Suspension, upgrade or not?

[rusgb]

Hi folk, so the car (99, 4.0l) has been garaged (hibernating) on and off for the past three months. As always seems the case, rattles and squeaks seem to appear when she is back on the road (I should probably never take her off). The front suspension is making one hell of a squeaking when I turn the wheel, the local garage thinks the ball joints have gone and tell me £300 fitted. Does this sound fair, and if so should I just consider getting a suspension upgrade instead? I have heard very mixed stories about the upgrades but as I have no intention of ever selling the car and things are looking pretty rusty down there (springs etc) should I opt for an upgrade, or maybe a refurb?

Any thoughts from the wise community would be great. So pleased to have some sunshine back and want to make the most of it without sounding like a 1960s Cortina...

Thanks, Rus
p.s. I left the car locked for three weeks with no trickle charger and she unlocked and started first time. In fact (touches wood) she has never failed to start in almost three years! Must be a good battery, or a duff alarm?!?

[minkybob]

Done mine last year lost all the sweaks ect! nice

[speedtwelve]

FWIW my '98 Chim 400 at 46k miles snapped an original Bilstein damper clean in two while I was driving it. A mate had exactly the same on his '98 450. I've heard of similar happening with other Chims, occasionally firing the strut through the GRP tub when they let go.

I fitted Gaz Gold Pros all-round. Very happy with them.

[LongBaz383BHP]

My 98 Chim 500 did exactly that.

[rusgb]

Thanks for the answers, I may opt for the upgrade then. Looks like a nicely restored chassis in the picture! Am I right to guess at close to £1k all fitted and setup?
Rus

[minkybob]

Try not think about the money anymore!!!!!!!!!!!
But coming on for a grand if you do it yourself.