Front end rebuild - how much $ for labor?

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Russo

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Hey guys, I want to get the front end rebuilt on my 98 LSC to get rid of some clunking noises etc., and get an alignment afterwards. I would attempt to do this myself, but I will be driving the Mark from MD to CA next week, so I need to have this done soon, and reliable.
The new parts (MOOG) I have:
2 LCA's
2 UCA's
2 inner tie rod ends
2 outer tie rod ends
2 sway (stabilizer) bar links
2 strut rod bushing kits (one at frame, one at LCA's)


How much would it be reasonable to pay someone to install all this?
So far I have two offers, $450 and $700. Seeing such variance in price, I'm asking you all for advice.
Thanks!
 
I took me two days to do this myself, or one solid day of work. I was working on other projects at the same time so it took me longer. But if you plan on two partial days you will have PLENTY of time.

Looking back it was not that hard to do since EVERYTHING was coming out. Once can disconnect the LCA at sub-frame, the strut at top and then get out the upper control arms. The control rod can then just be slid out.

So each side comes out pretty much complete, then you can remove the knuckle and anything else you will re-use and assemble off-vehicle and slid the complete works right back in.

FYI, if you do it yourself the upper control arm bolts that hold onto the knuckle have to come out all the way. After beating mine to death I found out there is a groove they hold into n eh knuckle! oops!
 
Yeah its not a bad job, plus you have the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself and did it right. I gave up on trying to change the strut rod to frame bushes though - the big nuts were just too damned tight! Also, mark the positions of the LCA camber plates before you take them off and make note of the strut rod length (caster) if you do get to change the bushes. This will help keep the alignment in spec. I did this then waited a couple of weeks for the new parts to 'settle' before taking it in for a full alignment check and wheel balance.
 
come on guys,doesnt anyone have a price for him,he said he doesnt have the time to do it before his trip to CA.

i have no idea how much $ to tell you,if no one on here has had it done and cant tell you,than i would say call 2 or 3 more places and get prices,and go from there.
good luck
 
$400 to $700 is a chunk out of his trip.... and will take the same anount of time to do it if he did it himself is all we are saying.

It's going to cost him around $500 plus the cost of parts to get this done.
 
AS he alreay has the parts:

Four Wheel alignment is $69.95 at my stealership (closest alignment shop)
Labor for install of parts; 8 Hrs @ $55.00 / hr at local shop
 
Thanks for all the responses, guys.
Believe me, it's painful to give that much cash away for something I could most likely do as a weekend project. I just don't have enough time to do this before the cross-country drive. And I just don't feel comfortable driving 3000 on shot ball-joints and other worn crap.
 
Just be sure to have air tools if you decide to tackle it yourself...
 
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