Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[LarryT via Mercedes]

I'm a big fan of torsion bar suspensions -- ultimate simplicity and they 
basically never wear out - at least not the bar itself.   IMO the big 
watershed even with F150s was in 87 when they finally went to fuel 
injection.


Take care -
Larry

On 7/24/2014 5:37 PM, Randy Bennell wrote:
Yes, it is nice to not have the piece of broken breaker bar sticking 
out of a hole in your arm etc.
I think the I Beam suspension is a thing of the past. My father had a 
'68 that had the Twin I Beam front end. Never had any issues with it 
thankfully as I think the only way to adjust if the tires wore poorly 
was to chain it down and then bend the I Beam with a jack.
My father's last truck was an '81 and I think it may still have had 
the I Beam setup but cannot recall for sure.

Not sure when it disappeared.
Both my '98 and my '02 had torsion bar suspensions.
My '13 has struts.

Randy



On 24/07/2014 4:29 PM, LarryT via Mercedes wrote:
I've broken Break Bars doing similar jobs! it's a really sickening 
feeling when something pops and you see the breaker bar is missing 
it's end!


BTW, Ford always likes to advertise how strong the I Beam front 
suspension is on their F Series trucks!  Sounds like they are put 
together to stay together...   ;-)


Larry







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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[Randy Bennell via Mercedes]

Yes, it is nice to not have the piece of broken breaker bar sticking out 
of a hole in your arm etc.
I think the I Beam suspension is a thing of the past. My father had a 
'68 that had the Twin I Beam front end. Never had any issues with it 
thankfully as I think the only way to adjust if the tires wore poorly 
was to chain it down and then bend the I Beam with a jack.
My father's last truck was an '81 and I think it may still have had the 
I Beam setup but cannot recall for sure.

Not sure when it disappeared.
Both my '98 and my '02 had torsion bar suspensions.
My '13 has struts.

Randy



On 24/07/2014 4:29 PM, LarryT via Mercedes wrote:
I've broken Break Bars doing similar jobs! it's a really sickening 
feeling when something pops and you see the breaker bar is missing 
it's end!


BTW, Ford always likes to advertise how strong the I Beam front 
suspension is on their F Series trucks!  Sounds like they are put 
together to stay together...   ;-)


Larry




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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[LarryT via Mercedes]

I've broken Break Bars doing similar jobs! it's a really sickening 
feeling when something pops and you see the breaker bar is missing it's 
end!


BTW, Ford always likes to advertise how strong the I Beam front 
suspension is on their F Series trucks!  Sounds like they are put 
together to stay together...   ;-)


Larry

On 7/24/2014 5:05 PM, Randy Bennell via Mercedes wrote:

Yes, if it all goes well, no problem to do it quickly.
BUT when working with old parts that have been under there for a while 
and have suffered the abuse that comes with the job, they can 
sometimes be difficult to take apart.
I suppose the shops use big impact guns and heat etc but I don't have 
a rattle gun that will do that sort of thing and am reluctant to use a 
lot of heat in some areas.


I remember popping a ball joint out of the lower control arm on a 1998 
Ford F150.
I had all of thebig C clamp type press parts assembled on the vehicle 
and my longest breaker bar on it and was pulling for all I was worth 
with no success. I looked around my garage and found a 4 foot length 
of pipe and slipped that on the end and still pulled for all I was 
worth until it popped. I wondered if the breaker bar was going to give 
up but it did not.

Putting the new one back in was no problem.

Randy


On 24/07/2014 2:58 PM, Meade Dillon via Mercedes wrote:

OK, I guess one hour would be a fair time, if you had all the proper
special MB tools and presses and access to whatever saw or torch or
hydraulic press you might need, and all were set-up and ready to go, 
just

carry the LCA and parts over and go to town.  Sounds like a great shop,
letting you bring your own parts and that labor rate is really low.

Let us know how it turns out!

-Max






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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[Randy Bennell via Mercedes]

Yes, if it all goes well, no problem to do it quickly.
BUT when working with old parts that have been under there for a while 
and have suffered the abuse that comes with the job, they can sometimes 
be difficult to take apart.
I suppose the shops use big impact guns and heat etc but I don't have a 
rattle gun that will do that sort of thing and am reluctant to use a lot 
of heat in some areas.


I remember popping a ball joint out of the lower control arm on a 1998 
Ford F150.
I had all of thebig C clamp type press parts assembled on the vehicle 
and my longest breaker bar on it and was pulling for all I was worth 
with no success. I looked around my garage and found a 4 foot length of 
pipe and slipped that on the end and still pulled for all I was worth 
until it popped. I wondered if the breaker bar was going to give up but 
it did not.

Putting the new one back in was no problem.

Randy


On 24/07/2014 2:58 PM, Meade Dillon via Mercedes wrote:

OK, I guess one hour would be a fair time, if you had all the proper
special MB tools and presses and access to whatever saw or torch or
hydraulic press you might need, and all were set-up and ready to go, just
carry the LCA and parts over and go to town.  Sounds like a great shop,
letting you bring your own parts and that labor rate is really low.

Let us know how it turns out!

-Max






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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[Meade Dillon via Mercedes]

OK, I guess one hour would be a fair time, if you had all the proper
special MB tools and presses and access to whatever saw or torch or
hydraulic press you might need, and all were set-up and ready to go, just
carry the LCA and parts over and go to town.  Sounds like a great shop,
letting you bring your own parts and that labor rate is really low.

Let us know how it turns out!

-Max


On Thu, Jul 24, 2014 at 3:22 PM, LarryT  wrote:

> That's the result of a double check - I stopped back by the shop yesterday
> to confirm I had the numbers right.  It's a great little shop BTW -- they
> did a 4 wheel alignment on my 911 for ~$65 when other shops get twice that
> or more.
>
> Larry
>
> On 7/23/2014 1:25 PM, Meade Dillon wrote:
>
>>
>> Double check your labor quotes, doesn't make sense that there is only one
>> extra hour required (assuming $60 per hour) to remove/install four bushings
>> and two ball joints.
>>
>> Max Dillon,
>> Charleston SC
>>
>>
>
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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[LarryT via Mercedes]

I thought the whole LCAs should be easier also  --  that's why i checked 
it twice.They said "popping the BJs and bushings out" was never as 
easy as they hoped.


I dunno -- somewhere around here i have shop labor rates -- I'll see 
what it says


Larry

On 7/23/2014 10:04 PM, Peter Frederick via Mercedes wrote:
Lower control arms come with new bushings and new ball joints, so it's 
just a swap complete.  Have to do a front end alignment in either case 
if you replace the bushings, ball joints usually not.


Labor is about the same, it only take a couple minutes to pop the 
bushings and ball joints in and out with the control arm out of the car.


Peter

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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[LarryT via Mercedes]

That's the result of a double check - I stopped back by the shop 
yesterday to confirm I had the numbers right.  It's a great little shop 
BTW -- they did a 4 wheel alignment on my 911 for ~$65 when other shops 
get twice that or more.


Larry

On 7/23/2014 1:25 PM, Meade Dillon wrote:


Double check your labor quotes, doesn't make sense that there is only 
one extra hour required (assuming $60 per hour) to remove/install four 
bushings and two ball joints.


Max Dillon,
Charleston SC




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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[LarryT via Mercedes]

while selling it would certainly be the easier path, when I consider the 
rest of the stuff I've done recently and the overall condition of the 
car makes me think this is the right way forward.A recent oil 
analysis shows the engine to be perfect so keeping it is a  good 
direction to move in.   Of course, that doesn't mean I will be able to 
continue to convince my wife that new cars are evil and must be avoided 
;-)  She's starting to catch on.


but yeah, i see what you mean.   Then again, when i consider spending 
$530 once Vs spending $300 or $400 per month (or more) every month I 
lose interest.


LarryT

On 7/23/2014 12:18 PM, Dwight Giles wrote:


I would wonder the opposite if 112 extra was cheap to have it all done 
at once since it seems you plan to keep the car. My 2 cents.


On Jul 23, 2014 12:12 PM, "LarryT via Mercedes" > wrote:


FYI -
In case anyone is interested.   I gave up any thought of doing it
myself...

Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's &
Bushings:
*R&R LCAs -*
Labor - R&R LCAs $240 (L&R)
Parts - 2 LCA's & Bolts- $194 ea = $402
Total = *$642*

*R&R BJs, Bushings & Bolts:*
Labor = $300 (L&R)
parts = $230
Total = *$530.*

so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware.

I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly.   It's been great
getting  your help!

LarryT
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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[Rich Thomas via Mercedes]

He also sells Bilsteins

--R


On 7/24/14 8:54 AM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes wrote:

That's great, Mike!

I was chiding Larry because I know all too well that people will often ask 
trusted resources like Gary for information and then go off and find the items 
they're looking for elsewhere.

As a former owner and employee of a service and parts business, I was often 
quite taken aback when people would do this.  If someone comes to me to ask 
questions of me as a subject matter expert only to take that information and 
use it to patronize another supplier I would not help them again.

Some might consider this not a nice thing to do, but for those who would, think 
about this the next time you do it:

I spent years of my time and thousands of dollars to acquire the knowledge I 
have in specific areas. If I choose to share that information, I should receive 
something in kind in exchange. That might be shared knowledge of another 
discipline or even something tangible in some cases. It might be shared with 
the expectation of return business, for example.

When I share that knowledge with someone and they use it elsewhere when I could 
potentially benefit from it, and they know this, I view it as stealing.

Maybe that's harsh, and I would agree that it is to some extent.  However, when 
someone does this they're affecting my livelihood.

When I find a supplier or business who values me as a customer and willingly 
assists me, I'll honor that commitment by patronizing their establishment.

Gary is a good example of this. My local MB dealer is the same way. Both of them will 
tell me if they think I can get a part elsewhere for less, for example.  As a result of 
this, I have no problem paying what might be a slightly higher price for the 
"right" part.

Gary will regularly tell me about a part that I can get from the dealer at the 
same aggregate price he could sell it to me. Brake discs are a good example of 
this.

My local dealer will do the same.



Sorry for the rant, and this is not a defense of Gary specifically.  Because I 
have experienced similar situations in my former business life I'm really 
sensitive about it. When you're one of the people responsible for the well 
being of your livelihood and that of your employees, you get defensive about 
anything that takes money out of your pockets

Dan

Sent from my iPad


On Jul 24, 2014, at 8:12 AM, Mike Esh  wrote:

I just ordered new parts for my 1985 300D from Gary.  He is very helpful in 
making sure I get the right part and the right quality of the part.  I just 
recieved new Lemforder Tie Rod Assemblies, a drag link and a Bilstien steering 
shock.  I communicate with him and place my orders via email.  His service and 
shipping are always top notch.

Mike
Michael E. Esh
me...@horizonenv.com
michael...@mac.com
http://www.yugster.com/invite/138123
(C) 231.286.2344


On Jul 23, 2014, at 01:27 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes  
wrote:

Ordering them from our "Emperor of Parts", I assume?

After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors and 
sorting out part numbers, right?

It's important that you "pay it back", so to speak. At least it's the right 
thing to do, of course.

Dan

Sent from my iPad

 > On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes 
 wrote:
 >
 > FYI -
 > In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing it 
myself...
 >
 > Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's & 
Bushings:
 > *R&R LCAs -*
 > Labor - R&R LCAs $240 (L&R)
 > Parts - 2 LCA's & Bolts- $194 ea = $402
 > Total = *$642*
 >
 > *R&R BJs, Bushings & Bolts:*
 > Labor = $300 (L&R)
 > parts = $230
 > Total = *$530.*
 >
 > so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware.
 >
 > I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great 
getting your help!
 >
 > LarryT
 > ___
 > http://www.okiebenz.com
 >
 > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
 >
 > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
 > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
 >
 > All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, 
those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has 
no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.

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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[Dwight Giles via Mercedes]

Well said Dan,  right on.
On Jul 24, 2014 8:55 AM, "Dan Penoff via Mercedes" 
wrote:

> That's great, Mike!
>
> I was chiding Larry because I know all too well that people will often ask
> trusted resources like Gary for information and then go off and find the
> items they're looking for elsewhere.
>
> As a former owner and employee of a service and parts business, I was
> often quite taken aback when people would do this.  If someone comes to me
> to ask questions of me as a subject matter expert only to take that
> information and use it to patronize another supplier I would not help them
> again.
>
> Some might consider this not a nice thing to do, but for those who would,
> think about this the next time you do it:
>
> I spent years of my time and thousands of dollars to acquire the knowledge
> I have in specific areas. If I choose to share that information, I should
> receive something in kind in exchange. That might be shared knowledge of
> another discipline or even something tangible in some cases. It might be
> shared with the expectation of return business, for example.
>
> When I share that knowledge with someone and they use it elsewhere when I
> could potentially benefit from it, and they know this, I view it as
> stealing.
>
> Maybe that's harsh, and I would agree that it is to some extent.  However,
> when someone does this they're affecting my livelihood.
>
> When I find a supplier or business who values me as a customer and
> willingly assists me, I'll honor that commitment by patronizing their
> establishment.
>
> Gary is a good example of this. My local MB dealer is the same way. Both
> of them will tell me if they think I can get a part elsewhere for less, for
> example.  As a result of this, I have no problem paying what might be a
> slightly higher price for the "right" part.
>
> Gary will regularly tell me about a part that I can get from the dealer at
> the same aggregate price he could sell it to me. Brake discs are a good
> example of this.
>
> My local dealer will do the same.
>
> 
>
> Sorry for the rant, and this is not a defense of Gary specifically.
>  Because I have experienced similar situations in my former business life
> I'm really sensitive about it. When you're one of the people responsible
> for the well being of your livelihood and that of your employees, you get
> defensive about anything that takes money out of your pockets
>
> Dan
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On Jul 24, 2014, at 8:12 AM, Mike Esh  wrote:
> >
> > I just ordered new parts for my 1985 300D from Gary.  He is very helpful
> in making sure I get the right part and the right quality of the part.  I
> just recieved new Lemforder Tie Rod Assemblies, a drag link and a Bilstien
> steering shock.  I communicate with him and place my orders via email.  His
> service and shipping are always top notch.
> >
> > Mike
> > Michael E. Esh
> > me...@horizonenv.com
> > michael...@mac.com
> > http://www.yugster.com/invite/138123
> > (C) 231.286.2344
> >
> >> On Jul 23, 2014, at 01:27 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes <
> mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> Ordering them from our "Emperor of Parts", I assume?
> >>
> >> After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors
> and sorting out part numbers, right?
> >>
> >> It's important that you "pay it back", so to speak. At least it's the
> right thing to do, of course.
> >>
> >> Dan
> >>
> >> Sent from my iPad
> >>
> >> > On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes <
> mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
> >> >
> >> > FYI -
> >> > In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing
> it myself...
> >> >
> >> > Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs
> BJ's & Bushings:
> >> > *R&R LCAs -*
> >> > Labor - R&R LCAs $240 (L&R)
> >> > Parts - 2 LCA's & Bolts- $194 ea = $402
> >> > Total = *$642*
> >> >
> >> > *R&R BJs, Bushings & Bolts:*
> >> > Labor = $300 (L&R)
> >> > parts = $230
> >> > Total = *$530.*
> >> >
> >> > so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related
> hardware.
> >> >
> >> > I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been
> great getting your help!
> >> >
> >> > LarryT
> >> > ___
> >> > http://www.okiebenz.com
> >> >
> >> > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
> >> >
> >> > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> >> >
> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
> >> >
> >> > All posts are the result of individual contributors and as
> such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The
> list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each
> contributor.
> >>
> >> ___
> >> http://www.okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[WILTON via Mercedes]

Amen, Dan.  ATTABOY.

Wilton

- Original Message - 
From: "Dan Penoff via Mercedes" 

To: "Mercedes List" 
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2014 8:54 AM
Subject: Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison



That's great, Mike!

I was chiding Larry because I know all too well that people will often ask 
trusted resources like Gary for information and then go off and find the 
items they're looking for elsewhere.


As a former owner and employee of a service and parts business, I was 
often quite taken aback when people would do this.  If someone comes to me 
to ask questions of me as a subject matter expert only to take that 
information and use it to patronize another supplier I would not help them 
again.


Some might consider this not a nice thing to do, but for those who would, 
think about this the next time you do it:


I spent years of my time and thousands of dollars to acquire the knowledge 
I have in specific areas. If I choose to share that information, I should 
receive something in kind in exchange. That might be shared knowledge of 
another discipline or even something tangible in some cases. It might be 
shared with the expectation of return business, for example.


When I share that knowledge with someone and they use it elsewhere when I 
could potentially benefit from it, and they know this, I view it as 
stealing.


Maybe that's harsh, and I would agree that it is to some extent.  However, 
when someone does this they're affecting my livelihood.


When I find a supplier or business who values me as a customer and 
willingly assists me, I'll honor that commitment by patronizing their 
establishment.


Gary is a good example of this. My local MB dealer is the same way. Both 
of them will tell me if they think I can get a part elsewhere for less, 
for example.  As a result of this, I have no problem paying what might be 
a slightly higher price for the "right" part.


Gary will regularly tell me about a part that I can get from the dealer at 
the same aggregate price he could sell it to me. Brake discs are a good 
example of this.


My local dealer will do the same.



Sorry for the rant, and this is not a defense of Gary specifically. 
Because I have experienced similar situations in my former business life 
I'm really sensitive about it. When you're one of the people responsible 
for the well being of your livelihood and that of your employees, you get 
defensive about anything that takes money out of your pockets


Dan

Sent from my iPad


On Jul 24, 2014, at 8:12 AM, Mike Esh  wrote:

I just ordered new parts for my 1985 300D from Gary.  He is very helpful 
in making sure I get the right part and the right quality of the part.  I 
just recieved new Lemforder Tie Rod Assemblies, a drag link and a 
Bilstien steering shock.  I communicate with him and place my orders via 
email.  His service and shipping are always top notch.


Mike
Michael E. Esh
me...@horizonenv.com
michael...@mac.com
http://www.yugster.com/invite/138123
(C) 231.286.2344

On Jul 23, 2014, at 01:27 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes 
 wrote:


Ordering them from our "Emperor of Parts", I assume?

After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors and 
sorting out part numbers, right?


It's important that you "pay it back", so to speak. At least it's the 
right thing to do, of course.


Dan

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes 
 wrote:

>
> FYI -
> In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing 
it myself...

>
> Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs 
BJ's & Bushings:

> *R&R LCAs -*
> Labor - R&R LCAs $240 (L&R)
> Parts - 2 LCA's & Bolts- $194 ea = $402
> Total = *$642*
>
> *R&R BJs, Bushings & Bolts:*
> Labor = $300 (L&R)
> parts = $230
> Total = *$530.*
>
> so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related 
hardware.

>
> I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great 
getting your help!

>
> LarryT
> ___
> http://www.okiebenz.com
>
> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

That's great, Mike!

I was chiding Larry because I know all too well that people will often ask 
trusted resources like Gary for information and then go off and find the items 
they're looking for elsewhere.

As a former owner and employee of a service and parts business, I was often 
quite taken aback when people would do this.  If someone comes to me to ask 
questions of me as a subject matter expert only to take that information and 
use it to patronize another supplier I would not help them again.

Some might consider this not a nice thing to do, but for those who would, think 
about this the next time you do it:

I spent years of my time and thousands of dollars to acquire the knowledge I 
have in specific areas. If I choose to share that information, I should receive 
something in kind in exchange. That might be shared knowledge of another 
discipline or even something tangible in some cases. It might be shared with 
the expectation of return business, for example.

When I share that knowledge with someone and they use it elsewhere when I could 
potentially benefit from it, and they know this, I view it as stealing.

Maybe that's harsh, and I would agree that it is to some extent.  However, when 
someone does this they're affecting my livelihood.

When I find a supplier or business who values me as a customer and willingly 
assists me, I'll honor that commitment by patronizing their establishment.

Gary is a good example of this. My local MB dealer is the same way. Both of 
them will tell me if they think I can get a part elsewhere for less, for 
example.  As a result of this, I have no problem paying what might be a 
slightly higher price for the "right" part.

Gary will regularly tell me about a part that I can get from the dealer at the 
same aggregate price he could sell it to me. Brake discs are a good example of 
this.

My local dealer will do the same.



Sorry for the rant, and this is not a defense of Gary specifically.  Because I 
have experienced similar situations in my former business life I'm really 
sensitive about it. When you're one of the people responsible for the well 
being of your livelihood and that of your employees, you get defensive about 
anything that takes money out of your pockets

Dan

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 24, 2014, at 8:12 AM, Mike Esh  wrote:
> 
> I just ordered new parts for my 1985 300D from Gary.  He is very helpful in 
> making sure I get the right part and the right quality of the part.  I just 
> recieved new Lemforder Tie Rod Assemblies, a drag link and a Bilstien 
> steering shock.  I communicate with him and place my orders via email.  His 
> service and shipping are always top notch.
> 
> Mike 
> Michael E. Esh
> me...@horizonenv.com
> michael...@mac.com
> http://www.yugster.com/invite/138123
> (C) 231.286.2344
> 
>> On Jul 23, 2014, at 01:27 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> Ordering them from our "Emperor of Parts", I assume?
>> 
>> After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors and 
>> sorting out part numbers, right?
>> 
>> It's important that you "pay it back", so to speak. At least it's the right 
>> thing to do, of course.
>> 
>> Dan
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>> > On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes 
>>  wrote:
>> > 
>> > FYI -
>> > In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing it 
>> myself...
>> > 
>> > Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's & 
>> Bushings:
>> > *R&R LCAs -*
>> > Labor - R&R LCAs $240 (L&R)
>> > Parts - 2 LCA's & Bolts- $194 ea = $402
>> > Total = *$642*
>> > 
>> > *R&R BJs, Bushings & Bolts:*
>> > Labor = $300 (L&R)
>> > parts = $230
>> > Total = *$530.*
>> > 
>> > so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware.
>> > 
>> > I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great 
>> getting your help!
>> > 
>> > LarryT
>> > ___
>> > http://www.okiebenz.com
>> > 
>> > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>> > 
>> > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
>> > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>> > 
>> > All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, 
>> those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list 
>> owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
>> 
>> ___
>> http://www.okiebenz.com
>> 
>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>> 
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>> 
>> All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those 
>> individuals are respon

Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[Mike Esh via Mercedes]

I just ordered new parts for my 1985 300D from Gary.  He is very helpful in 
making sure I get the right part and the right quality of the part.  I just 
recieved new Lemforder Tie Rod Assemblies, a drag link and a Bilstien steering 
shock.  I communicate with him and place my orders via email.  His service and 
shipping are always top notch.

Mike

Michael E. Esh
me...@horizonenv.com
michael...@mac.com
http://www.yugster.com/invite/138123
(C) 231.286.2344


On Jul 23, 2014, at 01:27 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes  
wrote:


Ordering them from our "Emperor of Parts", I assume?

After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors and 
sorting out part numbers, right?

It's important that you "pay it back", so to speak. At least it's the right 
thing to do, of course.

Dan

Sent from my iPad

   > On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes  wrote:
   >
   > FYI -
   > In case anyone is interested. I gave up any thought of doing it 
myself...
   >
   > Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's & 
Bushings:
   > *R&R LCAs -*
   > Labor - R&R LCAs $240 (L&R)
   > Parts - 2 LCA's & Bolts- $194 ea = $402
   > Total = *$642*
   >
   > *R&R BJs, Bushings & Bolts:*
   > Labor = $300 (L&R)
   > parts = $230
   > Total = *$530.*
   >
   > so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware.
   >
   > I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly. It's been great getting 
your help!
   >
   > LarryT
   > ___
   > http://www.okiebenz.com
   >
   > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
   >
   > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
   > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
   >
   > All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those 
individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no 
control over the content of the messages of each contributor.

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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[Peter Frederick via Mercedes]

Lower control arms come with new bushings and new ball joints, so it's  
just a swap complete.  Have to do a front end alignment in either case  
if you replace the bushings, ball joints usually not.


Labor is about the same, it only take a couple minutes to pop the  
bushings and ball joints in and out with the control arm out of the car.


Peter

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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

Ordering them from our "Emperor of Parts", I assume?

After all, he has been of assistance with identifying proper vendors and 
sorting out part numbers, right?

It's important that you "pay it back", so to speak. At least it's the right 
thing to do, of course.

Dan

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 23, 2014, at 12:12 PM, LarryT via Mercedes  
> wrote:
> 
> FYI -
> In case anyone is interested.   I gave up any thought of doing it myself...
> 
> Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's & Bushings:
> *R&R LCAs -*
> Labor - R&R LCAs $240 (L&R)
> Parts - 2 LCA's & Bolts- $194 ea = $402
> Total = *$642*
> 
> *R&R BJs, Bushings & Bolts:*
> Labor = $300 (L&R)
> parts = $230
> Total = *$530.*
> 
> so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware.
> 
> I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly.   It's been great getting  
> your help!
> 
> LarryT
> ___
> http://www.okiebenz.com
> 
> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
> 
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
> 
> All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those 
> individuals are responsible for the content of the post.  The list owner has 
> no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.

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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[Meade Dillon via Mercedes]

Double check your labor quotes, doesn't make sense that there is only one
extra hour required (assuming $60 per hour) to remove/install four bushings
and two ball joints.

Max Dillon,
Charleston SC
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Re: [MBZ] W124 Lower Control Arms and Ball joints - cost comparison

[Dwight Giles via Mercedes]

I would wonder the opposite if 112 extra was cheap  to have it all done at
once since it seems you plan to keep the car. My 2 cents.
On Jul 23, 2014 12:12 PM, "LarryT via Mercedes" 
wrote:

> FYI -
> In case anyone is interested.   I gave up any thought of doing it myself...
>
> Here's the cost comparison of installing complete LCA's Vs BJ's & Bushings:
> *R&R LCAs -*
> Labor - R&R LCAs $240 (L&R)
> Parts - 2 LCA's & Bolts- $194 ea = $402
> Total = *$642*
>
> *R&R BJs, Bushings & Bolts:*
> Labor = $300 (L&R)
> parts = $230
> Total = *$530.*
>
> so I'll save ~ $100 by just replacing the BJs and related hardware.
>
> I plan to order the BJ's and hardware shortly.   It's been great getting
>  your help!
>
> LarryT
> ___
> http://www.okiebenz.com
>
> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>
> All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those
> individuals are responsible for the content of the post.  The list owner
> has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
>
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