KYB Shocks/Struts and Monroe Strut Mounts?

[shamading]

Im overdue for replacing the shocks and struts on my 99' Limited. This is my daily highway/commuter vehicle and Im feeling the rougher roads more and more. Ive been calling around getting quotes and am getting prices between $680 and $1000 for both front and backs. At that price a big part of the bill is part markup and I can only afford to get half the job done. I think Im going to buy the below KYB kit for $212 justsuspension.com and start getting pure labor quotes. One of the shops that has worked on my 4Runner suggested new shock mounts up front as well (this same shop quoted $704 for JUST replacing the front shocks and mounts so I already dont trust them). The KYB mounts are $33/each while the Monroe ones are only $18.

My question is, without really knowing the condition of my stock mounts, should I just go ahead and buy new ones. Is there an easy way to check condition? Would I need 4 or just 2? Also, does anyone foresee an issue buying the KYB gas-a-just kit and the Monore mounts?

Shock/Strut:
Gas-a-Just Kit for Toyota 4runner (1998-2002)

KYB Mount
KYB Strut Mount SM5184

Monroe Mount:
Strut-Mate Mounting Kit 904900

 

[shamading]

No replies:sobbing:

But I think I can go with just two mounts for the front struts and it probably makes more sense just to go with the KYB's.

I also found a place (eastsideautocare.com) in Redmond that will install personally purchased parts and comes highly recommended from other Microsofties.

I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[Atreyus]

$700 is a major rip off even if that includes parts. My brother an I did it in about 1-2hrs tops even if a shop charges $100 per hour which is expensive your still at $200 with just labor. Those shocks are not bad, I'm using the KYB Gas a adjusts for my front and pro comps in the rear.

 

[shamading]

Im getting a lot of quotes saying 2hrs for the front and 1hr for the back.

Eastside auto is telling me their rate is $100/hr but its going to cost $330 for the front and $100 for the back. That doesnt seem right. I'll see if they'll bring it down to the common estimate of 3 hours to install all four and then I'll pay extra for an alignment.

 

[shamading]

UPDATE: Finally got them installed. KYBs all around and East Side Auto Care only charged me $300+tax for labor. The ride is a lot smoother and I feel like the truck is gripping the pavement now.