Shock Absorbers
 

Gentlemen,

I need some advice.

For the first 56 years of my life I had never owned a new car. So, I am used to making "value judgments" on old cars. Unfortunately, I fell in love with my 85 SD so I am not certain that I am seeing things with the steely eye necessary to maintain a "beater's" financial viability. I have (with wrenches and curse words) replaced the A/C condenser, glow plugs, idler arm, seat cushions, A/C control unit, adjusted the valves and changed the rims. So, in fairness, I am not a ribbon clerk.

I need shocks and shims for the rear springs. The baby whale kind of floats at xway speeds. Bilsteins, I know, and I am leaning towards HD. So, at a parts wholesaler I can get the shocks for about $70-$85 each. But, I have no access to a hoist, and I don't think I can jack it up high enough to safely get the bastardos out.

I found a professional who inspires confidence (trust me on this) but here is the rub; the Bilsteins (4) will be about $70-$100 more and the installation will require 3.5 hours. If he charges $80 an hour, the whole shootin match will set me back $750 without the rear spring shims. I am not made of money but I can afford this.

I wouldn't even consider it but when I adjusted the valves I was astonished to find the valve train (231K miles) in excellent condition. The frame has no rust but the body is not cherry. This belcher, with moderate kindness, has some motorin' left.

Some of our experienced Forum members probably view my conundrum as a panty waist vacillation. Admitedly, shocks are definitely a DIY job. I can't remember the last time I had profesionals change shocks on any of my cars. But, alas, I am old now and am unwilling to do the job without a hoist.

The pro will install my parts but the savings is objectively small, and he will then warranty the installation only.

I bought the car for $2750 2yrs ago. Is this nuts?

Thank You,
Joe Marroso

Joe,

There are times when we just have to help the economy, and let others do things for us . . . It sounds that you have found a good mechanic, use him, I'd let him supply the shocks . . . yes it will cost a bit more, but I have found that sometimes that will not only be worth it, but when you need him again . . . he will be there for you.

Right now I'm dealing with an amputaion, happened 2 weeks ago in a printing press accident . . . a lot of things I can't do, either I need help with it, or it doesn't get done . . .

Obviously you enjoy your car, keep it in decent shape and it will reward you with many more miles . . . sure beats making payments on some computerized plastic junk!:D

Yikes, I'm almost glad I got laid off from a printing job.

But you have good advise for the OP.

Joe, perhaps there is a young relative or neighbor that could help.

Pretty good price for the car, and Bilstein's have their own warranty, I would think, so not to worry.

Sounds like you are not wanting to do the job, and a little concerned over the cost.
I have paid people to do things that I just do not want to do. No shame in that... We all make choices.
If cost is a concern, and you have a little free time. Talk to the local High school auto shop teacher. Maybe he would help have the students change them, while you instruct and teach, and they experience some German engineering. And they usually do not charge anything.
Who knows, May inspire a new MB diesel nut.
these cars can be in their price range. And I woulod have never thought of one at that age.