The Oldsmobile Connection

[redderthanafeut]

I am investigating replacing the struts on a 1988 Delta 88 with my son, but have never replaced struts. Does anybody know of web sites that would have schematics of the front and back suspension, or how to information, including special tools needed, like spring compressors, etc?

[86Delta]

as far as tools go, a wide spring compressor, a magnetic camber gauge, a good sturdy vice and air tools are a must (you'll never be able to compress the spring without an impact wrench). struts aren't the easiest thing to do on these cars. sometimes getting the spring compressed can be a pain because there aren't alot of coils in the springs on those cars and the compressor bottoms out before it gets the sping short enough. i'm assuming this is going to be tackled in a driveway or home garage so i can tell you right now, it isn't going to be fun. the rears are a little easier than the fronts, those are doable, just have to support the control arm with a jack to compress the rear spring. i would suggest trying the rears yourself (if you really feel the need to do it yourself) and taking it to a shop for the fronts, or just letting someone do the whole job. if you do end up doing the fronts yourself be careful using that spring compressor. i am certainly not the poster child for wearing eye protection, but when using the spring compressor i do. i was compressing a spring once and the washer under the big bolt on the compressor split and half of it shot out and hit me in the shoulder, so be careful. either way (DIY or taking it somewhere) you should take it for an alignment right after it gets done. sorry for the long post

[88delta88]

you're lucky that you're doing your first strut replacement on a nice big car like this. Doesnt get too much easier than an 88 delta 88...

Do them one at a time, and make sure you've got lots of time to learn and do it properly!

[redderthanafeut]

Well based on what's been said, my dad isn't sure he's going to go through with this after all. He's going to take it into a trusted shop to first verify that it is the struts and then see what kind of price they'd want to charge.

I'm assuming someone here has had it done or done it themselves. What kind of price are we looking at both ways?

[88delta88]

I did my own work, and I put in Monroe Sensatracs... All in all, for all four struts, it cost me around 500 canadian plus the rental of the spring compressor.

A shop would likely have about 3 hours labour I would kind of think...