Again I appreciate all of the advice, pointers, and opinion. I hear Scott
and John loud and clear and I will certainly take that into account.

I am fairly certain (meaning that I admitedly have not closely inspected
everything) that replacing all the rubber on the front end is the right
thing to do in this case. Every bit of rubber I have looked at under there
is cracked, split, or torn to some degree. Some of the other items - well I
agree maybe I shouldn't be so hasty in replacing them. My, still novice,
thinking was that if I know some parts are shot chances are others aren't
far to follow - I'd be willing to bet I'm looking at all original 28 year
old parts under there and this vehicle (as far as I can tell) has lived
here in the midwest snow areas of Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan all it's
life. It was also rescued by the PO from a scrap yard (possibly days before
being crushed). However, my thinking has been flawed before and I can fully
entertain the idea that it is flawed here as well. I'll be sure to have my
friend take a look more closely before I order any parts.

Either way I'll be looking at some front end work soon and will finally
have a little money to throw into it. My driving experience as of late is
not quite as fun as it should be and I know that the new front tires I will
need to buy will thank me as well.

Thanks again - this list is really the greatest thing.

--
Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus