Monkey of Death

Hey all!
Getting ready to replace the front struts on my '85 GSL-SE, and do all the suspension bushings while I'm at it. I have the struts, boots and mounts (KYB) and got the Energy Suspension kit that has all the bushings. Then I started reading the posts about what it takes to do the struts, and reading the FSM about the bushings and am feeling a bit overwhelmed (ok, a lot overwhelmed). I am NOT a mechanic, although I feel reasonably capable (I swapped out a bad injector last week and was pretty pleased with myself, to be honest). Do you all feel that this is a doable job for someone with limited experience? Or would it be better to take it to a shop? And would you trust a local shop?

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

welcome to the board.

look through this thread: https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...s-pics-554914/

see if you feel up to the task. if you do, then go for it. there are many people here that are willing to help get you through it.

if you don't feel up to it, then check out the Regional Forum for your state and see if you can locate any trusted shops that you could take it to or a fellow member that might be willing to do it for/with you.

Monkey of Death

Thanks for the reply!
The thread you linked was the one I read that made me rethink doing this myself!
I will definitely check out the regional forums, though. Would be great to find someone nearby that others have used and trust.

Kizmit99

While I'm all for doing it yourself - if you decide to go that way, be sure you do it with your eyes open to the possibility you will need (at least access to) some tools you may not have. For example, an impact wrench and spring compressors.
Also, if you are anything like me, once you start tearing it down to replace the bushings you may decide that everything needs to be cleaned (and painted) before going back on. Also consider the condition of your front brakes, you will have to remove them to replace the struts and again, once off you may decide they need rebuilding before going back on...

I think it's a totally doable job, and with lots of helpful posts on this forum it becomes a process of just following the steps, but I don't think it's a small job to begin with and can turn into a much larger job if you let it. Just be aware before you start digging into it. Best of luck!

Monkey of Death

Oh, can I relate to that! Project 'snowballing' is bad enough on the house, it's even worse with the car. Was replacing the radio, discovered the inner shift boot was torn and I should fix that "while I'm here"... Before I knew it, I had half of the interior out of the car! I'm definitely someone who falls victim to the "I might as well do this too, since I'm this far in" thinking.
Don't have an impact wrench, and a friend has spring compressors but he's not sure they're up to the task. More to think about... Thanks!!