99 C70: help assembling parts list for suspension work?

T1G3R · Post by **T1G3R** » 23 Jun 2014, 12:50

I had a shop diagnose some suspension issues with my C70. I have a list of repairs that need to be done. I'm sourcing my own parts for the job and want to be sure I get the right items to have the work done. Can someone help me get a comprehensive list of what I need to do these repairs? I'm worried about missing some of the small/miscellaneous items that might be important for this job.

The repairs called for are:
Front and rear shocks and struts
Front lower control arms
Front left inner tie rod end

In terms of miscellaneous additional parts, I know I need the mounts/mount plates for the shocks/struts. I will confirm that the control arms include bushings/ball joints. Are there particular fasteners and other things I should replace along with these larger components? Thanks so much!

Post by **matthew1** » 23 Jun 2014, 13:27

You can press the "easy button" on the front - http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/52250/S ... 102K10047/

That kit is both comprehensive and inexpensive. On the other hand you can go strictly OEM "blue box" from your local dealer. That would be expensive.

Look at iPDs offerings too. They've probably got the best phone support in the business if you want to call and talk to a human for piece of mind.

Then there are pre-compressed struts on Amazon that save you effort: Gabriel G57040 ReadyMount Complete Strut Assembly. Some users here have installed those... haven't heard anything negative about them. If you're having the work done this might not be applicable.

Any control arm will include bushings (assembled/pressed in) and ball joints unless you find a really oddball aftermarket arm.

Inner tie rod DIY topic has some brand discussion.

As you can see, there is no one correct answer to your questions. Best thing to do is review the posts here at MVS Forums and ask specifics in this thread.

Post by **kahl** » 23 Jun 2014, 13:53

I get my stuff from FCPGroton. Very knowledgeable folks. They offer different quality/price of components. review there website. it sounds like you are doing all the components.

Inner tie rod left and right each should have a boot
Outer tie rod left and right
control arm left and right has ball joint built in, comes with nut. Reuse bolts
Sway bar links you will need two
find a strut that meets your price/quality/ride many options for the struts
With struts you need spring seat, bearing plate and bump stop
Many options for rear shocks, usually the shock mounts are not worn, have yours inspected.

I replaced these parts on my BIL's 2000 C70 with 140K in May. No surprises. Box end wrench worked well for the control arm bolt, engine oil pan was close to the inside frame rail. This hampers the full removal of the bolts so I reused them. There is a frame brace that is held in by 10mm bolts, remove the rear bolts then slide brace out of the way. We went with OEM struts and shocks. Have car aligned when done.

T1G3R · Post by **T1G3R** » 23 Jun 2014, 14:18

Thanks for all the great answers. I've been planning on buying from FCP. I'm struggling to find the right inner tie rod end; the dealer won't give me part numbers, and the sites I've looked at have different ones based on the manufacturer of the steering rack and the number on the service plate. How can I find the right part number? Are there VIN lookup tools that might let me find out who made my steering rack? If not, how can I find the service plate?

Post by **kahl** » 23 Jun 2014, 14:40

There is a data plate in the engine compartment on the left fender by the battery. It not only contains your VIN but also other coded information. Copy the entire plate then give one of the parts suppliers a call. They should be able to decipher info from this plate to determine what rack you have.

T1G3R · Post by **T1G3R** » 23 Jun 2014, 15:17

kahl wrote:There is a data plate in the engine compartment on the left fender by the battery. It not only contains your VIN but also other coded information. Copy the entire plate then give one of the parts suppliers a call. They should be able to decipher info from this plate to determine what rack you have.

Great-- this was super helpful. On both FCP and eEuroparts they indicate which one based on the number on the plate. Thank you!

Last question, since you all have been extremely helpful: what would be a fair number of hours of labor for a shop to complete a replacement of both front struts/strut mounts and control arms, driver side inner/outer tie rod end, and rear shocks?

Post by **kahl** » 23 Jun 2014, 15:33

I would think 5 hours tops for a shop to get this work done. It took me 8 hours to do all this job. I was working on the ground with no air tools and a crappy spring compressor. I won't even whine about the old age slowness.

Post by **matthew1** » 23 Jun 2014, 16:16

You can get a good idea with the 850 shop time PDF.

T1G3R · Post by **T1G3R** » 23 Jun 2014, 18:15

kahl wrote:I would think 5 hours tops for a shop to get this work done. It took me 8 hours to do all this job. I was working on the ground with no air tools and a crappy spring compressor. I won't even whine about the old age slowness.

matthew1 wrote:You can get a good idea with the 850 shop time PDF.

Thank you so much to both of you. It looks like 5.5hrs according to the PDF, so kahl was close. That document is invaluable.