Buying Shocks/Struts and Springs

[UTEP]

Hi All,

I will be replacing shocks/struts on my 2000 Ltd t4R in the next week or so. I don't live close enough or have access to a good shop and don't want to compress/decompress my old springs.

Of course this only applies to the front but wonder if I should address the rear springs as well. No sag at this point so may not have to.

I can either buy assembled front spring/strut units or buy separately and drive to shop to have them install springs. Maybe it's cheaper to buy assembled on line? I considered just getting them installed at a shop and that was $35ea for rear, $65ea for front; my parts…

I have decided upon Bilstein 5100's and I no, or subtle lift.

So lots to consider here.

Any direction appreciated. Best place to buy and approach welcome.

Thanks,

UTeP

 

[BrianSD_42]

Did you search?

For your setup I'd recommend you just replace with the exact same parts and do the rear as well.

Google: camelback Toyota online parts

 

[Stgo2019]

I had my shocks/struts & springs done at Tinkertoy Automotive on McCutcheon/Redd Rd.
I purchased the the parts, Bilstein HDs and Moog springs, at Autozone and they installed.

I wasn't aware at the time and it might be fairly standard but... they told me that if they purchase the parts, from AutoZone, Toyota or wherever, the cost to replace the parts (labor) if they fail within the warranty period is covered by the parts seller. Otherwise you have to cover the labor for them to remove and reinstall the warrantied parts.

Tinkertoy is a great shop with competent/honest mechanics.

Matt

 

[MTD]

Did you search?

For your setup I'd recommend you just replace with the exact same parts and do the rear as well.

Google: camelback Toyota online parts

This has nothing to do with what he is asking... he knows what he wants he just wants to know how he should have it installed with a small aside on what to do for the rear........

That being said OP I would go with ome 906 (1-2 inch rear lift) in the rear with billstien 5100 rear shocks as well. I have rough country shocks from wheelers offroad that work awesome, but I know many people dont like them purely because they are rough country. Idk thats my suggestion. And as far as install go to autozone and rent as spring compressor and just do it yourself its pretty easy and its fun too! Keep in mind the money you save doing that can be used for the necessary alignment needed after.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I can either buy assembled front spring/strut units or buy separately and drive to shop to have them install springs. Maybe it's cheaper to buy assembled on line?

Well it sounds to me like he:
* hasn't decided exactly what to buy
* hasn't decided where to order yet

My advice is still order OEM from Camelback. Have a local shop do the install. It doesn't even have to be a great shop. Any shop should be able to replace the front and rear suspension for 3-4 hours labor. Or have them just do the compression part for only 1 hr labor and then install the rest yourself.

 

[UTEP]

Thanks guys,

I'm pretty sure I want the Bilstein 5100's and the only question is new springs all the way around and can I buy them pre-installed on the fronts? Thought about KYB's or 4600's but might as well go large; buy the best and cry once and all that jazz...

MY problem is I have not gotten established with a good shop or friends I can impose on here in El Paso, so I'm trying to get as close to just plugging in new parts as possible.

So…does anyone sell assembled front strut/spring assemblies?

Thanks,

UTEp

 

[MTD]

This ^^^^ And you need to be less negative I think you have forgoten what this forum is all about its a community of guys just like you that have a passion for what they drive. I don't think you would talk to your neighbor this way so why do it here?

Well it sounds to me like he:
* hasn't decided exactly what to buy
* hasn't decided where to order yet

My advice is still order OEM from Camelback. Have a local shop do the install. It doesn't even have to be a great shop. Any shop should be able to replace the front and rear suspension for 3-4 hours labor. Or have them just do the compression part for only 1 hr labor and then install the rest yourself.

 

[MTD]

I have decided upon Bilstein 5100's and I no, or subtle lift.
UTeP

And this is the only reason i said anything...

 

[UTEP]

Hi All,

I can either buy assembled front spring/strut units or buy separately and drive to shop to have them install springs. Maybe it's cheaper to buy assembled on line? I considered just getting them installed at a shop and that was $35ea for rear, $65ea for front; my parts…

I have decided upon Bilstein 5100's and I no, or subtle lift.


UTeP

Hi again,

I never got this one answered and have not been successful in figuring it out.

I guess my question is: Can I find new 4R springs (INSTALLED on front struts) for less than $200? Should I, must I replace both front and rear springs? If mine sags at all in the back its symetrical so no tilt.

Also while most suggest 5100's I could save a bit by going 4600's. I don't want a lift, do not do extreme 4x4. By extreme I mean high speed bouncing and gnarly rock crawling. If I encounter bad stretches I go slow. I'm using my 4R as a daily commuter but am prepping for some back country, Mojave, Death Valley, trail use.

Any advice on best prices as well.

Thanks as always,

utEP

 

[Kanger328]

Can I find new 4R springs (INSTALLED on front struts) for less than $200?

There are places online that will pre-assemble the front coils/struts if you buy from them (Toytec: $100, Wheeler's: $120, I'm sure there are others). But these are aftermarket, and I'm not sure if you want just stock OEM coils in which case I don't know if you can get them pre-assembled through online order...maybe through a dealership

Should I, must I replace both front and rear springs? If mine sags at all in the back its symetrical so no tilt.

If it's not sagging, it's really subjective and prob more driver preference. Personally, I'd recommend replacing springs all around. Your springs are 14 years old (assuming they've never been replaced before). You're going to get under your truck/pay someone to do it anyway, might as well replace the coils and not worry about it for prob the rest of your truck's life.

Also while most suggest 5100's I could save a bit by going 4600's. I don't want a lift, do not do extreme 4x4. By extreme I mean high speed bouncing and gnarly rock crawling. If I encounter bad stretches I go slow. I'm using my 4R as a daily commuter but am prepping for some back country, Mojave, Death Valley, trail use.

If you're not lifting or doing anything "extreme", I don't see the need for paying $200/pair for shocks/struts like the nice 5100s. You can prob get OEM type struts/shocks all around for less than $200 total (try rockauto.com)

My personal opinion (just my $0.02)

You're still planning on some off road use, albeit mild. I'd go with '99 4Runner coils all around for about a 1" lift. This was a stock setup for that year model, so you're not pushing your suspension at all. Shocks/struts I'd go with an OEM style replacement by a reputable brand (i.e. KYB, Monroe).

As far as assembly/install...if you're not a gearhead, just pay the money to have them assembled and installed. It's so much less of a PITA. If you're like me and actually like working on your vehicle, go rent a coil compressor (for free) at Autozone or something and do it yourself.

 

[UTEP]

Can I find new 4R springs (INSTALLED on front struts) for less than $200?

There are places online that will pre-assemble the front coils/struts if you buy from them (Toytec: $100, Wheeler's: $120, I'm sure there are others). But these are aftermarket, and I'm not sure if you want just stock OEM coils in which case I don't know if you can get them pre-assembled through online order...maybe through a dealership

Should I, must I replace both front and rear springs? If mine sags at all in the back its symetrical so no tilt.

If it's not sagging, it's really subjective and prob more driver preference. Personally, I'd recommend replacing springs all around. Your springs are 14 years old (assuming they've never been replaced before). You're going to get under your truck/pay someone to do it anyway, might as well replace the coils and not worry about it for prob the rest of your truck's life.

Also while most suggest 5100's I could save a bit by going 4600's. I don't want a lift, do not do extreme 4x4. By extreme I mean high speed bouncing and gnarly rock crawling. If I encounter bad stretches I go slow. I'm using my 4R as a daily commuter but am prepping for some back country, Mojave, Death Valley, trail use.

If you're not lifting or doing anything "extreme", I don't see the need for paying $200/pair for shocks/struts like the nice 5100s. You can prob get OEM type struts/shocks all around for less than $200 total (try rockauto.com)

My personal opinion (just my $0.02)

You're still planning on some off road use, albeit mild. I'd go with '99 4Runner coils all around for about a 1" lift. This was a stock setup for that year model, so you're not pushing your suspension at all. Shocks/struts I'd go with an OEM style replacement by a reputable brand (i.e. KYB, Monroe).

As far as assembly/install...if you're not a gearhead, just pay the money to have them assembled and installed. It's so much less of a PITA. If you're like me and actually like working on your vehicle, go rent a coil compressor (for free) at Autozone or something and do it yourself.

Thanks for all this.

I'm pretty good with a wrench but find myself in windy El Paso with a dirt driveway and no decent bench/vise. I want to spend as little time as possible as the environment can increase the frustration level quickly.

I figure I save ~$200 if I do it myself so that would go towards parts…

I'll try to the links!

uTep

 

[slapdappy]

Thanks guys,

I'm pretty sure I want the Bilstein 5100's and the only question is new springs all the way around and can I buy them pre-installed on the fronts? Thought about KYB's or 4600's but might as well go large; buy the best and cry once and all that jazz...

MY problem is I have not gotten established with a good shop or friends I can impose on here in El Paso, so I'm trying to get as close to just plugging in new parts as possible.

So…does anyone sell assembled front strut/spring assemblies?

Thanks,

UTEp

Wheelers Off Road