Rear struts need replaced badly and have for quite some time now. Was wondering if those Gabriel Ready-Struts from Autozone are easy to install for a n00b mechanic? I have a friend who offered to do them, but it comes down to "when" he can do them, which could be some time from now. I would supply him with the regular struts, $41 each and give $100 tip though he doesn't expect anything nor ever does. Or, is it worth the $120 each to do it myself and have it done, if those Ready-Struts are easy enough?

Also, both my tie rod ends in the front are bad, those simple enough for a starter noob?

Tie rod ends are probably going to fight you because of rust. Get some penetrating oil on the lock nuts and threaded sleeves several days before you intend to replace them. Apply more penetrating oil every day to keep them wet. Even with that help, you may need to heat the nuts and sleeves to break them loose.

When assembling the new parts, anti-seize compound is your friend.

As for the struts, I know the '95-later units are fairly easy, but am not certain about the earlier bodies.

Thanks for the tips on the tie rod ends. As for the struts, I looked up the parts on a 95 vs. my 94. It looks like the 95's have a coil. My car doesnt have rear coils. My buddy reffered to it as a Leaf Spring? Im assuming this makes it a little easier even yet as I wouldn't need a compressor? My only worry is the serrated nut/bolt that is probably nicely fused with the car over all of this time together.

Looking at probably attacking this project over the weekend as well as researching more info on those Rust Converters for the rear wheel wells and sides of my car... anyone have any experience with whether those work or not?

-Ryek

'94's are pretty simple also.