Sorry for creating a new thread here, (I am new registrant in the forum, but have been trolling for many months now). I have a 2011 4Runner SR5 and want to install 4 bilstein 5100 shocks (front set at 1.75) and add a 1 inch rear spacers. A local shop in VA is quoting me $1,300 for parts and labor. How does that compare with what others had paid and does anyone have recommendations for reputable shops in VA to do this type of work? Thank you so much!
Lift Cost: Bilstein 5100 4 shocks and 1 inch rear spacers
- Thread starter SamT
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Ducmonsta
New member
I've gotta chime in a little here. High Tech is a very reputable shop. Scott is one of the best technicians that I've ever met. The main difference between him and other techs that I've met in the past is Scott cares about his work and his work ethic.
Now that I've blown up Scott's ego a little bit, I wanted to explain another thing about pricing. High Tech is going to be one of the more expensive shops out there. Especially if we're comparing them to the rest of the country. Northern Va is one of the MOST expensive places to live. High Techs hourly rate is probably in the $120-$135 range by now. I know it was $119 when I left in Sept 2013. The alignments for modified suspension vehicles is $150 and up. More if there are additional aftermarket adjustments that need to be made (adj UCAs). I'm sure everyone here has read about all the horror stories about alignment shops.
Let's just say the parts come in at around $550 for Bilsteins and a rear coil spacer. Add another $150 for alignment and 4-5hrs of labor @ $130 is $520-$750.
I wouldn't be surprised if the OP's quote was from High Tech to begin with. I know it's hard to accept the cost of doing business when you don't live in the area. Believe me, I see it first hand everyday. When I moved to Vancouver, Wa., I had no idea that we could support our family on one income. That's close to impossible in the DC area. A 3 bedroom, 2 bath, one level ranch style 1100 sq/ft home sells for $550,000 in Fairfax (northern va suburb). Whereas a 5 br, 3 bath, 3 car garage 2400sq/ft home sells for $330,000 in Vancouver. I've found repair shops that charge $59/hr for labor locally here in Vancouver. It's just a different world. I can't go back east and tell our realtor that the $1.2 million dollar home they're trying to sell me is a rip off because I can get that same house for half here in Portland.
I'm off my soap box. But if you'd like to read a little more of why High Tech is more expensive, check this thread.
Now that I've blown up Scott's ego a little bit, I wanted to explain another thing about pricing. High Tech is going to be one of the more expensive shops out there. Especially if we're comparing them to the rest of the country. Northern Va is one of the MOST expensive places to live. High Techs hourly rate is probably in the $120-$135 range by now. I know it was $119 when I left in Sept 2013. The alignments for modified suspension vehicles is $150 and up. More if there are additional aftermarket adjustments that need to be made (adj UCAs). I'm sure everyone here has read about all the horror stories about alignment shops.
Let's just say the parts come in at around $550 for Bilsteins and a rear coil spacer. Add another $150 for alignment and 4-5hrs of labor @ $130 is $520-$750.
I wouldn't be surprised if the OP's quote was from High Tech to begin with. I know it's hard to accept the cost of doing business when you don't live in the area. Believe me, I see it first hand everyday. When I moved to Vancouver, Wa., I had no idea that we could support our family on one income. That's close to impossible in the DC area. A 3 bedroom, 2 bath, one level ranch style 1100 sq/ft home sells for $550,000 in Fairfax (northern va suburb). Whereas a 5 br, 3 bath, 3 car garage 2400sq/ft home sells for $330,000 in Vancouver. I've found repair shops that charge $59/hr for labor locally here in Vancouver. It's just a different world. I can't go back east and tell our realtor that the $1.2 million dollar home they're trying to sell me is a rip off because I can get that same house for half here in Portland.
I'm off my soap box. But if you'd like to read a little more of why High Tech is more expensive, check this thread.
Alex T4R
New member
I have to concur to what Ducmonsta posted. I live 4 hours away from high tech and drove there 4 times, would i drive there again, no doubt, does not even have to think about it twice. One thing i learn you get what you pay for it. I went to the recommended shop by SPC and they paid for the work, but i'm not gonna bash the shop, but i would not drive there even if they would be located around the corner.
Jeff614
New member
Hi Sam,
Just wondering how things were going with getting everything installed.
I've really got to second what Ducmonsta said about High-Tech. They may be a little more than the other shops around here but when your making changes, especially to your front suspension, having it done right the first time is worth every penny. Like I mentioned in our PM's they've been at this for years and are good folks to work with and know our rigs well.
Any thought to maybe tackling the rear yourself to save a little dough?
- Jeff
Just wondering how things were going with getting everything installed.
I've really got to second what Ducmonsta said about High-Tech. They may be a little more than the other shops around here but when your making changes, especially to your front suspension, having it done right the first time is worth every penny. Like I mentioned in our PM's they've been at this for years and are good folks to work with and know our rigs well.
Any thought to maybe tackling the rear yourself to save a little dough?
- Jeff
Thank you everyone for providing your opinions and responses! With some of you I emailed directly and even managed to get 1" cornfed rear spacers. I agree that everything in the DC metro area costs way too much -- wish that were not the case. I am ordering parts on my own and, based on everyone's opinion, will most likely go to High Tech for install. I do not mind paying a little extra for a piece of mind; hence, the reason for asking for your advice, which I appreciate greatly. I will post pics once the vehicle is ready.
Thank you to everyone who responded to this thread and with whom I emailed directly! Finally, I got all the parts and went to High Tech last Friday. Scott did the install (what a great guy and a great group out there). After much thought, I went with 4 Bilsteins (1.75 in the front) and 1 inch spacers in the back. Really happy with the set up and much improved ride quality. I will post pics soon. Now waiting for the original tires to wear out so I can install something better
. I am thinking about getting rid of the running boards, but need to decide on a replacement as I have a 3.5 year old who climbs in and out of the vehicle. Again, thanks for all of your great advice, recommendations, and spacers!!
Jeff614
New member
Congrats Sam!!!
Glad you were able to get everything installed and are happy with the install!
The costs of things around the Nova, or whole DMV area really, are crazy but glad everything worked out with High-Tech and they did a great job. Looking forward to the day I can go on down to see them myself.
Can't wait to see the finished product and hear what sort of tires you'll be going with later on.
Thanks for the update and congrats again!
- Jeff
Glad you were able to get everything installed and are happy with the install!
The costs of things around the Nova, or whole DMV area really, are crazy but glad everything worked out with High-Tech and they did a great job. Looking forward to the day I can go on down to see them myself.
Can't wait to see the finished product and hear what sort of tires you'll be going with later on.
Thanks for the update and congrats again!
- Jeff
Thank you, Jeff! I am thinking about BFGs 275/17/70 on stock wheels. Not sure I want to make any fender mods if I go with bigger tires.
Sam
Jeff614
New member
Wow Sam, hope to keep in touch on your tire choices. Not too many folks seem to run those 275's and I know they are only slightly larger than stock but that's exactly what I'm looking for.
I'd love to see the combo of those treads and your new suspension setup.
With the hopeful group buy on the Southern Style Speed winch bumper soon, I'm thinking the Bilsteins will be coming soon after that.
Anyways, once again congrats on the new suspension goodies and very interested to hear about your tire considerations!
- Jeff
I'd love to see the combo of those treads and your new suspension setup.
With the hopeful group buy on the Southern Style Speed winch bumper soon, I'm thinking the Bilsteins will be coming soon after that.
Anyways, once again congrats on the new suspension goodies and very interested to hear about your tire considerations!
- Jeff
