I'd say it depends on what parts are actually worn,
and what your money and energy budget is,
and factor in that in some cases newly acquired parts may not be made to
the same very high standards and quality as  the original were.

so 'it depends'.
on numerous factors.
I'd say ...replace what is obviously wornout or tired..
keep other good things in service .. a good 'balance.'

Counting all wear parts ..there are at least 30 wear items in the front
end of a syncro ..
about half of them are likely getting fairly tired at 187 K.

the very best cycle is ..
park it where it can stay in one place while it's apart.
Do a very through inspection including dissembly ..
chase down the parts you need, in high quality,
put it back together carefully.

in all cases 'the real work' starts when things get 'looked' at and
inspected.
Some parts you can't really tell about until it's apartanyway.

Personally I don't think to automatically 'do everything' is the best way.
Scott

On 9/27/2013 9:18 AM, Mark McCulley wrote:
> With 187K on my '87 syncro I figure it's about time to begin replacing the
> wear items on the front suspension. I've never worked on this part of the
> van before and would like some advice on what exactly I should consider
> replacing? Ball joints (upper and lower or just upper?), tie rod ends?,
> bushings?
>
> Thx,
> Mark
> Seattle WA
>