Major front end rework on 04 century.

[Formathe]

I need to rebuilt the front end including two strut/coil units. Sway bar and at least one tie rod end. My question is, (1) do I do the struts first then the sway bar? (2) do the sway bar with the struts off. (3) do the sway bar, then do the struts. I'm old school wrench so my old habits do not work well on newer cars. my son is a marine/car wrench and is gonna help.
Part two, Several people say if the secondary frame is rotten, just walk away from the job and sell for parts. Anyone/everyone agree?

[Tech II]

Really makes no difference, whether you do struts, or sway bar first....

Not sure what you mean by secondary frame.....

What about the rest of the underbody?

Fuel lines? Gas tank? Brake lines? Rear suspension?

[Formathe]

The secondary framework I guess is also called the sub frame. When the weather clears a bit here we will be doing a complete underbody inspection before final decisions are made. We really want to keep the car one more year. after that it's a new truck and RV trailer and travel the country. Just one more year. http://staticaf.com/vbulletin/images/smilies/smile.gif

[temperingloser]

Make sure to check the sub frame mounts. Over time they may break due to rusting or dry rot to the rubber mounts. I had to replace them all on a 96 park avenue because the bolts kept snapping.

[Formathe]

Because some designer put a sway bar saddle clamp bolt in an unreachable place on the drivers side I need to drop the back half of the engine/tranny support subframe. I'll check them then. Fortunately the sub frame is easily accessible as long as the bolts don't snap.

[Formathe]

Well the job went well. Only had to drop the sub frame bolt under the drivers side about 1 1/2 inches to get the one poorly placed bolt out and the sway bar went in on the second try. Shocks/struts were easy peasy. Thanks to all help in suggestions and the you tube stuff out there.