Thanks for the advice. I should clarify that they suggest a whole front suspension/steering rebuild. Most of the joints are loose.. there was play in all of the parts listed on the estimate.

But I'll definitely be taking the estimate to someone else to compare if I decide to have all the work done.

i just remember a few years back i tore the front end off my fathers aerostar, canadian tire was going to charge me more than 2500$ to rebuild, the tire shop (part of a small chain) did the job for 700. it was a solid rebuild with good used parts.

i will give canadian tire points though, on this kind of bolt on direct parts swap they WILL do a good job, and looking through the parts list, the prices they are quoting are reasonable for new parts, and not necessarily parts you would want to buy used.

we all know how i feel about canadian tire, but your squeak problem isnt necessarily any of the parts listed above but i dont feel they are trying to screw you because these are parts that would wear out on a truck of that age.

I do feel a small shop may be able to do this cheaper because of the labor and overhead. But with canadian tire you will have a national warranty

Posted by TRAINS Thanks for the advice. I should clarify that they suggest a whole front suspension/steering rebuild. Most of the joints are loose.. there was play in all of the parts listed on the estimate. But I'll definitely be taking the estimate to someone else to compare if I decide to have all the work done.

Every time I have my truck inspected, the mechanic makes a point to say it has lots of front end play, but then says every full size Chevy/GMC of that vintage has lots of front end play.

new expression "i wish i was getting as much play as the front end of a chevy truck"

TRAINS... you went to the wrong garage. CANADIAN TIRE IS BAD.

Perhaps if I KNEW someone who worked at a REAL garage... hmmmmmm ;)

Posted by nostra-YOUPPI! i just remember a few years back i tore the front end off my fathers aerostar, canadian tire was going to charge me more than 2500$ to rebuild, the tire shop (part of a small chain) did the job for 700. it was a solid rebuild with good used parts.

The Aerostar was junk when it rolled off the assembly line! It probably needed $700 worth of work before the first oil change

Seems a little silly they want to charge you another 100ish on top of it for an alignment.

Most shops in Rochester would toss that in for free, or would do the labor on the tie rods for free if you bought an alignment. (since they'll already have the wheels off to align them and they can just pop in all the new parts)

Otherwise, looks about right as far as part prices, esp from a shop, but bring it to your buddy Bandi and see what he thinks.


Edit: grammar.

Yeah man, when are you coming to see olive next? I'd be happy to look at it.