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Replacing struts and plugs while doing coil spring spacers?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by softdown, Jun 20, 2020.

  1. softdown

    softdown Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2019
    43
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    Location:
    Blanca, CO, USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I need to install coil spring spacers because of the conditions I drive in. It is really quite a bit of work to get at the top strut bolts.

    Considering doing the struts and spark plugs while I am it. I don't know when the plugs were done last - texted the last owner ~14 hours ago with no response. He did have the head gasket replaced a couple years ago but also drove a great deal as an Uber driver. He did have good routine maintenance performed by a hybrid shop.

    Prius is a 2012 with 239,000 miles on it. Running great at this time.
     
  2. softdown

    softdown Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2019
    43
    13
    0
    Location:
    Blanca, CO, USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Just can't make up my mind on this. Previous owner can't remember if the plugs were done when the head gasket was replaced. One rear shocks leaks a very small amount.

    Car has 239,000 miles. But with replaced head gasket, new tires and newer hybrid battery - I can see getting 350,000 mostly highway miles out of it with luck.

    Engine runs fantastic but plugs could still be pretty old.

    Car handles fantastic though it dislikes washboard roads. Small tires are jarring on washboard roads in my experience. Then we have the tiny rear shock leak. Plus the rear sags a bit with a teardrop camper. Not bad though.

    Should I spend hundreds of dollars and a lot of work at this time when things are still fine? I do have literally hundreds of other projects I could also do with my time and money. I do not enjoy working on modern cars with all the plastic connections and tight spaces. Yet the budget compels me to do my own work an I have a gazillion tools. Been a tool junkie for decades.