Hello all!

This is my first n00b post. It looks like there a a bunch of knowledgeable folks in this community.

To give you a little background info, I just bought a Driftwood Pearl 2006 T4R Limited (2WD/V6) w/139K miles last week. Coming from a 2007 FJC, I am quite familiar with the 1GR-FE V6 and know they can last well over 300K miles if properly maintained. The only thing really wrong with my newly acquired T4R is that I believe the shocks are pretty much shot, based on my bounce test. Therefore, I am looking at some KYB Excel-Gs or Billstein 5100s. I am somewhat mechanically inclined but would prefer to have a shop do the work since my driveway isn't exactly shadetree mechanic-friendly.

Does anyone know what a fair price would be to get all four sides installed if I purchase the shocks myself? I am located in Montgomery, AL and still looking around for reputable shops outside of the "stealership". Thanks in advance to everyone. Glad to finally be a part of T4R.org!

You're looking to about a $150-300, or more, just for labor. Again, it all depend where you have it done. I would definitely go the Billstein 5100 route. I did mine with a few friends and it was a pretty easy job.

Thanks for the info, Kris! I figured it would be around what you estimated. $150-200 sounds reasonable enough. If it get's to be around the $300+ range, I may just get a wild hair and rent a spring compressor from an O'Reilly and do them myself .

I installed new Bistein 5100's and FJ Cruiser springs all around myself with no spring compressor.

I have a 2005 2WD V6 with about 150k and felt like it was time to replace the struts as well. I ordered KYB front struts and strut mounts from "Justsuspension.com" at the best deal i could find on the net... Then i went to a small shop which I regret now who said he would install it for $45 per strut... this guy didn't remove the sway bar which I've read you're suppose to do in other threads and i believe ended up stretching my ABS sensor wires so even though I had the front struts/strut mounts done for under $240, I have to get my ABS Wire replaced or fixed if I can find the break...
Just be sure you take it to a shop that knows what they are doing.

Other than that, you'll love the new shocks! Truck drives like new on bumps now.

how do you get them back together. just curious

Wow! That'd be even better :-). Could you enlighten us on how you were able to perform the install?

No Spring Compressor Method

Also read through this sticky: Compiled: FJ Springs Lift Info for 4th gen

Great info! Thanks morphious :-)!! I didn't even think to look @ the FJ spring swap thread.

Morphious,

Btw, is that an Auburn (AU) emblem I see on the front of your T4R?? If so, WAR EAGLE !!

WAR EAGLE!

I like your AU emblem mod, nice! War Eagle

If I were still in the gump I'd offer to lend a hand.

I've actually changed suspensions on about 6 4runners now, and my own 4-5 times, in my driveway with no spring compressor. It's a pretty easy job but if there's much rust on it, I'd spray wd40 everywhere the morning before you do it.

It's best if you can find someone to lend a hand, whether they know what they're doing or not. Just the extra set of hands is a lot of help for some things. Although the times I did my suspension I was alone, so it is possible.

FYI I had never done that type of work before I got my 4R and started working based on the write-ups, like the one posted above.

I used same links to swap out all four springs on my 05 4Runner. It's not hard just take a little bit of time.