Lexus mechanic says my '92 SC300 with 138,000 miles, needs new front struts. Says the job takes 5 hrs. because the LCA is a pain to take off. I have all the tools to do it myself, (very shady tree mechanic), need some feed back as to time, pain or not, and stock or after market equipment.

All suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

Thats gotta be a joke, a friend and I replaced my front shocks/springs in like 2 hours. Its such a straightforward job, and removing that bolt is a breeze. Do it yourself man

 

Why use a Lexus Mechanic to do the job.
Any Muffler and Brake shop can do the job at probably 1/2 the price.
The time seems a little high, 31/2 hours of time should do both front sides.
I would also consider doing the rears at the same time.
Rears are about 21/2 to 3 hours work.

Rob

 

I can do it myself. Suggestions as to go stock or after market?

 

The lower control arm doesn't need to come off to replace the strut, period. If you decide to do it yourself be careful while your removing the strut from the lower control arm. Sometimes the struts are pressurized in that setting and can fly out of place once the bolt holding them is loosened.

In addition, you will have to remove the plastic cover in both wheel wells in order to slip out the long bolt that holds the upper control arm to the sub frame.

 

I like the Tokico adjustables those are the white ones. Though, I have the blue ones installed in my car.

 

5 hours is what the "book" says. I got mine done by a cheap shop for $200 to replace all four.