noise to begin with and I can not say the steering response was improved either. I also installed four new swaybar bushing on the front too. I've pretty much restored this wagon all the way around. Lots of the stuff I do to my cars is not 100% necessary. The wagon drives like it did when it was new.

Definately. I have that Klann clone sold by Baum Tool. That spring compressor works great.