Cost Of New Shocks and Struts

[seattle_kurt]

Hi there. I have 2011 5th Gen 4runner Trail Edition. My mechanic recently quoted me ~ $3,000 for a Bilstein Replacement Kit. This includes parts and installation labor. This is an independent mechanic with a good reputation that I've used for many years. However, this price seemed excessive to me. I'm wondering what others think and if you have any suggestions. I have no problem paying it. I just want to make sure I'm not being taken. Thanks in advance for any help.

Update: I should have mentioned that this quote included new control arms.

 

[biratley]

He trying to get in you with no lube .
Look on line at the kit you want
(or he quoted )then add $400 to $700 for installation and Youll see about what you should be paying.


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[smokingtoysupra]

Hi there. I have 2011 5th Gen 4runner Trail Edition. My mechanic recently quoted me ~ $3,000 for a Bilstein Replacement Kit. This includes parts and installation labor. This is an independent mechanic with a good reputation that I've used for many years. However, this price seemed excessive to me. I'm wondering what others think and if you have any suggestions. I have no problem paying it. I just want to make sure I'm not being taken. Thanks in advance for any help.

can u get a breakdown of parts and labor? labor should be around 5-6 hours maybe a alignment even tho its not really needed.

 

[jrandom]

Whoa, seems a little steep to me considering the new hardware is way less than a $1000 (with new springs already installed).

I mean seriously, the job is front shocks 3 bolts on the top hat and 1 bolt on the LCA and 1 and 1 on the rears. KDSS is easy, you can do it on the floor and only unbolt one side at a time, another two bolts (you don't even have to unbolt the rear kdss). I have swapped/replaced/worked on mine a dozen times and $2000 labors seems steep.

I recently changed out my fronts by myself in my carport in >3 hours taking my time and cleaning as I went and I would say I am inclined but not a mechanic.

 

[lbostons]

I was quoted ~$3,500 just yesterday for bilstein 6112s in the front with bilstein 5100s in the rear with rear lift coil springs and 4 new Toyo AT3 in 285/70. I thought that seemed right.

 

[seattle_kurt]

I was quoted ~$3,500 just yesterday for bilstein 6112s in the front with bilstein 5100s in the rear with rear lift coil springs and 4 new Toyo AT3 in 285/70. I thought that seemed right.

Ok, your quote included 4 new tires (~$1,000). My quote included new control arms. So, we're in the same ball park.

 

[osugsxr]

TRD pro clearance sale for the 5100s a few years ago $400-450 , I paid $500 for labor with alignment. Quote one hour per a shock etc and negotiated for free alignment.

 

[Dynamo]

Hi there. I have 2011 5th Gen 4runner Trail Edition. My mechanic recently quoted me ~ $3,000 for a Bilstein Replacement Kit. This includes parts and installation labor. This is an independent mechanic with a good reputation that I've used for many years. However, this price seemed excessive to me. I'm wondering what others think and if you have any suggestions. I have no problem paying it. I just want to make sure I'm not being taken. Thanks in advance for any help.

Update: I should have mentioned that this quote included new control arms.

For reference, I bought a full set of Bilstein 5100's and Cornfed 1/2" rear spring spacers and had my local Toyota dealer install them including alignment. Total cost for everything was ~$1400.

Is that both upper and lower control arms on both sides using OEM parts? If so then that's at least $1100 for OEM control arms.

 

[seattle_kurt]

For reference, I bought a full set of Bilstein 5100's and Cornfed 1/2" rear spring spacers and had my local Toyota dealer install them including alignment. Total cost for everything was ~$1400.

Is that both upper and lower control arms on both sides using OEM parts? If so then that's at least $1100 for OEM control arms.

Thanks for the reference. Yep, both upper and lower control arms.

 

[MAST4R]

Bilstein 5100 is under 500$, 6112+5100 would be under 900$, 8112/8100 would be 4,000+.

Stock LCA are about 330 each. Stock UCA can be purchased second hand for peanuts.

All work required is easy and frankly more pleasant than dealing with sliders or some of the skid plates.

The rear coils and shocks are like a 30 min job assuming non-resi shocks.

 

[DougR]

Thanks for the reference. Yep, both upper and lower control arms.

I also have a 2011 Trail. It has ~116,000 miles mostly city and highway miles. It rides great with KDSS and Bilstein shocks installed 5 months ago. I'm a bit surprised that you already need upper and lower control arms. Do you have a lot of miles on the vehicle? Are the front springs still close to original height? My OEM front springs sagged, so I installed a pair of Dobinson's.

 

[MAST4R]

I also have a 2011 Trail. It has ~116,000 miles mostly city and highway miles. It rides great with KDSS and Bilstein shocks installed 5 months ago. I'm a bit surprised that you already need upper and lower control arms. Do you have a lot of miles on the vehicle? Are the front springs still close to original height? My OEM front springs sagged, so I installed a pair of Dobinson's.

Good points. I won't be surprised if the shop made it up, at least when it comes to the UCAs.

It is crazy what I have heard from random mechanics over the years.

 

[wcjeep]

I usually start with Rockauto to check pricing.



Looks like the Bilstein strut is cheaper than some upper or lower control arms.


Bilstein 5100 adjustable single strut is $100. Control arms vary from cheap to $250.

 

[daytonaviolet]

I got my kings for ~ $2500. Just install yourself

 

[Jivewalker]

I replaced mine myself in my driveway for around $150 (OEM Tokico) plus an alignment afterwards.
Depending on what you are looking to do, Wheelers has a kit with springs and 5100's for like 750 and for a little extra they will assemble the coilovers. Then It's simply install which is not very hard if they are already assembled.

Wheeler's 2010-Present Toyota 4Runner Suspension Lift Kit | Low Range Off-Road

Edit: I believe Wheelers springs might be made by Eibach??

 

[patkelly4370]

I personally would assume by that quote that the mechanic really doesn't want to do it, lol.

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[Forgetful]

If you were in AZ I'd give you a heck of a deal on OEM suspension installed compared to that...