Took my 1992 Z in for an allignment and found out i need 2 new lower ball joints and a centerlink.

all labor included they want me to pay $491

heres their brakedown

$78.70 for the 2 ball joints and $105 to install them
$116.86 for the centerlink and $97.50 to install
$3.50 for lube and $50 for the allignment.

this is something i usually do myself with my dads help. but since i moved i have it all to myself.

what should it cost me in parts alone? im not paying $200 in labor.

where should i get the parts from? autozone?

autozone parts will cost me between 75-100 depending on brand i choose.

 

Parts alone around $150 dollars, the center link is easy, however the ball joints are a royal PIA but can be done with patients. You will have to rent or but a ball joint press to do it. I would get moog parts from summit:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku


http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

 

The BJ prices are about right. Let them do that.

The center link you can do yourself. I'd suggest though, that you buy that, plus all 4 tie rod ends, plus the adjusting sleeves (which are a good thing to upgrade.... nice bang, very few $$$... check the board sponsors), plus the idler arm; take your old ones off as a complete assembly after marking the idler arm bracket on the frame so you can put the new one back on in EXACTLY the same spot (2 idler arm bolts, one Pitman arm nut, 2 tie rod to spindle nuts); lay the old stuff on the ground, and make the new stuff the same lengths; then drive it to the shop, let em give you a coupla BJs (well, give em to your car anyway), and align it.

 

just do a rack and pinion conversion and get it over with. lol

 

 

http://www.spohn.net/product.cfm?productid=1374

would that do it?

 

Si! But, I think you could find the same parts for less elsewhere. Just wouldn't be as convenient.
On a side note, when I do ball joints, I don't 'press' them in. I use a hammer and a small piece of 2x4. Hit the 2x4 to push the ball joint in to avoid damaging the ball joint. Never had any problems with them.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-...em140165201453

??? im not really worried about performance, just want it to be safe and like new again.

whats all involved with a rack and pinion conversion?

 

Use Moog parts. Can be bought at O'reillys, Autozone, etc. Or order online at www.rockauto.com. Use search for discount codes to Rockauto, 5% discount.Most auto parts have ball joint tool to rent or find local shop with press to remove and install ball joints. If you remove complete a-arm assy. be aware of how to lower it for spring removal.If not done properly,can be dangerous.Check search on this forum for removal procedure. By removing complete a-arm it gives you the opporturnity to replace a-arm bushings which on our cars tend to be old and worn. Cost me $40.00 to have all ball joints and bushings pressed in by a local auto repair.Forget rack and pinion. Cost too much.

 

If you buy the ball joints at Autozone, they will rent you the ball joint press for free. You have to leave a deposit, but it is refunded when the press is returned.

 

im just gettin autozone parts for now. i got the ball joints 19.99 each. and got the ball joint splitter. going back tomorrow to get the centerlink, and then the tie rod ends.

i gotta wait at least a hour inbetween eash purchase over $20 so i get my free $20. my way of saving money

when i can afford the better parts, ill get them, and put the autozone parts on my 1991 rs vert.

 

"$116.86 for the centerlink and $97.50 to install"
If by centelink are they talking about the middle tierod/draglink I got a moog draglink for $52 or $55 form advancedauto.
Fairly easy to install too you just need a tie rod seperator.