suloh

I have a 92 LS 400. I am planning and budgeting to replace the Lower Control Arm bushing with Daizen bushings. I have been quoted about $400 labor for the job and the part is $100.

Since I am paying the labor to do the LCA, what other part should I change at the same time so that I can save on labor.

Shocks? Anything else. I am not familiar with the suspension parts that need to be removed to do the LCA.

Bushings and even shocks are relatively inexpensive parts which I can order before hand and get the mechanic to put in for me, while he does the LA bushings.

Thanks

RA40

iTrader: (6)

That seems a bit high IMO.

With the LCA being out, I'd consider the following:
Lower ball joints
Tie rod ends
Strut bar bushings or whole strut bar. (The UCF 1X is different than the UCF 2X so have your mechanic inspect.)
You'll need an alignmet anyhow.

I paid ~$250 in labor to have tie rods ends, lower ball joints and an alignment. A bit back, strut bars with alignment was about $200 labor.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

that seems way too high for no more than a hours work

LexLS

It's WAY more than 1 hours worth of work!!! And 400 for the job doesn't seem too bad. However, if you're going with the Daizen bushings then why not have them install the rest of the kit (UCA's)? It's a good time to replace just about any front suspension components if needed. Basically, most of the front suspension has to be disassembled to replace the LCA's.

Check out what's really involved in my tutorial here: http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/suspe...daizenkit.html

From what I've heard some mechanics won't even do this job since it's such a pain in the ***.

suloh

Yes I have been looking at your exellent site. I do have 1 question. On your tutorial for changing the shocks, there was no mention of using a spring compressor to remove the spring. Can the shocks be changed without removing the springs

LexLS

That tutorial is for removal the shocks from the vehicle only. If you need to install new struts then you will need a spring compressor. That step is not included because I didn't need to change my struts. I've don't it before though and it's not that bad.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

with all due respect if hes getting it done in a shop they most like have a press which would make it much easier to get the bushing out. For a shop to charge $400 for labor to remove and replace the LCA bushing is crazy. hour much is the labor rate?with a lift and air tools they can have the tire ,struts,calipers,steering knuckle and the LCA off in 35minutes, now what else are they going to do to justify that kind of money for labor?maybe i erred on the low side, so 2 hours tops. what are they charging $150 hr? i would say $250 is more reasonable unless hes going to do some balljoints and struts.

LexLS

Yeah a shop should be able to get the bushings out faster but it still takes time. With the LCA's you can't just press them out because you need to keep the outer shell. I'm not claiming to be good at this or anything, but I did do the job. Getting the LCA out isn't too bad, it's the bushing itself. Try a full Daizen bushing install for yourself and then let me know...j/k around I'm not trying to argue here just relaying my experience with this job.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

i know you know your stuff ive been on your site and have gotten lots of good info i must say i didnt take into account of no damaging the shell