1998 Ford Windstar - Suspension Suddenly Dropped on Right Side

I asked the dealer's service manager about the strut replacement. It
surprised me that he didn't want to take my money. He suggested
replacing the struts only if they were leaking or no longer working. If
they were still good, he did not recommend changing them. Apparently
they must still be good, because they haven't called to tell me I need
new ones.

Labor for strut replacement would be $270 + $70 for an alignment. I got
the strut replacement quote first, then told them the van would be
there for the coil spring replacement. I asked if replacing the springs
and the struts at the same time would lower the strut labor charge for
me. That's when he asked me whether the struts really needed to be
replaced in the first place. From the way the conversation was going, I
got the impression he wouldn't be giving me a break on the price if the
struts were replaced at the same time as the springs.

>I asked if replacing the springs and the struts
>at the same time would lower the strut labor charge for
>me. That's when he asked me whether the struts really needed to be
>replaced in the first place. From the way the conversation was going,
I
>got the impression he wouldn't be giving me a break on the price if
the
>struts were replaced at the same time as the springs.


The front coil springs are right over the struts and would be virtually
just as easy to replace both at the same time. It's something most
shops would do together for the same labor. Selling struts would just
be a greater profit for the overall dealership even if the 'labor' was
just thrown in. Maybe your service advisor was spiting the parts
department? HeeHee

Toyota MDT in MO