suspensions

[Kim K Kaiser]

Back again with new thing to deal with,

while i had car in shop, i gave him the steering gear to replace while he had he car up that was leaking,  

he asked me if i had some play in the steering and i told him yes, maybe 3 or four inches of play in the steering wheel.. he pointed out a rubber doughnut just in front of the gear, behind the tire... i am assuming its part of the stabilizer bar system.. he said it was pretty well shot.  

My question is, should i have to look into doing the whole thing, or can this joint be done individually.  He also said i would probably need an alignment.

I did notice the car drove a little differently after replacing the steering gear,, 

He charged me 350 for replacing the gear, the valley pan that was leaking on the passenger side, and the rear main seal... (i supplied the parts)  I thought it was a pretty good deal,  for all that got done. albeit it didnt solve the main seal problem, but did bring light to the potential of the oil pan being bad...

anyway, as stated,, is this something that needs to be  complete over haul of steering doughnuts or can they be pieced out as time permits.

also, what are the best parts to replace with,, 

[Kim K Kaiser]

Wontvkno till i chg oil pan.  Ill b bk in MS monday and some warmer air.  Hope to get it done w in nxt week or so.