Do I need new Struts/Shocks?

[bethanyam]

I have a 98 voyager, 3.3L
It needs new tires and a front end alignment, this much I know.

I have A LOT of front end vibration and when going 30-40 the steering wheel jerks so much it's awful...and that's on the highway. The vibration goes away at about 60 mph. I have not noticed the nose dive when braking that I've read about on other sites, but can't honestly say that it is NOT happening. I haven't drove it at all this week since we saw the tires were bad, but I don't remember hearing any sounds out of the ordinary.

When we were "investigating" this we did find that the drivers side front tire has wire showing on the inside and does seem to have 3 small "knots" on it. I know this could cause some of the vibration, but could it have caused it all?

We jacked up each side to inspect the tie rods, struts, ect. to make sure there was no damage and we are really not sure what to look for, but the passenger side strut "moves" more than the drivers side. I'm not sure if they are supposed to move at all. (when i say move I mean if you grab the tire and shake it, this makes it move, but not like it's going to fall off). We didn't see any real damage or leaks.

But anyway...I know I don't have the money to have the struts replaced at a garage and still have money for tires...and if I drive the van I HAVE to have tires. I don't want to pay for the tires and alignment if I'm going to have to have this done and pay for another alignment afterwards.

So here are my questions...
1) Is there a absolute certain way to tell if the struts are bad or not? (I've heard that the "bounce" test is NOT accurate)

2) If they ARE bad can hubby and I replace them ourselves? We have always done work on our own cars, but neither of us have had any experience with struts/shocks.

3) If we can replace them which part do we need to buy? The only parts store we have is Advanced auto and they have 2 different ones. They look different and I assume the cheaper one is the lower part only. One is $210 (whole assembly and called a "quick-strut") and the other is $74 and is called a front suspension strut assembly.

4) If we replace them ourselves are there any special tools that we will have to rent/buy?

5) Do you have any tips and/or advice about the process of changing them?

Thank you for ANY and ALL help!!!!

[plymouthsrock]

Tires are probably the culprit.

Struts do not typically cause speed dependent vibrations (they may still be bad, though, causing the tires to wear). If there is a difference in movement ("play" or "free play") from right to left when shaking the wheel, it should be investigated.

[sixseas]

Most likely tire balancing at that speed on a flat surface. My guess if tires are properly inflated is a weight popped off one of the front tires.

[Alphabravo]

The vibration is most probably caused by the tire being out of balance, as stated above. Regarding the strut, is there any sign of oil leaking? Look inside the spring. If not, and there's no dipping or odd nioses your strut is probably OK.

Since you need an alignment and tires anyway, just get new tires and go have one done. The first thing they should do is inspect your steering and suspension and let you know if something is wrong before they do the actual alignment. Go to different places to make sure that they are not "taking you for a ride".

[bethanyam]

Thank you all. I did take it to a friend to have it checked out first yesterday, Then took it for the tires and alignment.

The guy did NOT do the alignment because he said that the inner tie rods were bad on both side. The tie rods were replaced less than 2 years ago by a garage that I paid cash and don't have "proof" that I got any work done. That's my fault for doing that....Never again. But anyway the shop gave me a coupon for the alignment for free when I do get the tie rods fixed. They have a deal when you buy 4 tires the alignment is free. So we are not going to be driving the van for a week or so till we can replace them and won't wear the tires.

One question though, I've heard that "moog" (i think) parts are the best. Are they worth the extra cost?

Thanks again for all of your help. I really appreciate it.
Bethany