I would like to attempt a suspension refresh this year, and am ready to start diagnosing and scoping out the project. Right now, I barely know what all these parts are even called, never mind what they actually do. Most suspension refresh threads don't really talk about diagnosing what needs to be replaced and what can be left alone. Most seem to just replace everything "while you're in there"
Many suspension build threads seem to take 4 months to 2 years or more (because of "while you're in there)" I don't want to lose an entire driving season after storing the car all winter. (Doing a suspension project off-season is not viable in sub zero temperatures) I am not in any rush, but I really don't want this to become a "2 birthdays" project. So, I prefer to keep this project down below 80 hours (2 vacation weeks) Normally, I agree with the "while you're in there" mindset, but since I am not an expert mechanic, I would like to avoid over-complicating this project that leads to major roadblocks and massive delays. In this case, do you think maybe it's smart to avoid the stuff that is a real headache for a beginner (pressing bearing races?) If my bearings are fine, maybe it's just best to leave them alone, etc.
So, for my first time, maybe I am looking for the most bang for the buck AND the labor. Replace the most common wear items. Can all parts be diagnosed from visual inspection? Or from a physical test, like a shock bounce test? If a part can't be inspected unless you remove it, then I would rather just replace it. Can you guys help me make a list of parts to diagnose, so I can start building an order ?
Here is some info on my car. My service records indicate the suspension is mostly original. Just front shocks, turbo tie rods, and a few alignments (which are by now 15-20 years old anyway)
Quote:
Car currently has 82,000 miles.
New front shocks
(1992 at 43,000 miles)
Alignment
(1995 at 53,000 miles)
Alignment
(1999 at 67,000 miles)
Turbo Tie Rod Kit
Replace R/Rear Sway Bar Console
Raise car 1 inch
Alignment
(2000 at 67,000 miles)
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