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Topic: Time estimate for frontend parts (Read 732 times) previous topic - next topic

Time estimate for frontend parts

I'm trying to decide if I should have any problems replacing all my front suspension/steering in one day as that will affect whether I take a Friday (ideal) or next Tuesday (after memorial day) off in order to have a second day to get the car into an alignment shop. I figure if anything, it's an 8 hour job at most when using air tools but want your guys' opinions.

I will be installing a new rack and pinion, tie rod ends, springs, struts/mounts, TC spindles, 11" rotors, 73mm calipers, pads etc, swaybar bushings, other misc bushings and isolators up front, along with any other small things missing on this list (ss brake lines, drivers side adapter, ...). I am not touching the master cylinder or brake booster at this time. My control arms have like 10k miles so they're staying, along with its balljoints and rubber bushings. Brakes will be bled and a rough eyed-alignment will be done.

I figure with prepping and painting certain parts in the morning or previous evening, it should be in the area of 4-6 hours worth of work with the help of air tools to break the parts free. I have all the fluids, cleaner, etc that I would need for the install, along with renting the spring compressor. Any ideas on timeline? It is likely going to be done in a driveway so small annoyances with that fact slow things down slightly.

On another note, is there anything that people typically overlook and have to run out to buy when doing this type of work? My trunk and backseat are full of parts so I doubt I'm missing anything.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Time estimate for frontend parts

Reply #1 –
You can do it if you don't stay in bed all morning.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Time estimate for frontend parts

Reply #2 –
It's going to be mid-70's - I'll be out on the ground at 8AM. I figure if the steering rack takes 1-2 hours, the rest isn't much further off. Springs are easy, struts very easy, brakes and spindles pretty simple. I have no clue how the swaybar is mounted though...

The fact that they're non-stock brakes and I'm using sn95 struts are what make me fear the worst. I'll also be using my Moog inner tie rods rather than the ones that came on my new (NAPA) rack and pinion. Only a 5 minute task there though.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Time estimate for frontend parts

Reply #3 –
Jack the girl up as high as you can and go for it. You can get the rack connection easy if you get under and turn it the right way. You can do it.
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +

Time estimate for frontend parts

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Kitz Kat;273146
Jack the girl up as high as you can and go for it. You can get the rack connection easy if you get under and turn it the right way. You can do it.


I know it isn't hard - all the suspension/brakes/steering is quite basic on these cars and most. Couldn't get a steel brake fitting adapter so I had to go with NAPA's brass one. I'll have a second hand so everything should go quickly with one person on each side unbolting things with exception of a single impact gun. I just want to be sure I will have it done, including after running into snags and having to run to the store, in a day so I can get an alignment done on Saturday. Fridays are much quieter at work than the beginning of the week so taking a Friday off is ideal.
1988 Thunderbird Sport