Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
VanagonEuroVan
Subject:Front end suspension
From:Jeff Lincoln
Date:Wed, 11 May 2011 16:08:05 -0400

So I finally got a new tire and I took Gertie ('85 1.9) in to have an
allignment done. They couldn't do it - said I need upper control arm
bushings and upper ball joints. The shops price parts and labor was almost
$800 - not saying that isn't fair (I'd bet it is) but I can't swing that.

I sourced the parts and included lower ball joints and tie rod ends for less
than $200 from our vendors. So the question is having never done this work
myself, what does the esteemed list say for a project like this as a DIY
project? Should I even try it? I could find myself some experienced help
too.

I know those upper control arm bushings need to be spot welded - that I'd
need someone else for anyway.

What other pit falls or hassles am I looking at?

The guy at the shop said I might consider replacing the long mounting bots
as well. What are your thoughts on that? Anyone have a part number or a
source for those?

--
Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'90 Carat (Grover - the noble parts donor)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus

Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »