Time for Front Suspension Work, Need Advice

[indytriple]

Good morning, Samba folks. I'd like some input and advice on my upcoming front suspension project, please. It's on my '91 pass van with just under 200,000 miles on it. I don't know the age or origin of the current suspension parts. I have already done substantial searching and reading here. The questions below are the result of that research.

I have a distinct "clunk" in my right/front suspension. After having my VW mechanic look at it he says that I need an upper ball joint, inner tie rod end and strut rod bushings.

Questions:
1) Besides the three things that he says I need to replace, should I replace any other suspension parts while we're in there?
2) Should I do the same things on the left/front simultaneously, as I'm assuming that it is in slightly better, but similar condition as the right?
3) My front shocks are really old and really bouncy. I think that I can replace the shocks myself with little difficulty. Am I stupid to do it myself to save a little money, or should I just take the mechanic the shocks and have him install them while he's doing all of this other stuff to the front suspension?
4) Am I in danger of some type of catastrophic failure if I drive the van in the meantime with the "clunk"? On a scale of one to ten, I'd say the clunk is a 5. I realize that this is hard to gauge without seeing the van. Sorry. I promise not to hold anyone accountable for their opinion.
5) Should I let my mechanic source the parts, or should I source them myself? If so, where is the best place to source these parts?

Sorry for all of the detailed questions. I've been formulating this post for a few months. I will very much appreciate any thoughtful responses. Thanks in advance.
_________________
"See The Glass As Already Broken."

87 Vanagon Westy Auto Bostig

www.bluegrassbicyclecompany.com

[RCB]

Opinions are like chins...everyone has one, so heres my take on the matter. Purchase the absolute best quality parts you can afford and take them to your trusted mechanic for installation.

If you need part numbers or the names of the parts, check out vagcat.com...This site will give you a complete diagram of your front end and the part numbers for each part.

Once you have a part number, the fun begins. Note the country of origin B4 ordering the part.

[RHawk]

happy to see my old van getting so much love!

[tencentlife]

[WSideWitneSS]

I broke a sway drop link a few months and in replacing that I started looking around and all the bushings were really worn out. I replaced pretty much everything except lower ball joints and put in new shocks. I think it's my favorite upgrade. It drives amazing now.

If you trust the guy, I would ask him to put it on the lift and look under there with him. You can decide together what to replace and what to leave.
_________________
'87 Syncro Westy
'91 BMW 325iX - SOLD!
'02 Subaru WRX Wagon

[Tom Powell]

With 200,000 miles you can expect everything on both sides to be worn and need, or about to need replacing. Do all of it at one time and it will cost you more for parts, but you won't be replacing other worn parts in a few months. In the end you'll be you'll be spending less money for labor, time on the rack, wheel alignment, tires, ... If you fix only the one clunk now, you'll be hearing other clunks in the future and you'll be back on the rack again. At the minimum replace the upper ball joints on both sides and the other parts as needed at this time. A lot of discussion on shocks on TheSamba. Perhaps you should research those for recommendations. Driving in the present condition with the clunk may not be dangerous, but might result in abnormal tire wear. You might consider rotating the tires front to rear during the repairs. This is also a good time for a front brake inspection for pad and rotor wear and a check of wheel bearing play. If your mechanic is good he will have considered all of the above and make his recommendations. Good and trustworthy VW mechanics and parts are becoming more difficult to find.


Aloha
tp

[indytriple]

Thanks for the great advice so far. It's exactly what I was looking for. I appreciate all of the thoughtful responses.

[Tom Powell]

[j_dirge]