Hi Guys!
I bought my 98 Riv a few years ago, pics provide below. Before doing so, I reviewed the posts on this website in great detail to gain insight on which year to buy. Thanks so much for your useful inputs! I very much enjoyed Snowdog's restoration of his Riviera in Europe.
BUT I NEED YOUR FURTHER INPUT....
At this point, I have some maintenance to do - Wheel hubs, struts, and motor mounts. The car has 93K miles on it. Left front tire has some play in the 3-9 o'clock positions (tie rod) and the 6-12 o'clock positions. Other wheels seem to have no play, but the hubs are 16 years old. Struts completely gone. I have replaced rear shock already with Monroe MaxAir.
I want to put KYB struts on, unless you guys have a better recommendation. Would like to lower the front wheels by an inch or so, but there is no lowering kit for the Riv, as I understand it.
I have heard concerns raised about the quality of Timken wheel hubs. Are they still good, or do you guys recommend a better brand (SKF? MOOG/National?). I know enough to avoid anything made in China. Looking to buy from RockAuto, if they can tell me country of origin. I guess I could buy from intense racing and trust that they would not give me a bad product. Or should I just pay up for AC-Delcos? Thoughts?
I also need to support the engine properly in order to change the mounts and serpentine belt. The dealership that previously worked on the car dented up the oil pan. I ran across a post somewhere in this forum or another site that described a home-made wooden support device that supported the oil pan near the front of the engine. Any thoughts or info on this would be appreciated! Thanks! - Hal
