2001 GC EX Front End rebuild

[migs_auto]

My 2001 Grand Caravan EX is lasting longer than I ever thought. 170,000 and the engine runs good/transmission shifts good. The front suspension, however, is wearing out. I have only replaced Tie rod ends, sway bar bushings (twice) and sway bar links. I also had the brakes done at about 80 K miles. I figure It needs :

1. New Brakes
2. New Struts plus the upper strut mounts

and while I had this much apart maybe,

3. Ball joints
4. Outer Drive shaft/CV joint
5. Lower control arm bushings
6. Wheel bearings

Followed by a nice Front end alignment (only thing I can't do)

I know I am looking at $1000 or so in parts so I do not take this lightly but the damn thing runs good, still looks pretty good inside and out, and is paid off.

My question to the forum is:

1. Is this even worth the trouble ? (kidding, kind of)
2. If I do this I was going to allocate 1 full weekend, 1 day for each side but what would be the best order to do the work? I was thinking:

Remove wheel, brakes, and rotor, hang the caliper with a wire. Take off Strut (with spring compressor), remove drive shaft, then ball joint. take off lower control arm and R & R bushings. Re install control arm, new ball joint, spindle, new wheel bearings, new drive shaft, and new struts. Then install new brakes and rotor. Pat myself on back for a good days work.

Since I have never done this before I realize my plan is overly simplified and probably full of holes and gotcha's. I will, of course, use my Chiltons book as much as I can but I would appreciate anyone who has replaced the drive shaft, strut, or ball joint on one of these to share your acquired wisdom and experience.

Thanks in advance.

migs

[hundahunta]

brakes- basic and easy
struts- fairly easy....if you install oem type struts, they are revised the new struts have holes slotted in the bottom bolt to adjust camber, you need to order camber bolts...unsure about aftermarket..
cv joint-easy, greasy, you need a cv boot clamp plier...maybe cheaper and easier to install a aftermarket reman axle...
lower control arm- you need to take it to a shop to press the ball joint and bushing...