shocks and struts

i am in need to new shocks and struts for my 96 grand am se. i have a few questions and thot you guys could help. i don't want to pay to have the dealership do it because as we all know that is quite expensive... so, how hard is it to install them yourself? i found some shocks and struts for $150 on an ebay store...? i would appreciate some input because i do not know too much about this area... thanks all.


~bud~ :screwy:

a haynes manual is your best friend, go pick one up.

Replacing rear shocks is a piece of cake...couple bolts on each and your done. For the struts, you'll need a strut spring compressor. Most auto parts stores will have these available for rent. There's more work to replacing the struts than the shocks. You have to remove the front wheels and remove the bolts that hold the wheel assembly to the struts. Not a big deal, but it will take longer than replacing the shocks.