Just cross posting this query over to a specialist Chevy NG where they may be more use.
rhys
Hi eveyone,
>
>
> I have a 1997 Blazer 4x4 truck. I was told by the mechanic that I
> needed new ball joints. The quote was close to $400.00 in parts alone.
> the quote was for two upepr ball joints, and two lower joints. Labour
> is not included ( roughly about 400.00 ) Canadian. I went to the
> autozone web site, and I priced out two upper and two lower joints for
> a grand total of $117.00 Canadian!, so obviously the car parts cost in
> Canada for this vehicle is so much higher. I went to a local Lordo
> auto parts store ( kinda like autozone ) , and they were asking 90.00
> for the upper joint alone!!!.
>
>
>
> Anyhow, here comes the two question I have for everyone.
>
> 1. has anyone ever changed the uuper/lower joint in a blazer? is it
> hard to do? Looking at the Autozone web site
>
>
formatting link
> It doesnt look all that difficult, apart from having to buy or borrow
> a ball joint remover tool, it looks quite straight forward. However ,
> I have never done this job before. I have done basic stuffs like
> changing the thermotast, etc. I do know I may throw my wheel out of
> balance, however, even if I purchase tools, get the wheel aligned
> after I am done, etc, I am still saving a few hundred dollars. If one
> of you guys done this in this type of vehicle, could you kindly tell
> me what to look for in term of potential problems? etc. I will highly > appreciated.
>
>
> 2. Second question, to all Canadians here....
>
> I have never really had to buy a part from the US before. I live 20
> minutes away from the border. If I purchase a part for an american
> vehicle sold in Canada, will I have to pay duty? if so, any idea how
> much? i alway thought that with the free trade agreement, any goods
> sold and made in North America should flow freely without fees, am I
> correct? Please correct me if I am wrong. I have decided to run down
> there and pick up the needed parts. It just too costly up here, and my
> budget is pretty tight... :(
>
>
> thanks!
>
>
>