got an 89 GT that needs work here is the list ( rear brakes, E-brakes cables,,fuel injection purge,rack&pinion,valve cover gaskets,oil pan gaskets, timing cover gaskets, frt struts,frt spings,rear shocks,frt wheel bearings repacked, sway bar links, trans output shaft seal,and molded heater hose) just curious as to what order I should start my repairs in, and how much I could do myself? This is my winter project so there is no rush on the work.
need some opinions
- Thread starter pnyinprgrs
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jammer84_03
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- Nov 30, 2003
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go ahead and do the 5 lug upgrade and get some new disk brakes all the way around. as for struts and shocks, i would do that and springs while you are doing the 5 lug. i got a set of koni red adjustibles rears i just picked up but im not going to use. pull the engine as well... with all the seals you have to do it would be easier. the hoses you can get from 5.0 resto for $30. if ya are intrested in the shocks email me at [email protected]
Do yourself a favor - make a Chilton Shop manual the next thing you purchase. It will save you lots of time and trouble. With a manual and the proper tools, there isn't anything on your list that is too difficult. Don't make the mistake of thinking a pair of pliers, hammer and screwdriver is all you need. You will need lots more tools than that for the work you described.
The rear brakes aren't hard to do, but I recommend that you have a shop manual and take some pictures before you take them all apart. The number of small parts and their location can be confusing. You will need some brake spring pliers, and a spring retainer tool to do the job.
The front springs are going to require a little effort and some extra care. Do a search and you will find some really good tech tips on removing and replacing them. The key thing is to restrain the spring while removing and installing so that it does not violently fly out and injure you.
When you get ready to remove the steering rack make another post. I have a tech note that hits the highlights and makes it easier.
Post any qestions about how to do a job and there is usually someone here that knows just how to do it.
The rear brakes aren't hard to do, but I recommend that you have a shop manual and take some pictures before you take them all apart. The number of small parts and their location can be confusing. You will need some brake spring pliers, and a spring retainer tool to do the job.
The front springs are going to require a little effort and some extra care. Do a search and you will find some really good tech tips on removing and replacing them. The key thing is to restrain the spring while removing and installing so that it does not violently fly out and injure you.
When you get ready to remove the steering rack make another post. I have a tech note that hits the highlights and makes it easier.
Post any qestions about how to do a job and there is usually someone here that knows just how to do it.
also forgot to put in what would be some good parts to put in don't want to replace the parts then upgrade later. Just seems like a waste of money. Good replacement shocks,struts, springs,brakes etc list is up top of what needs done to the car , so any input would be more than appreciated. Also on a tight budget so not sure as to what should be done first and foremost.
First you need to take Jrichker's advice and get a service manual. Next, you need to classify what the car needs to saftly be driven. I would say that the brakes are the most important on your list. A disc upgrade with 5 lug isn't small budget stuff.
I am not looking to do a 5 lug upgrade right now . I know I need new tires front and back and I don't want to replace the tires then later replace struts and stuff and find out I have to replace tires again cause the damaged shocks and struts and other accessories wrecked my tires. I was just curious if any one had any advice as to what order I should start doing repairs in and what some good parts are to replace them with. Bearing in mind this will be a process over the winter and such.
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