Front suspension needs a lot of work

[durban86]

Well, I can't find where to post my technical question so I'm going to post it here (sorry to admins if i'm wrong in this), The explorer needed new brakes the private party I bought the explorer from gave me free bake pads (front and back) with the purchase. The mechanic i took it to to have it done said my front end is pretty bad, he said it needs new ball bearings, rotors, u joints, arm bushings, and possibly 2 new right arms... i bought the explorer for 1000$ and i am getting my other vehicle fixed but i've already fell in love with the Explorer and don't want to drive it into the ground. What kind of price would I be possibly paying by installing all of these components? ( mechanic never really gave a rough estimate)

 

[IZwack]

You know, since you said you "fell in love" with this Explorer, you might as well do all the work yourself -- the process will strengthen the relationship between you and the vehicle .

I dont know exactly what your mechanic meant by "two new right arms", but everything else on that list is doable at home with basic tools.

 

[Anime]

The mechanic probably meant it would COST two new right arms to do all that, which is just a little less than an arm and a leg.

I'd agree you're better off doing the work yourself. First gen Explorers are pretty easy to work on, especially regular maintenance items. Even if you don't have tools or equipment, you could buy a large mechanics tool set and special tools needed for the brakes, bearings, and u-joints, and even after buying all the new parts, it would probably still be much cheaper than paying to have the work done.

 

[ezeedee]

Tool Set

120 bucks, thats about 2 hours worth of labor at a cheap shop.

that + a few screw drivers and pliers is about the extent of my tools and i do everything myself on my explorer (i cant afford to pay someone else to do it haha) just take your time and buy a haynes or chilton.