Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
I just ordered new parts for my 1985 300D from Gary. He is very helpful in making sure I get the right part and the right quality of the part. I just recieved new Lemforder Tie Rod Assemblies, a drag link and a Bilstien steering shock. I communicate with him and place my orders via email. His service and shipping are always top notch. Mike Michael E. Esh me...@horizonenv.com michael...@mac.com http://www.yugster.com/invite/138123 (C) 231.286.2344 On Jul 23, 2014, at 01:27 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: Ordering them from our Emperor of Parts, I assume? After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors and sorting out part numbers, right? It's important that you pay it back, so to speak. At least it's the right thing to do, of course. Dan Sent from my iPad On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: FYI - In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing it myself... Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's Bushings: *RR LCAs -* Labor - RR LCAs $240 (LR) Parts - 2 LCA's Bolts- $194 ea = $402 Total = *$642* *RR BJs, Bushings Bolts:* Labor = $300 (LR) parts = $230 Total = *$530.* so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware. I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great getting your help! LarryT ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
That's great, Mike! I was chiding Larry because I know all too well that people will often ask trusted resources like Gary for information and then go off and find the items they're looking for elsewhere. As a former owner and employee of a service and parts business, I was often quite taken aback when people would do this. If someone comes to me to ask questions of me as a subject matter expert only to take that information and use it to patronize another supplier I would not help them again. Some might consider this not a nice thing to do, but for those who would, think about this the next time you do it: I spent years of my time and thousands of dollars to acquire the knowledge I have in specific areas. If I choose to share that information, I should receive something in kind in exchange. That might be shared knowledge of another discipline or even something tangible in some cases. It might be shared with the expectation of return business, for example. When I share that knowledge with someone and they use it elsewhere when I could potentially benefit from it, and they know this, I view it as stealing. Maybe that's harsh, and I would agree that it is to some extent. However, when someone does this they're affecting my livelihood. When I find a supplier or business who values me as a customer and willingly assists me, I'll honor that commitment by patronizing their establishment. Gary is a good example of this. My local MB dealer is the same way. Both of them will tell me if they think I can get a part elsewhere for less, for example. As a result of this, I have no problem paying what might be a slightly higher price for the right part. Gary will regularly tell me about a part that I can get from the dealer at the same aggregate price he could sell it to me. Brake discs are a good example of this. My local dealer will do the same. stepping off soapbox Sorry for the rant, and this is not a defense of Gary specifically. Because I have experienced similar situations in my former business life I'm really sensitive about it. When you're one of the people responsible for the well being of your livelihood and that of your employees, you get defensive about anything that takes money out of your pockets Dan Sent from my iPad On Jul 24, 2014, at 8:12 AM, Mike Esh michael...@mac.com wrote: I just ordered new parts for my 1985 300D from Gary. He is very helpful in making sure I get the right part and the right quality of the part. I just recieved new Lemforder Tie Rod Assemblies, a drag link and a Bilstien steering shock. I communicate with him and place my orders via email. His service and shipping are always top notch. Mike Michael E. Esh me...@horizonenv.com michael...@mac.com http://www.yugster.com/invite/138123 (C) 231.286.2344 On Jul 23, 2014, at 01:27 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: Ordering them from our Emperor of Parts, I assume? After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors and sorting out part numbers, right? It's important that you pay it back, so to speak. At least it's the right thing to do, of course. Dan Sent from my iPad On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: FYI - In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing it myself... Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's Bushings: *RR LCAs -* Labor - RR LCAs $240 (LR) Parts - 2 LCA's Bolts- $194 ea = $402 Total = *$642* *RR BJs, Bushings Bolts:* Labor = $300 (LR) parts = $230 Total = *$530.* so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware. I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great getting your help! LarryT ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
Amen, Dan. ATTABOY. Wilton - Original Message - From: Dan Penoff via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com To: Mercedes List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2014 8:54 AM Subject: Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison That's great, Mike! I was chiding Larry because I know all too well that people will often ask trusted resources like Gary for information and then go off and find the items they're looking for elsewhere. As a former owner and employee of a service and parts business, I was often quite taken aback when people would do this. If someone comes to me to ask questions of me as a subject matter expert only to take that information and use it to patronize another supplier I would not help them again. Some might consider this not a nice thing to do, but for those who would, think about this the next time you do it: I spent years of my time and thousands of dollars to acquire the knowledge I have in specific areas. If I choose to share that information, I should receive something in kind in exchange. That might be shared knowledge of another discipline or even something tangible in some cases. It might be shared with the expectation of return business, for example. When I share that knowledge with someone and they use it elsewhere when I could potentially benefit from it, and they know this, I view it as stealing. Maybe that's harsh, and I would agree that it is to some extent. However, when someone does this they're affecting my livelihood. When I find a supplier or business who values me as a customer and willingly assists me, I'll honor that commitment by patronizing their establishment. Gary is a good example of this. My local MB dealer is the same way. Both of them will tell me if they think I can get a part elsewhere for less, for example. As a result of this, I have no problem paying what might be a slightly higher price for the right part. Gary will regularly tell me about a part that I can get from the dealer at the same aggregate price he could sell it to me. Brake discs are a good example of this. My local dealer will do the same. stepping off soapbox Sorry for the rant, and this is not a defense of Gary specifically. Because I have experienced similar situations in my former business life I'm really sensitive about it. When you're one of the people responsible for the well being of your livelihood and that of your employees, you get defensive about anything that takes money out of your pockets Dan Sent from my iPad On Jul 24, 2014, at 8:12 AM, Mike Esh michael...@mac.com wrote: I just ordered new parts for my 1985 300D from Gary. He is very helpful in making sure I get the right part and the right quality of the part. I just recieved new Lemforder Tie Rod Assemblies, a drag link and a Bilstien steering shock. I communicate with him and place my orders via email. His service and shipping are always top notch. Mike Michael E. Esh me...@horizonenv.com michael...@mac.com http://www.yugster.com/invite/138123 (C) 231.286.2344 On Jul 23, 2014, at 01:27 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: Ordering them from our Emperor of Parts, I assume? After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors and sorting out part numbers, right? It's important that you pay it back, so to speak. At least it's the right thing to do, of course. Dan Sent from my iPad On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: FYI - In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing it myself... Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's Bushings: *RR LCAs -* Labor - RR LCAs $240 (LR) Parts - 2 LCA's Bolts- $194 ea = $402 Total = *$642* *RR BJs, Bushings Bolts:* Labor = $300 (LR) parts = $230 Total = *$530.* so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware. I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great getting your help! LarryT ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
Well said Dan, right on. On Jul 24, 2014 8:55 AM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: That's great, Mike! I was chiding Larry because I know all too well that people will often ask trusted resources like Gary for information and then go off and find the items they're looking for elsewhere. As a former owner and employee of a service and parts business, I was often quite taken aback when people would do this. If someone comes to me to ask questions of me as a subject matter expert only to take that information and use it to patronize another supplier I would not help them again. Some might consider this not a nice thing to do, but for those who would, think about this the next time you do it: I spent years of my time and thousands of dollars to acquire the knowledge I have in specific areas. If I choose to share that information, I should receive something in kind in exchange. That might be shared knowledge of another discipline or even something tangible in some cases. It might be shared with the expectation of return business, for example. When I share that knowledge with someone and they use it elsewhere when I could potentially benefit from it, and they know this, I view it as stealing. Maybe that's harsh, and I would agree that it is to some extent. However, when someone does this they're affecting my livelihood. When I find a supplier or business who values me as a customer and willingly assists me, I'll honor that commitment by patronizing their establishment. Gary is a good example of this. My local MB dealer is the same way. Both of them will tell me if they think I can get a part elsewhere for less, for example. As a result of this, I have no problem paying what might be a slightly higher price for the right part. Gary will regularly tell me about a part that I can get from the dealer at the same aggregate price he could sell it to me. Brake discs are a good example of this. My local dealer will do the same. stepping off soapbox Sorry for the rant, and this is not a defense of Gary specifically. Because I have experienced similar situations in my former business life I'm really sensitive about it. When you're one of the people responsible for the well being of your livelihood and that of your employees, you get defensive about anything that takes money out of your pockets Dan Sent from my iPad On Jul 24, 2014, at 8:12 AM, Mike Esh michael...@mac.com wrote: I just ordered new parts for my 1985 300D from Gary. He is very helpful in making sure I get the right part and the right quality of the part. I just recieved new Lemforder Tie Rod Assemblies, a drag link and a Bilstien steering shock. I communicate with him and place my orders via email. His service and shipping are always top notch. Mike Michael E. Esh me...@horizonenv.com michael...@mac.com http://www.yugster.com/invite/138123 (C) 231.286.2344 On Jul 23, 2014, at 01:27 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: Ordering them from our Emperor of Parts, I assume? After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors and sorting out part numbers, right? It's important that you pay it back, so to speak. At least it's the right thing to do, of course. Dan Sent from my iPad On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: FYI - In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing it myself... Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's Bushings: *RR LCAs -* Labor - RR LCAs $240 (LR) Parts - 2 LCA's Bolts- $194 ea = $402 Total = *$642* *RR BJs, Bushings Bolts:* Labor = $300 (LR) parts = $230 Total = *$530.* so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware. I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great getting your help! LarryT ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
He also sells Bilsteins --R On 7/24/14 8:54 AM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes wrote: That's great, Mike! I was chiding Larry because I know all too well that people will often ask trusted resources like Gary for information and then go off and find the items they're looking for elsewhere. As a former owner and employee of a service and parts business, I was often quite taken aback when people would do this. If someone comes to me to ask questions of me as a subject matter expert only to take that information and use it to patronize another supplier I would not help them again. Some might consider this not a nice thing to do, but for those who would, think about this the next time you do it: I spent years of my time and thousands of dollars to acquire the knowledge I have in specific areas. If I choose to share that information, I should receive something in kind in exchange. That might be shared knowledge of another discipline or even something tangible in some cases. It might be shared with the expectation of return business, for example. When I share that knowledge with someone and they use it elsewhere when I could potentially benefit from it, and they know this, I view it as stealing. Maybe that's harsh, and I would agree that it is to some extent. However, when someone does this they're affecting my livelihood. When I find a supplier or business who values me as a customer and willingly assists me, I'll honor that commitment by patronizing their establishment. Gary is a good example of this. My local MB dealer is the same way. Both of them will tell me if they think I can get a part elsewhere for less, for example. As a result of this, I have no problem paying what might be a slightly higher price for the right part. Gary will regularly tell me about a part that I can get from the dealer at the same aggregate price he could sell it to me. Brake discs are a good example of this. My local dealer will do the same. stepping off soapbox Sorry for the rant, and this is not a defense of Gary specifically. Because I have experienced similar situations in my former business life I'm really sensitive about it. When you're one of the people responsible for the well being of your livelihood and that of your employees, you get defensive about anything that takes money out of your pockets Dan Sent from my iPad On Jul 24, 2014, at 8:12 AM, Mike Esh michael...@mac.com wrote: I just ordered new parts for my 1985 300D from Gary. He is very helpful in making sure I get the right part and the right quality of the part. I just recieved new Lemforder Tie Rod Assemblies, a drag link and a Bilstien steering shock. I communicate with him and place my orders via email. His service and shipping are always top notch. Mike Michael E. Esh me...@horizonenv.com michael...@mac.com http://www.yugster.com/invite/138123 (C) 231.286.2344 On Jul 23, 2014, at 01:27 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: Ordering them from our Emperor of Parts, I assume? After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors and sorting out part numbers, right? It's important that you pay it back, so to speak. At least it's the right thing to do, of course. Dan Sent from my iPad On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: FYI - In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing it myself... Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's Bushings: *RR LCAs -* Labor - RR LCAs $240 (LR) Parts - 2 LCA's Bolts- $194 ea = $402 Total = *$642* *RR BJs, Bushings Bolts:* Labor = $300 (LR) parts = $230 Total = *$530.* so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware. I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great getting your help! LarryT ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
while selling it would certainly be the easier path, when I consider the rest of the stuff I've done recently and the overall condition of the car makes me think this is the right way forward.A recent oil analysis shows the engine to be perfect so keeping it is a good direction to move in. Of course, that doesn't mean I will be able to continue to convince my wife that new cars are evil and must be avoided ;-) She's starting to catch on. but yeah, i see what you mean. Then again, when i consider spending $530 once Vs spending $300 or $400 per month (or more) every month I lose interest. LarryT On 7/23/2014 12:18 PM, Dwight Giles wrote: I would wonder the opposite if 112 extra was cheap to have it all done at once since it seems you plan to keep the car. My 2 cents. On Jul 23, 2014 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com mailto:mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: FYI - In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing it myself... Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's Bushings: *RR LCAs -* Labor - RR LCAs $240 (LR) Parts - 2 LCA's Bolts- $194 ea = $402 Total = *$642* *RR BJs, Bushings Bolts:* Labor = $300 (LR) parts = $230 Total = *$530.* so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware. I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great getting your help! LarryT ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
That's the result of a double check - I stopped back by the shop yesterday to confirm I had the numbers right. It's a great little shop BTW -- they did a 4 wheel alignment on my 911 for ~$65 when other shops get twice that or more. Larry On 7/23/2014 1:25 PM, Meade Dillon wrote: Double check your labor quotes, doesn't make sense that there is only one extra hour required (assuming $60 per hour) to remove/install four bushings and two ball joints. Max Dillon, Charleston SC ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
I thought the whole LCAs should be easier also -- that's why i checked it twice.They said popping the BJs and bushings out was never as easy as they hoped. I dunno -- somewhere around here i have shop labor rates -- I'll see what it says Larry On 7/23/2014 10:04 PM, Peter Frederick via Mercedes wrote: Lower control arms come with new bushings and new ball joints, so it's just a swap complete. Have to do a front end alignment in either case if you replace the bushings, ball joints usually not. Labor is about the same, it only take a couple minutes to pop the bushings and ball joints in and out with the control arm out of the car. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
OK, I guess one hour would be a fair time, if you had all the proper special MB tools and presses and access to whatever saw or torch or hydraulic press you might need, and all were set-up and ready to go, just carry the LCA and parts over and go to town. Sounds like a great shop, letting you bring your own parts and that labor rate is really low. Let us know how it turns out! -Max On Thu, Jul 24, 2014 at 3:22 PM, LarryT l02tur...@comcast.net wrote: That's the result of a double check - I stopped back by the shop yesterday to confirm I had the numbers right. It's a great little shop BTW -- they did a 4 wheel alignment on my 911 for ~$65 when other shops get twice that or more. Larry On 7/23/2014 1:25 PM, Meade Dillon wrote: Double check your labor quotes, doesn't make sense that there is only one extra hour required (assuming $60 per hour) to remove/install four bushings and two ball joints. Max Dillon, Charleston SC ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
Yes, if it all goes well, no problem to do it quickly. BUT when working with old parts that have been under there for a while and have suffered the abuse that comes with the job, they can sometimes be difficult to take apart. I suppose the shops use big impact guns and heat etc but I don't have a rattle gun that will do that sort of thing and am reluctant to use a lot of heat in some areas. I remember popping a ball joint out of the lower control arm on a 1998 Ford F150. I had all of thebig C clamp type press parts assembled on the vehicle and my longest breaker bar on it and was pulling for all I was worth with no success. I looked around my garage and found a 4 foot length of pipe and slipped that on the end and still pulled for all I was worth until it popped. I wondered if the breaker bar was going to give up but it did not. Putting the new one back in was no problem. Randy On 24/07/2014 2:58 PM, Meade Dillon via Mercedes wrote: OK, I guess one hour would be a fair time, if you had all the proper special MB tools and presses and access to whatever saw or torch or hydraulic press you might need, and all were set-up and ready to go, just carry the LCA and parts over and go to town. Sounds like a great shop, letting you bring your own parts and that labor rate is really low. Let us know how it turns out! -Max ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
I've broken Break Bars doing similar jobs! it's a really sickening feeling when something pops and you see the breaker bar is missing it's end! BTW, Ford always likes to advertise how strong the I Beam front suspension is on their F Series trucks! Sounds like they are put together to stay together... ;-) Larry On 7/24/2014 5:05 PM, Randy Bennell via Mercedes wrote: Yes, if it all goes well, no problem to do it quickly. BUT when working with old parts that have been under there for a while and have suffered the abuse that comes with the job, they can sometimes be difficult to take apart. I suppose the shops use big impact guns and heat etc but I don't have a rattle gun that will do that sort of thing and am reluctant to use a lot of heat in some areas. I remember popping a ball joint out of the lower control arm on a 1998 Ford F150. I had all of thebig C clamp type press parts assembled on the vehicle and my longest breaker bar on it and was pulling for all I was worth with no success. I looked around my garage and found a 4 foot length of pipe and slipped that on the end and still pulled for all I was worth until it popped. I wondered if the breaker bar was going to give up but it did not. Putting the new one back in was no problem. Randy On 24/07/2014 2:58 PM, Meade Dillon via Mercedes wrote: OK, I guess one hour would be a fair time, if you had all the proper special MB tools and presses and access to whatever saw or torch or hydraulic press you might need, and all were set-up and ready to go, just carry the LCA and parts over and go to town. Sounds like a great shop, letting you bring your own parts and that labor rate is really low. Let us know how it turns out! -Max ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
Yes, it is nice to not have the piece of broken breaker bar sticking out of a hole in your arm etc. I think the I Beam suspension is a thing of the past. My father had a '68 that had the Twin I Beam front end. Never had any issues with it thankfully as I think the only way to adjust if the tires wore poorly was to chain it down and then bend the I Beam with a jack. My father's last truck was an '81 and I think it may still have had the I Beam setup but cannot recall for sure. Not sure when it disappeared. Both my '98 and my '02 had torsion bar suspensions. My '13 has struts. Randy On 24/07/2014 4:29 PM, LarryT via Mercedes wrote: I've broken Break Bars doing similar jobs! it's a really sickening feeling when something pops and you see the breaker bar is missing it's end! BTW, Ford always likes to advertise how strong the I Beam front suspension is on their F Series trucks! Sounds like they are put together to stay together... ;-) Larry ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
I'm a big fan of torsion bar suspensions -- ultimate simplicity and they basically never wear out - at least not the bar itself. IMO the big watershed even with F150s was in 87 when they finally went to fuel injection. Take care - Larry On 7/24/2014 5:37 PM, Randy Bennell wrote: Yes, it is nice to not have the piece of broken breaker bar sticking out of a hole in your arm etc. I think the I Beam suspension is a thing of the past. My father had a '68 that had the Twin I Beam front end. Never had any issues with it thankfully as I think the only way to adjust if the tires wore poorly was to chain it down and then bend the I Beam with a jack. My father's last truck was an '81 and I think it may still have had the I Beam setup but cannot recall for sure. Not sure when it disappeared. Both my '98 and my '02 had torsion bar suspensions. My '13 has struts. Randy On 24/07/2014 4:29 PM, LarryT via Mercedes wrote: I've broken Break Bars doing similar jobs! it's a really sickening feeling when something pops and you see the breaker bar is missing it's end! BTW, Ford always likes to advertise how strong the I Beam front suspension is on their F Series trucks! Sounds like they are put together to stay together... ;-) Larry ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
I would wonder the opposite if 112 extra was cheap to have it all done at once since it seems you plan to keep the car. My 2 cents. On Jul 23, 2014 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: FYI - In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing it myself... Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's Bushings: *RR LCAs -* Labor - RR LCAs $240 (LR) Parts - 2 LCA's Bolts- $194 ea = $402 Total = *$642* *RR BJs, Bushings Bolts:* Labor = $300 (LR) parts = $230 Total = *$530.* so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware. I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great getting your help! LarryT ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
Double check your labor quotes, doesn't make sense that there is only one extra hour required (assuming $60 per hour) to remove/install four bushings and two ball joints. Max Dillon, Charleston SC ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
Ordering them from our Emperor of Parts, I assume? After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors and sorting out part numbers, right? It's important that you pay it back, so to speak. At least it's the right thing to do, of course. Dan Sent from my iPad On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes mercedes@okiebenz.com wrote: FYI - In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing it myself... Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's Bushings: *RR LCAs -* Labor - RR LCAs $240 (LR) Parts - 2 LCA's Bolts- $194 ea = $402 Total = *$642* *RR BJs, Bushings Bolts:* Labor = $300 (LR) parts = $230 Total = *$530.* so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware. I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great getting your help! LarryT ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison
Lower control arms come with new bushings and new ball joints, so it's just a swap complete. Have to do a front end alignment in either case if you replace the bushings, ball joints usually not. Labor is about the same, it only take a couple minutes to pop the bushings and ball joints in and out with the control arm out of the car. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
