I got 4 new springs and I'm ready to get them on the rig - unfortunately I do not have access to a spring compressor, so I'm calling around to get quotes on an install. First place said it would take them 10 hours to just do the fronts!!! Are they really that hard to install? Seems like a rip-off.....

Tried Toyota but they won't put anything on but OEM... Any ideas??

 

No more than 3 hours of labor for an experienced professional w/ spring compressor and that is probably high. Jacksonpt paid $150 I think for all his OME stuff installed including shocks and springs.

Good luck!

Rent a spring compressor and do it yourself. It is not hard. Installation write-up on my website.

 

I got lucky,my firend works at a brake shop and is doing mine for $100.

 

They are not that hard to install. Most auto part stores, AutoZone, Checker, etc.,will rent out spring compressors for free. With a little mechnical experience and time anybody can do it. The first time I did it it took about 3 hours now I can do it in half the time.

 

Well I made some more calls and it seems the standard "book" price is 2 hours for the fronts and 1 hour for the rears...... which comes to about $250 with labor rates around here. More than I would have thought.....

 

That sounds like a more accurate time frame.

 

Schaefer covers the install in DETAIL on his website.

Linky for Front

Link for Rear

You can ignore the parts about the spacer as all the rest is identical for instaling just coils. As everyone has already told you, it's not that hard.

Good luck
G

 

Here's another idea. You could remove the fully assembled struts (3 nuts, 1 bolt), take THOSE to like a goodyear service place, and then tell them that you need the new springs to be loaded onto the strut assembly with their spring compressor (ask if they have a hydraulic wall compressor, very nifty tool!). That way you can avoid using the spring compressor altogether. I did that the first time I attepmted it, after I realized I got the wrong kind of spring compressors from Auto Zone, and they popped them on there for me for $20 total. Then you just bring them back home and tighten up your 3 nuts and bolt, and you're good to go. I also went to Steve Schaefer's site for guidance, worked like a charm.