Spacer Installation Cost?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'm looking at getting the Daystar 1 inch spacer to level out the front of my 4runner. I'm not confident I can do the install myself, so I'll be looking for a shop to do the work. Can any of you give me a guess as to what a shop would charge to install the front spacer? Thanks!

 

[4Runner8]

a 1 inch spacer should take a good shop an hour and depending on how much they charge an hour its prob under 100, hell under 60. my local shop charges 55 an hour

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

I had my local TMA do my topout spacer and it was 175 with tax they also did a front end alingment afterwards

 

[chaz]

dont count on it being only an hour, it depends on whether the mech is doing it alone or with his helper, then u have to consider time for the front end alignment getting done & the cost of that. overall, depending on who u go to & what they charge per hour or job, a average price should be around 200-250 with the alignment, at least thats what it is in my area.

 

[4Runner8]

im talking no alignment. shoot daystar 1 inch spacers shouldnt take long. they just mount ontop of the shock body dont they

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

you have to pull the spring out and yes they mount on top of the spring but with any amount of lift you need to do an alginment.

 

[4Runner8]

yea i know but he asked for just hte cost of the lift

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've got a shop I always use for alignments, but they don't mess with any installs of stuff like the lift. I know I'll need an alignment, and I'll add that to whatever I should expect for just the install. If I can get a guess at the time/money required for the install, I can figure the rest. Thanks!

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

I would guess on the high side but I would bank on at least 2 hours at $55 an hour and like was said before they might throw 2 people at the job and take you for more money. I would call the place and see what they charge to do it. All they are doing it pulling your struts and springs out and putting the spring back in with the spacer its not to difficult.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

My problem is that I'm not aware of any local shops to do the install. I have a buddy who does all of my mechanical work on the side. However, the general response I've gotten is that if it requires an alignment afterwards, he won't touch it. He's a full time mechanic and I know he's capable, but may not be willing. I am gonna talk to him, but I need to know something to compare his price. Thanks!

 

[4Runner8]

get him to install then take it to another local shop for the allignment.

 

[mmjmeade]

were are you located?? maybe a other member in your area can help you?? if you are close to ne pa. i would gladly help you. i have wall mounted strut compressor at work. should only take around hour to do.

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

Basically you could go to anyplace that replaces struts and shock and they should be able to do it for you goodyear,TMA,firestone etc but I wouldn't pay more then 200 for the install

 

[4Runner8]

yea definitley not worth more then 200 bones

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

From what I heard, it's a simple install so I really wasn't expecting anywhere close to $200. It's not the actual alignment that the guy doesn't like. I'm not sure what it is, but I've asked him to do a couple things with the front end and his comment is always that I'll need an alignment and he suggests I take it elsewhere. He's a good guy, knows his stuff, and gives me a break when he can so I'm not gonna complain too much. With the top mount spacer like the daystar, is it just removing the shock, bolting up the spacer, and reinstalling? Do you have to take the spring out and therefore need a spring compressor to get it back? I'm just trying to get an idea of what I'm looking at before I call him up or go to a shop.

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

It is a simple install but you still have to remove the spring the spacer goes on top of the spring unless you do a top plate spacer. I also belive if you go to toytecs website they have pics of a spacer install which might help you better understand what all is intailed in the install.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'm more than likely going with a top mount (isn't the Daystar?). Thanks for the tip, I'll give that a look!

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

A top plate spacer goes on top of the strut instead of on top of the spring most spacer lifts go on top of the spring The last time I looked at a daystar spacer it went on top of the spring but this could be a differant one then I have looked at in the past

 

[4Runner8]

i pretty sure its a top out

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

That page on the Toyotec site is great, very imformative! I have no mechanical skills, but it almost makes me want to attempt this (I know better though, all my projects end up screwed up, even the simple ones). From the Daystar site
"Top-Mount Easy-Install Design - Most late-model vehicles have gone to a strut type of front suspension. Most of Daystar's strut applications are a Top-Mount design, meaning that our components bolt to the top of the factory strut assembly. This type of leveling kit does not preload the factory coil spring, so factory ride quality is maintained, and installation requires only simple hand tools."
The Toyotec page was for one that mounts on top of the spring. I'm assuming I follow those directions, but instead of compressing the spring and taking apart, it just bolts to the top and then reinstall? I've got a small shop with basic tools, plenty to do this job. I'm just not fully confident in my ability. If I could lift my 4runner for under $50 I'd have it on order this month for sure. Thanks guys, you all here at T4R are great!