Both of my lower ball joints needed replacing at around 170,000 miles. I have done both upper and lower myself. It's nothing scary if you follow instructions and have a bit of patience. 

Chris.
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Dnia May 11, 2011 o godz. 16:08 Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM> napisał(a):

> 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