Just want to run this by the brickboard.

Mechanic I found gave me an estimate of $450 to remove and replace complete strut assembly (70 bucks each salvage) on both sides, fix the brake line, and put salvaged (transmission) crossmember on. Does that seem like a reasonable price?

Also, how long does it take to replace a complete strut assembly as opposed to just replacing the spring plate, mount, whatever you call it?

thank you , thank you for answering quickly!

Michele
'87 245 200K

It is quicker to just replace the whole strut assembly, but keep in mind you're probably getting old shocks along with it. Replacing the lower spring seat itself requires some welding and grinding - I did it to my front struts - and it took quite a bit longer as you have to get out the spring compressors and disassemble the struts..

I did end up replacing most everything up front when I did that job though - sway bar links, strut cartridges, upper mounts, and upper plates, brake lines, calipers, rotors, pads, etc. The brake lines were very difficult to remove on my car - nearly every single fitting stripped out when attempting to remove them so a good deal needed to be replaced. The brake lines aren't too terribly difficult - they don't go all the way to the master cylinder from the caliper, they go to a junction box near the left fender.
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85 245 DL - 91 Mazda MX6 Turbo

$450 including the used struts and cross member is a good deal.
Its a 3 to 4 hr jobs if everything goes right but remember the rust problem you have so make sure they agree not to attempt to disconnect calipers from brake lines as they are usually frozen and the result is need for new metal brake line from MC to wheel. Parts plus labor for bending.

Are they reusing ball joints, and sway bar bushing? what is ball joint is un useable? etc...

Be aware that they may run into problems due to rust.

Hi Michele..I spoke with you on the tele...$450..is a Good price..
all the BEST!
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john,, 1985, 245:Ti, 251k mi..so.california,,,1974, 145, 230k mi. ..

That's about 3-4 hours shop rate (depending on the going rate in your area) so it sounds OK. He might be able to do it more quickly (and therefore cheaply) but suspension stuff has a habit of being a b*%#h to get loosened!

Mike!

If is parts and labor it is a good price. If is labor only....I don't think it is a good deal.

I had my brakes flashed and front struts and balljoints replaced for $130 labor. I got the parts fairly cheap.