Because Phoenicians can’t drive, my car has more superficial body damage than it’s worth, but it still drives reasonably well. As such, I have no desire to put any more money into it than absolutely necessary, but it seems my shocks and and maybe my struts are getting pretty necessary. Problem is I’m on a fixed income and the shop I called quoted 1950 for front and rear.

If y’all could help me price out the cost of replacement with the cheapest parts that will last 3-4 years and be safe and any necessary tools (pretty sure I have no tools of any use for this).

also, for what it’s worth regarding difficulty, my low back is pretty jacked up so if it requires bending while lifting heavy parts, I need to know.

thanks in advance.

 

Ebay/rockauto/partsgeek/car-part.com will be your friend

New lower quality or used will be fine for what you want/afford however nothing but new will last you that long.
Even then you have to find out if the wear to these components did not happen due to body shifts.
All four struts and springs can be found for an average of about $400-$500.

Then your typical 10,12,14,17,19mm with some long ratchets, wrenches, extensions, hammers and breaker bars will be your friend.

I don't think I need to mention anything about your shady jack, you shouldn't even post anything about that unless you want criticism

Good luck!

 

so something like unity strut and spring kit would be fine? I looked at KYB, but apparently they don’t sell complete set ups and only the strut.

what do you mean by body shift? I’m guessing my car’s 160,000 miles are the issue. But who knows.

and yeah, I’ll be putting the frame on cribbing. forget getting under a car with just a jack. 😂

 

Body shifts - accidents that compromised suspension components. Sometimes a collision can move the suspension past it's limits and prematurely start wearing due to changes in alignment angles.

As long as you're just looking for a comfier ride I suggest you buy assembled units from rockauto or detroit axle. These will be new and wont break the bank. A used unit might or might not work, it ends up being a small risk,

 

Right on. Yeah, no accidents just miles on miles. But as a native Toledoan, I gotta go with Detroit axle then.