Hello there:
My opinion from my experience.

Wat until you have right budget. Its wise at this age of car, to redo the whole front end. Bits and pieces of work will cost you much more and a lots of time and head ache.
I was offered by a Benz non-dealer mechanic that he will do my complete front end for 900 bucks.
That includes labor and parts.

Job included
Bilstein HD front 2 shocks, center, right and left tie rod assembly. steering idler arm kit, both lower ball joint, upper control arms etc.

i thought it was too high so did not do it. then started th troubles, and i am already 700 bucks in parts and labor in front end and lower ball joints are yet to be done. so thats another 400 bucks. i wasted so many days on the jobs already done. A lot of headache with this new mechanic.

The other guy told me he would give me my car in 6-8 hours once I drop the car at his place. I wish I would have gone with him. 900 bucks 8 hrs and no headaches. Cant beat that.

If you plan to do all by yourself then get all parts and tools togather and its a 2-3 days project. good luck

mvk

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One penny saved is three penny earned.

1985 300D Turbo 179,000miles