Quote:
Originally Posted by geenowalker
Have a 05 v6 with 212K on her. Love her. Problem is that she will not pass inspection with the current shocks, struts, bushings and axles, and I am not a mechanic. What should I pay for replacement of the Upper and Lower control arms, and is there a brand that I can pick up that is good (NOT OFF ROADING) enough. Its the wife's car and is on the highway 90% of the time. Anything else while I there to replace? Do you guys think she is worth the investment? I love the ride.
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Why do you have to replace the upper and lower control arms, unless there actual damage has occurred to them? I am assuming that it is NOT the UCA's and LCA's that need replacing, but rather, the UCA and LCA bushings as well as upper and lower ball joints, correct? I am also assuming that if your Runner is not passing inspection for these items, that you are also having trouble getting the vehicle properly aligned. Please clarify, so that we can properly advise you.
Yes, if it were my Runner, I would replace UCA/LCA bushings ($160.00), ball joints ($80.00), sway bar bushings ($18.00), sway bar links ($36.00), shocks ($200.00), and even steering tie rods ($60.00), in an effort to keep my Runner in top form. However, I do all of my own installation because 1)I know that it is done CORRECTLY and 2)it's much less expensive. That being said, once you have replaced these items, you will be amazed at how much better your Runner handles. Honestly, I have no idea how much a mechanic will charge to install all of the parts that I just listed for you. The really difficult parts to install are the ball joints, shocks and, possibly the UCA/LCA bushings. The remainder are quite easy. Hope that helps.