To attempt or not to attempt.

[dntchke]

Hey I have a bit of an issue. My 89 is in need of new shocks and struts. Im not a mechanic but am more than a simple novice in fixing my own wheels, but i have no idea what is what when it comes to suspension. so my question is. are the shocks and struts a task that can be attempted on my own or should i really bite the bullet here and go pay merlin or something. oh and if its not neccessary to take it in what kind of special tools and parts should i be aware of ahead of time. Thanks guys

[richtazz]

Your car uses cartridges on the front, and regular struts on the rear. The front strut cartridges are pretty simple to do, as they can be done without removing the entire assembly from the car or disturbing the spring. There is a special tool needed to remove the collar that holds the cartridge in the lower half, but it's not real expensive, and is also available in the Auto-Zone/Advance Auto free tool loan program if you have one of those stores in your area. The rears are also fairly simple, as this car has a single leaf spring in the rear, not coils springs on the strut like most cars have. Do yourself a favor on the rear, and buy the complete rear strut assembly that comes with the mount, boot, jounce bumper all in one unit. If you try to go cheap on the rear and only replace the strut, you'll regret it. Lastly, after doing all this, you'll need an alignment, as these cars are a 4-wheel alignment design and changing the rear struts will throw it off.

[dntchke]

Many thanks bud. Ill change the whole assembly on the back if you suggest no need to be that cheap with out wheels might have to walk.