i posted this question in another thread, but was leading the original thread astray.

i am looking at doing a Front end rebuild on my 85 300D. everything except for the tierods (already changed) needs to be replaced. i would like to do as much myself as i can, but i am still a learning mechanic. i dont have any super special tools, and no air tools either. I HAVE replaced my rear axles, motor mounts, love doing valve adjustments, and smalller jobs. so i am not a total newb.

i know that the lower control arms will need to be done at a good shop or dealer, so in what order can i replace stuff then slowly drive it to the dealer to have them do the lower arms and align the car? also what parts do i order. if you guys can help me out that would be great. i would buy as much as i can from phil.

ohh ya, will get bilstein's comforts and new springs (from the group buy via this forum)

i will let the shop do the springs. i am lacking the expensive tools, as i am a recent college grad that lived in a small apartment. in march i will rent a house, and my job will allow me the liberty to stock my garage with tools. that will probably be the timeframe that i will be doing the rebuild.

another question, are ball joints hard to replace?

is there an easier way than just browsing phil's site for bushings/parts i would need?

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Grey '91 350SDL 214k Dad's car
Beige '81 240D 4 Speed 254k SOLD
Blue '82 300D 225k SOLD
White '95 E300D 46k SOLD
Blue '87 190D 2.5 Turbo 315k SOLD
Brown '80 240D 4 Speed 716k SOLD
Beige '80 300D N/A 119k SOLD
Blue '85 300D Model 186k T-Boned