I think it is time to replace most of the parts on the front end of my 1996 Astro 2wd. I bought it in 2000 and I don't believe any of the components have been replaced in its 220k mile life. Anyway, I did a spreadsheet with all of the parts listed and their price from the various suppliers. First, does it look like I am missing anything? Second, I have been doing some research and Moog seems to be the most popular. Unfortunately, further research states that Moog quality has gone down in the last couple of years. This comes from various sources and one person on another forum that I know who is the in the parts supply loop. Anyway, I found some info on
XRF parts. There description sounds impressive. I spoke with a guy at their company and their prices are equally impressive. There is not much info on the web about them except some threads over at The Diesel Stop. Here is three of the better ones
Thread 1,
Thread 2,
Thread 3. Does anyone have any knowledge of this company or used any of their parts? I will probably go ahead and take one for the team, unless anyone has a good reason to stay away. Did I mention their prices?
I can't attach my spreadsheet, so I will give the prices of the XRF parts
XRF Moog
idler arms - 38.7 81.79
inner tie rods- 26.4 35.06
outer tie rods- 26.4 36.62
adjusting sleeves- 13.44 23.42
drag link- 35.68 57.89
upper ball joint- 30.68 47.58
lower ball joint- 32.48 65.58