fixing up my car!!

I'm 17 and I have a 92 Crown vic lx. I have had the car for about nine months. I am leaving home to go to college soon and i was wondering how difficult it would be to replace some of the parts on my car that are either worn out or broken. I would like to do most of the work myself if I can. I have several things that need replacing.


1. Rear Air Suspension
2. Shocks all around
3. headlamp switch
4. window regulator(rear passenger side)
5. Seals at both ends of the drive shaft
6. headlights(getting foggy)

I know how to do all of the basic stuff like changing oil, spark plugs, wires, belts etc... I can change parts like brakes, water pumps, and alternators too. I have helped my dad change the shocks on his truck once but I wasn't really paying attention :)

On a scale of one to ten where would you rate these on difficulty and experience needed. (1=air filter 10=engine rebuild)

Any advice would also be appreciated. Thanks

I'm 17 and I have a 92 Crown vic lx. I have had the car for about nine months. I am leaving home to go to college soon and i was wondering how difficult it would be to replace some of the parts on my car that are either worn out or broken. I would like to do most of the work myself if I can. I have several things that need replacing.


1. Rear Air Suspension - With car safely supported, a 5 (search on "air suspension" in this forum - suppliers for conversion kits and replacement parts in one post)
2. Shocks all around - 2 to 5 depending on how rusted bolts are
3. headlamp switch - 2 - simple procedure for removal in service manual
4. window regulator(rear passenger side) - 7 (search on this one - if your not comfortable with the procedure, live with it or pay someone.
5. Seals at both ends of the drive shaft - trans seal - 5, Pinion seal - Pay someone
6. headlights(getting foggy) 2 - try polishing or replace

I know how to do all of the basic stuff like changing oil, spark plugs, wires, belts etc... I can change parts like brakes, water pumps, and alternators too. I have helped my dad change the shocks on his truck once but I wasn't really paying attention :)

On a scale of one to ten where would you rate these on difficulty and experience needed. (1=air filter 10=engine rebuild)

Any advice would also be appreciated. Thanks
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thanks for the info.
How much will some of the work cost if i pay someone to do it. I am very limited on money right now and i need a rough estimate of how much i am going to need.

thanks for the info.
How much will some of the work cost if i pay someone to do it. I am very limited on money right now and i need a rough estimate of how much i am going to need.

I would suggest talking to family or friends and finding a local shop you trust to give you an estimate. I would live without the one window if your others are ok and the bad one is stuck in the up position. Window repairs can get pricey and you dont want to use junkyard parts as they are going to be old. The shocks - Sears is always reasonable on those. I would guess 150/175 for all 4 installed. The air suspension I really can't tell you as I don't know what is wrong. The strutmasters site lists them for 80 and the compressor for 145. Follow this link to another post on this forum which has links to several sites selling parts as well as coil springs to do away with the air bags completely. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=391432&highlight=air+suspension
The headlamp switch - call Napa or the dealer for a price on the part. Easy to change. The seals on the tranny and diff - Shouldn't be too bad from a local garage. The headlights - Meguairs makes some plastics polishes that might help if they arent too far gone. If they are check out www.headlights.com. They sell replacement assemblies.