Getting large, heavy parts to a shop?

[Ray Dunakin]

I'm wondering something… if you order something really big and heavy, like a bumper, and can't install it yourself, how do you get it to whatever shop you decide to have do the work? Do you find a shop first, then arrange to have it shipped directly to the shop?

 

[3wbdriver]

I went to a local speed shop and asked them if I could have my CBI bumper delivered there. Then I took it home with a trailer and had a friend help me install it. It does help if you can find a shop who has done work for you before so you have established some form of professional relationship (mine has done suspension and exhaust work for me). But yes, most shops should be willing to receive a shipment for you. Especially if you're willing to pay them to do the installation.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

There's a few ways I suppose? You could trailer it/load it in the vehicle (depending on the part and how's it is delivered that may not always be possible, but for example my sliders and my front bumper fit fine inside the vehicle with the seats down). You could talk to the shop about scheduling a delivery and appointment to have the vehicle worked on, that's a case by case deal as some shops may not want to deal with the hassle. Or you could rent a Uhaul and use it to transport the parts if they're too big to fit in the vehicle?

 

[1engineer]

I'm wondering something… if you order something really big and heavy, like a bumper, and can't install it yourself, how do you get it to whatever shop you decide to have do the work? Do you find a shop first, then arrange to have it shipped directly to the shop?

Find a friend with a pickup. If not, rent a small trailer from u haul and throw it in the back. Bumpers weigh less than 150 lbs. Easy enough to lift an end and scoot it in.

 

[Matt123]

I was able to fit both my bumpers inside my 4Runner (not at the same time).

 

[Ray Dunakin]

Thanks. When I got my sliders, I managed to get them in but I figured a bumper might be a bit much for me to handle, both size and weight.

 

[FrontRange4Runner]

If you can't install it your self then just find the shop you like and have it delivered/installed there. Did this with and engine a while back and it worked out well. Just tell them ahead of time.

 

[JSparky]

Home Depo rents flatbeds for a reasonable rate too. I did this a few years back to move a bunch of railroad ties as part of a home garden raised bed project. I think if you can keep it under an hour the cost isn't bad. Check to see if it's changed though.

 

[Simpleman74]

Install it yourself! Easy! no tools? great excuse to buy some! but if not... put it in the back of the 4runner it will fit. weight shouldn't be a concern... I mean you are gonna install it on the 4runner

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

Home Depo rents flatbeds for a reasonable rate too. I did this a few years back to move a bunch of railroad ties as part of a home garden raised bed project. I think if you can keep it under an hour the cost isn't bad. Check to see if it's changed though.

I actually had to rent the Home Depot truck. I travel a lot for work and taking delivery logistically was getting difficult, so I rented the truck and met the UPS freight driver. We rolled his pallet jack right into the bed off his lift gate. UPS freight in Orlando were very accommodating by the way. They actually held my bumper for a week at the distro center which helped out with my crazy schedule. If you plan to transport in the back of your Runner, bring a heavy duty hammer and prybar and some hand tools ( just in case, mine was bolted) to detach it from the pallet as I doubt the whole skid will fit.