Parag0n

I previously posted over in the Small Questions thread and got a little bit of good information but I'd like to expand on it a bit and make sure I'm moving along the right track. I apologize if this is a dumb post, but I'm kind of just looking for someone with experience to tell me I'm moving in the right direction and have the right ideas or to tell me I'm not, and what I should be doing.


I have a S13 that hasn't moved much in the last ~10 years. I don't have much car experience but I'm finally get around to fixing it up. The engine runs well and previously had some professional work done to it roughly ~6 years ago.


It does need all new tires and along with that new brakes, rotors, and while I was at it I figured I'd do the calipers. Unfortunately I've been having some really tough times getting things apart and most of the caliper bolts have broken - with one (maybe 2) of the bracket bolts breaking off in the knuckle. So an extraction or replacement knuckle is in my future.

I have flushed the coolant, and plan on doing an oil/filter change along with transmission fluid change. Of course I will be replacing the brake fluid when I get to it.

That was initially where I planned to stop and then have new tires put on. But after having a better look at everything I started thinking it may be better to do some more.

Currently, I have ordered and received :

• Front & Rear Calipers
• Front & Rear Rotors
• Front & Rear Pads

Should I also consider replacing other items such as struts, balljoints, etc? I'm not really sure which items I *should* replace or which ones might still be in decent condition.

Then I have a question about balljoints. I'm assuming those are probably a "should replace" item, and I've found that I can buy them separately aftermarket, or buy the control arms which come with them. Would it really make any sense to buy the whole control arm? I guess I'm just wondering if there is anything with the control arm that could go wrong where it would make sense to replace both items at once, versus saving money buying just the balljoints.

I really appreciate any input you have.