I'm getting some 120k maintenance done at the dealer next week and thought I'd throw the install of new shocks in there since they are only $40 a pop. Well they are quoting $500+ for labor to install them. Seems excessive. Anyone have similar quotes on the labor?
OEM Shocks - dealer install (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter 2003TLC
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I paid a trusted tire shop to do mine: $150 for all four shocks three years ago. It was a good price but then I was a repeat customer over ten years. My guess is even with the rears being as difficult as they are to install you should only be $250 to $300 tops. The price will vary depending on the market and prevailing labor rates, dealer versus indie, and other factors.
I had my rear shocks installed by a local suspension shop. They charged me 2 hours labor, but they ended up swapping the rear springs at no extra charge. They said they use AllData and it quotes 2 hours. It only took them an hour of actual time, but I expect the other hour is used to help pay for equipment, tools, etc.
Can you install the shocks yourself? Yes, the top nut on the rear shocks is a pain, but I bet a pipe wrench to hold the shock body while loosening the nut would work well. This is what I did on the fronts and it went quick.
Can you install the shocks yourself? Yes, the top nut on the rear shocks is a pain, but I bet a pipe wrench to hold the shock body while loosening the nut would work well. This is what I did on the fronts and it went quick.
Seems high. Anyone who has done the shocks before (as a dealer hopefully would have) could do the job in a couple of hours, especially if the truck was already on a lift for other work. After adding in shop fees, I would hope the labor charge would be only half what they are asking?
Too much, should be less than half that. Labour is 2 hrs flat rate.
I dont believe mine have ever been replaced (193K). How do you know when its time? The jump on the bumper and count the ups and downs seem a little unscientific.
you're probably just slightly over due...
By maybe 120k miles....
Also time for new springs at t-bars at that mileage.
Man... It rides great. I'll call the dealer to see if they have ever been replaced. "T-bar" springs? Whats that?
The FSM says to take them off to test. Any other way? Has anyone seen a big difference after replacement?
The FSM says to take them off to test. Any other way? Has anyone seen a big difference after replacement?
That should have read "springs and torsion bars". Yes I have replaced them all with Old Man Emu and it's a night and day difference. New OEM shocks will help, but the springs and torsion bars aren't near up to spec at that age/mileage.
Just to help those like me who were searching for recent quotes on oem shock replacement...
Called my local shop (not dealer) and was quoted $850 out the door, shocks at $60 a piece and $210 labor up front, $315 labor on the rears. Will be finding a new shop.
Called my local shop (not dealer) and was quoted $850 out the door, shocks at $60 a piece and $210 labor up front, $315 labor on the rears. Will be finding a new shop.
...or buy some tools (that IMO every household should own anyways) and use up a sick day to replace your shocks yourself and spend the rest of the day playing hooky
Dont run, SPRINT away!! I had all mine done for $160 about three years ago. Also, the fronts are super easy, if you jack up the front body...took me 30-40 minutes per side, with an air impact wrench, and also replaced the sway bar end links at the same time.
[Apologies in advance for assuming that you're up for doing them yourself. Abilities and capabilities vary considerably.]
Front shocks are straight forward with standard tools. Here's a tutorial: YotaMD.com - Toyota - UZJ100 Land Cruiser - Front Shocks
Rears are more annoying, but do-able with a 22mm flex-head box wrench and a set of ramps. Drop the spare and spend some time underneath where it's nice and shady. Tutorial here: YotaMD.com - Toyota - UZJ100 Land Cruiser - Rear Shocks (ramps can be used instead of jack & stands)
Front shocks are straight forward with standard tools. Here's a tutorial: YotaMD.com - Toyota - UZJ100 Land Cruiser - Front Shocks
Rears are more annoying, but do-able with a 22mm flex-head box wrench and a set of ramps. Drop the spare and spend some time underneath where it's nice and shady. Tutorial here: YotaMD.com - Toyota - UZJ100 Land Cruiser - Rear Shocks (ramps can be used instead of jack & stands)
The fronts seem easy enough, but honestly, I am a bit intimidated by the rears. These tutorials help, thank you!
I’d have a very hard time paying someone to do that , The fronts are cake and the rears aren’t that tough, use the flex head wrench and a pipe wrench and don’t get in a hurry . Only issue might be a rust belt rig.. I didn’t use ramps and I’m not a small guy but really no issues with em
Buy a flex head 22mm ratcheting wrench and take it and four shocks to a shadetree mechanic. I got one on ebay delivered for about $20.
