Update #2 - Struts and temp tag

[LoyalKnight683]

Well, I needed to do something about the sloppy suspension so I decided to put new struts on her. I just went with the KYB GR2 factory replacements b/c I need to just drive her more to get a feel for what path I will be taking and use the other money for more maintenance. It was an uneventful day installing the struts… just nothing fun or worth while to talk about. They are done and she drives much, much better. Those old factory struts had zero resistance either direction...
Also, I went and got the temp tag today. Put about 30 miles on her , the most I've driven her in 5 years. Ive got 20 days to get the emissions test passed and buy the plates. Any suggestions or tricks to get a 165.xxx mile motor to pass??? Yeah, sorry my first post said 186,xxx but its only 165...
Next steps: tomorrow, is an oil change (only 400 miles since the last one but its been 5 years), I think its time. Next weekend, I think it will be time for new tie rod ends and then a healthy portion of alignment, with a side dish of tire balance and rotation. Then, assuming a passed emissions test, new timing belt, pullies, tensioners, water pump, and what am I forgetting??? Balance shaft eliminator or just a new belt? Don’t forget, I am waiting on the poly bushings to arrive (got them for everything), I think that will help with a lot of the other rattles and vibrations.

 

[tenn-gsx]

Do the poly bushings before you get an alignment. You will have to get one after anyway. Also they might not be able to align the car depending on the condition of the factory bushings. Change the airfilter fuel filter plugs and wires while your doing maintenance. If you want to clean things up inside the engine then you might want to seafoam it but do that before you replace the plugs because that stuff can foul out a brand new set of plugs real quick. Make sure the new plugs are gapped correctly. Since the car has been sitting 5 years it would be a good idea to check your vacuums lines and replace any that are rotted or cracking. Maybe change the coolant while your at it and the xmsn transfer and rear diff fluids.

 

[tenn-gsx]

Clean car btw.