I have gotten two seperate quotes of $150 plus alignment to just install new front shocks on my 4runner...is this high?? I was expecting maybe to pay $75 or so for one hour of labor...I mean its not THAT involved...I just dont have a spring compressor to do it myself....Just wanting to see what yall thought...

 

I paid $200 for the front shocks with alignment...Alignment was about 70-80 bucks.

You can buy a spring compressor for about 40 bucks at sears but you still have to get the alignment done so I guess it's up to you.

The shock replacement took 3 hours to complete the job by the shop.


Tom

 

I removed the coil-over assembly's from the truck myself and the compressor I had rented wouldn't fit on the coils. So I took them down to the local Midas and the guy there compressed the old springs off and reassembled the new struts and springs with the factory top parts for $30. It took them all of 20 min to do it, and the total job took about 2 hrs max for the front, including the trip to Midas. Of course I had to take it for an alignment after I was done, that was $60. Very easy to do at home IMHO.

 

i remember seeing awhile back a thread talking about using a jack (like for changing a tire) to compress the springs...any ideas about that...besides being dangerous??

 

You can use the bottle jack upside down inside the wheel-well to press the upper arm down to make it easier to get the strut in/out, but not to compress the springs....

Checker or any Auto Parts store rents the spring compressors for just a few bucks (+deposit).