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I wimped out...(long) Posted by MI-Roger [Email]  (#882) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from MI-Roger) on Tue, 6 Apr 2010 04:43:52
In Reply to: Re: Finally got the Road Holding Kit installed, dmz789q, Mon, 5 Apr 2010 22:02:50 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Or maybe I made the smart decision. Either way, I had my local Indy do the job for me after pricing out all the special tools I would need to do this job myself.
I don't own an air compressor or impact wrench, tools that make most jobs quicker but I considered as necessities for this suspension replacement. I also don't own an engine support beam and neither does anyone else I asked (although my former boss offered to weld one up for me). Nor does anyone I know have a good string compressor - I have borrowed those threaded rod tools from auto stores for light weight springs but I couldn't imagine them working on the stiff front coils!
Even shopping sales and Harbor Freight, and clipping those 20% Off H-F coupons from the auto maggs, I was north of $500 in tools. If I was 20 or 30 years younger I would ave enjoyed the sudden expansion of my tool chest. But being in my mid 50's, I am trying to lighten the load of seldom used stuff lying about the home. My wife also said she was certain the neighbors would all contribute financially towards the Indy's bill so they wouldn't have to listen to me fighting with the subborn suspension bolts in our garage for the better part of a week-end. (So far they haven't)
My Indy quoted me 6 hours of labor for the job. I think they needed nearly 8 hours to complete the work but honored their estimate. The front sway bar was the hardest part, that and re-alligning the exhaust system. The mechanic told me this was the first 9-5 sway bar he had ever replaced although he has replaced sway-bar bushings previously. He actually had to use the instruction booklet you provided, and I placed in the parts box, for removal of this piece. Disconnecting the exhaust, lowering the front sub-frame, and unbolting the steering rack to gain access.
The Indy shop I use is K&N Automotice in Ann Arbor. Three guys who work almost exclusively on SAABs and have done so from the 1970's, IIRC. No lack of experience with this crew, but this was their first Road Holding Kit installation. The next customer probably won't get the 6 hour price!
posted by 198.208.15...
_______________________________________ Saabs owned: 2008 9-5 Aero Sedan, sold at 227K miles 2006 9-3SC 2.0T - Wife's daily driver 2000 Viggen Convertible - Sold May, 2022 1964 Quantum IV Formula Car - Retirement project 2000 9-5lpt Sedan, sold at 318K miles
, Mon, 5 Apr 2010 16:55:07, Tue, 6 Apr 2010 04:43:52 <-- Viewing This Message, Tue, 6 Apr 2010 04:54:36
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