Anthony,

Ok, if the car bounces like that, then the spheres are definitely worn. But they last 10-15 years or more in some cases without needing replacement! I'm willing to bet he did not install them correctly. You have to bleed them out once the new ones are on and must be very careful when disconnecting the lines from the old ones, as they are under great pressure. You have to crack the line open and then go just a little more every couple minutes until all the pressure and fluid stops releasing. When you put the new ones on, tighten everything up (start the flared line connection before mounting sphere!), and fill the system with fresh oil. Start the car up and bounce the rear up and down to bleed the spheres. You can crack the lines once again to let some air out or else just let it run for a while, keep checking the fluid level and also take it for a ride to further assist in bleeding. They will self-bleed if you just drive the car over some rough surfaces or keep bouncing on the back end.

The t-stat housing is at the front of the engine and is held together by three 10mm bolts. The upper radiator hose connects to it. Follow it from the radiator and you'll see the housing. Another note: The diesels tend to develop air pockets whent he cooling system is opened, so the thing to do after installing the new t-stat is to reconnect everything, but disconnect the upper hose from the radiator and SLOWLY fill the 50/50 mix in through there. It will take a while but will assure a much less chance of having an air pocket. Of course, when you start the car, put the heat on high and let it run till warm. I usually leave the radiator cap fastened only to the first detent to let pressure escape when bleeding.

On the cruise control: If you lift the lever and nothing happens, either the actuator or the switch is bad. If you lift the lever and speed increases but drops immediately, the amplifier is bad. They usually run around $180 for a rebuilt unit, exchange.

The erratic dash lights are most likely due to a faulty rheostat. They're about $40 and are easily installed.

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Regards,
Aaron