Time it takes to replace front suspension?
One tip that helped when I did my leveling on my 08, was for the 3 nuts on top of the struts. That back one is a huge pain in the butt to get too from the wheel well. To much stuff in the way. But you can get to them from the engine compartment pretty easily if you have a long enough extension for your racket set.
The outboard nuts are pretty easy to get too.
The outboard nuts are pretty easy to get too.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 874
Likes: 53
From: Corpus Christi
I recently did an upper control arm and lower ball joint wich took me 3 hrs because I had to run to the store for a second ball joint press tool. The spacer combination with one just wouldn't work trying to install. It was either too big of a spacer or too small. I needed two of the medium sized spacers. As for strust, I recently did a driver's side caliper, front rotors, pads and struts and it took me 6 hrs. Just be careful compressing the spring. They are very dangerous. If it were to unload it could seriously injur or kill you. I went with monroe reflex and was very happy. I was able to pick both up for $100 because the guy at orielys charged me for the mount kit instead of the struts.
Also, if the shaft on the shock spins, which it probably will, then take a vise grip and a piece of rubber, I used an old bungee strap, to hold it in place. I couldn't get the vice to bite on the shaft so I clamp it on top of the bungee for grip. You could do it with two wrenches but it is a pain. Vice and ratchet made it a lot easier.
And for the three bolts on the top there is only one orientation they go in. Two in the front are closer together.
Take your time. It is not a fast job.
Last edited by bbrad1775; Jun 10, 2016 at 09:31 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 99
One tip: don't get the small ball joint kit from the parts store, get the master kit as it has more sized sleeves and will more likely have the one you need. I got mine from Advance. Without air tools, it may take you half a day if it's your first time. Air tools make the job much easier, especially with the ball joint press, but it can be all done with hand tools. Just do some research and make sure you have all the right socket and wrench sizes ahead of time. It sucks having to stop what you're doing to go pick up a socket you didn't have.
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 430
Likes: 55
Make sure you rent the Ball joint removal tool from Autozone or Oreily. Also head to harbor freight and pick up the 20 buck ball joint separator. If you have that stuff it will make life easier. get the neoprene encased. ball joints. That pickle fork deal works okay on the tie rods but you will beat forever on the upper and lower. LOL Yep take you about 4 to six hours if you have the tools.
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 430
Likes: 55
One tip: don't get the small ball joint kit from the parts store, get the master kit as it has more sized sleeves and will more likely have the one you need. I got mine from Advance. Without air tools, it may take you half a day if it's your first time. Air tools make the job much easier, especially with the ball joint press, but it can be all done with hand tools. Just do some research and make sure you have all the right socket and wrench sizes ahead of time. It sucks having to stop what you're doing to go pick up a socket you didn't have.
