I have a few miles on my brick and decided to 'rebuild' the front end, or at least change the user accessible parts subject to wear. This means I am not changing any bushings that require a press. I bought strut inserts, control arm bushings, new washers for them, ball joints, tie rod ends, stabilizer links, new bushings for them, shock mount plates/bearings...all for the front, and just shocks for the back. The shocks are Turbo Gas Boges. I am not changing the driving characteristics of the car, just want to maintain it, and try to bring it back to the way it used to be 153,000 miles ago.

So here is the question, as I begin to undertake the project with the parts in hand.

There is a huge variation in cost from various sources. I don't mean just the dealer either!

1) Is there a noticeable difference in quality between the dealer provided components and those of the vendors that advertise on the board?

2) Is there a difference in tie rod ends and ball joints, depending on the aftermarket manufacturer AND the country of origin (and are parts from SPAIN and ITALY comparable to those manufactured in US, Germany and Sweden)?

3) Has anyone discerned any great differences, in their experience, from the various bushing sources? I was shocked to see the same part listed for five dollars in one place and fifteen in another.

I am looking for general answers that can guide all of us. You can respond directly to my email address if you want to mention a supplier by name.

I got everything I needed from some very nice people in CT.

My email is hovonogila@aol.com

Thanks!

have those of you using these aftermarket sources noticed from the