I have a 2000 Plymouth Voyager, auto, V6, 3.0, 120k miles. I need to replace the front struts and need some advice (back shocks already done). I was quoted $600-700 to have the fronts done at a local shop (with alignment) but don't have the cash. I've tried to do struts once before on a Reliant but never got the washers/small parts in the correct order and so whenever I'd turn the wheel the struts would "stick" as it rotated in the strut mount (for a lack of better explanation). I eventually pulled my new struts on this car and stuck in old "complete" units from a junk yard. I still have the spring compressors. Any advice would be greatly appreciated: Should I try this again and do just the struts? Should I buy these new complete units I see now for sale - these things that replace everything and all you do is two bolts down below and three up top and its done? As the struts by themselves are a lot less than the whole units, are there any tricks to this? Should I just give up the $600-700 and have the shop do it?

 

You should be able to do this yourself with the help of a good Chiltons/Haynes manual and some tools.

If you get all new ones, be sure to get all the other hardware for them like new shock bellows, etc.

I like to put a small amount of lithium grease on the strut perch (where the bottom of the spring sits) to prevent squeking.

Also makes sure the rubber insulator cover that goes on the springs are in good condition.

 

If you do this yourself, do not forget the strut bearings, they are on the top of the strut, use new ones.