<jqoutlaw@gmail.com> wrote
> Elle wrote:
snip but all read
>> You're probably capable of doing at least a cursory check
>> of
>> the ball joints by yourself. For one thing, you want to
>> check their boots. If torn, the possibility is higher
>> that
>> the ball joint is about to fail. Checking for excessive
>> BJ
>> play is described at
>>
>> http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...3d800d1b9e.jsp
>
> Thanks for the link. That's what I'm afraid of.

Maybe I'm misreading your tone, but from the work I've been
doing on my 91 Civic's suspension, I don't think replacing
the ball joints will be such a horrid job, especially with
at least one person with some experience (your
father-in-law) around. Definitely have backup
transportation, though.

Looking over those BJ boots isn't hard.

I am only an amateur. I get my 91 Civic work done by
researching a lot, including pumping all the pros and
experienced enthusiasts here for tips, and working slowly.
> Thing is we're only trying to make the car last another
> year or two of
> regular use, longevity is not as big of an issue.

This does indeed make it a tough decision.

Can't you move up your next car purchase a year or so?

From the sounds of things, you're going to put into this car
maybe around another $500. Although $500 for another year is
not very expensive...

> I would have help from 2 other
> people too, and would like to tackle the job in a weekend.

That sounds ambitious, unless the other two have a lot of
auto suspension experience and all the specialized tools.

> The car has been in a hot and humid environment its whole
> life, the
> southeast.

At least road salt hasn't been eating at it. OTOH, dunno
what ocean salt may due to those control arm bolts, for one.
They seize easily for Midwestern and Northern cars.

Buy a can of the penetrating oil PB Blaster and start
soaking all the bolts you think you'll need to free. I am
convinced that this stuff is saving me, as I work on my 91's
suspension.

I hope you'll update how this project with your to be father
in law goes. Sounds like an interesting problem. Good luck.