TGO

I dropped my 95 ZJ off at a local mechanic to get a professional opinion on why the truck is all over the road and "floaty." Especially when letting off the accelerator.

Got a call this morning and was told I could use shocks in the front (which i expected...but was surprised he didn't mention the rear because they look like they're shot to me), a steering damper, and most importantly all the lower control arms are shot. He said one is rusted so bad it's almost broken off.

He quoted me between $7-800 to replace the arms and bushings. ~$1300 to replace everything and do an alignment.

Now I understand there is labor involved in all of this...but the price just seems way to high. Searching through this site it doesn't sound like there's more than an afternoons work involved in the swap, and pricing things online it looks like new shocks and control arms (with bushings) are ~$40 a pop. So if I can source all the parts to replace ALL the control arms and ALL the shocks for ~$500, it seems silly to pay $1300 unless it's a real pain in the butt to do.

this is where i priced all the parts from:

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-su...herokee-zj.htm

so should i offer to pay the man for his time spent and tackle this myself or am i getting in over my head? i'm no mechanical genius, but i've swapped suspensions on 2 of my cars and 1 for a friend so far. I think i can handle it.

any input is appreciated, thanks!

Bustedback

Super easy, two bolts per arm. Do one side at a time and you don't even have to use a jack.

country_boy454

x2. Couldn't agree more!

Bustedback

Just make sure you mark the cam adjuster at the axle end of the arm and install it in the same position.

jeffl

I used used cherokee lower arms they have solid rubber bushings. Just my 2 cents.

TGO

well i might as well replace the shocks while i'm down there. so i will have to jack the car up for that anyway right? lol

you are obviously very knowledgeable, so any tips/tricks you have for me on this endeavor - i'm all ears!

duly noted, thanks.

EDIT: i can't believe they're looking for $800 worth of labor. if the guy would have told me 7-800 for everything i'd have told him to go ahead..

TGO

I ordered everything today. 4 new shocks and new lower and upper control arms.

I know I can do the lowers with the truck on the ground. What about the uppers and the shocks? I can't find any how to's to speak of online, but it seems the uppers require the truck to be jacked up and support the axle with a jack? the shocks i can't find anywhere that specifically states the truck should be in the air, but, it seems like it'd be easier with it jacked up and the wheels off anyway.

Irongrave

for the shocks just get it high enough to take the wheel off so you have room to work thats all you need. its a very simple process. just soak the hell out of your bolts with PB blaster or Aero Kroil before you go to take them apart.

Bustedback

The uppers are a little trickey to get the bolts in sometimes, but not very hard at all. Taking the wheels off up front will help getting to the shocks, the rear wheels can stay on. The rear shocks will be the easiest shocks you will ever replace.

TGO

thanks guys