What to tell Mechanic when swapping shocks/how much should I expect to spend?

[JSeligman2828]

Hi there,

I'm about to pick up a used 4runner and after seeing everyone agree on the Billstein 5100 and the FJ shocks. I'm going to find those and give them over to my mechanic to replace.

It's a buddies dad so he's not going to take me for a ride, however I just wanted to be able to tell him exactly what to do. I've searched around and was curious if I was right on these prices.

4 of the billstein shocks should run me around $400? The FJ Shocks look to be around $200 for 4 of them.

I don't need spacers/other lifts to install this correct? I was thinking of doing that in the future.

How much should I be expecting on labor?

Thanks!

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Do you have the base suspsension, or limited, or sport? That's the big question. If you have an SR5 and he's just swapping the springs and struts, shouldn't be more than say $200

 

[JSeligman2828]

Do you have the base suspsension, or limited, or sport? That's the big question. If you have an SR5 and he's just swapping the springs and struts, shouldn't be more than say $200

It would be the SR5, I'm buying a used 4runner and if it has X-REAS I'll drive it till i need to change it. If it does have the x-reas suspension, what would the labor cost?

 

[acronin2]

It would be the SR5, I'm buying a used 4runner and if it has X-REAS I'll drive it till i need to change it. If it does have the x-reas suspension, what would the labor cost?

If it's an SR5 than it will not have the X-REAS. As far as I know the Sport Edition are the only model 4th gen with the X-REAS although the Limited may have it as well.

 

[flyfisher4822]

I replaced the XREAS with 5100's and FJ coils on my '06 Sport Edition. To strip out the XREAS and install the Bilsteins and coils cost $200 in labor, plus $70 for a front end alignment (Santa Cruz, CA shop costs).

By the way, not everyone agrees the 5100/FJ coil swap is optimal, or even acceptable. I tried it for 3 months and disliked it. Installed the new Bilstein 6112's a month ago. The difference is HUGE. Just a heads up.

 

[sonerick]

I replaced the XREAS with 5100's and FJ coils on my '06 Sport Edition. To strip out the XREAS and install the Bilsteins and coils cost $200 in labor, plus $70 for a front end alignment (Santa Cruz, CA shop costs).

By the way, not everyone agrees the 5100/FJ coil swap is optimal, or even acceptable. I tried it for 3 months and disliked it. Installed the new Bilstein 6112's a month ago. The difference is HUGE. Just a heads up.

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but please do elaborate on the new Bilstein 6112's... How do they feel compared to 5100's?

 

[paperchasin]

I believe that FJ front springs are color coded for driver and passenger side. This might be important to remind the mechanic of.

 

[flyfisher4822]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but please do elaborate on the new Bilstein 6112's... How do they feel compared to 5100's?

See link below:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/192772-any-reviews-new-bilstein-6112s.html

 

[Velonici]

Since you are up north, be prepared that the cam bolts will be rusted in place and most likely will have to be cut out.

 

[JeffMerr]

I replaced the XREAS with 5100's and FJ coils on my '06 Sport Edition. To strip out the XREAS and install the Bilsteins and coils cost $200 in labor, plus $70 for a front end alignment (Santa Cruz, CA shop costs)..

Wish I was closer to your guy. My local shop wants $400 just for the swap.