Suspension quote fair? (1 Viewer)

[BroyotaLandDuder]

Hey gang,

I just got a quote for my 99 with 263k miles. Told them the ride has been pretty rough even over minor bumps. Looking to improve handling, comfortably, and drive quality on road and off. OEM parts when possible with no lift. This is an LC specialty shop that has done great work for me since bought the truck in June. So I do trust them, but was curious what yall thought about this quote? Too high? Surprisingly low?

I’m also considering doing some of the easier bits myself to get the cost down- like the shocks (although the rear ones look like a PITA). Ball joints sound pretty challenging and don’t have the tools. Haven’t done a ton of research on the other stuff.

Are any of these jobs beginner friendly?

 

[TheForger]

Honestly those are all fairly easy items, but starting with the least difficult I'd do the sway bar links and immediately save $200. Doing the shocks next would save you another $460. Controls arms are fairly easy but require separating the ball joints from the knuckle. Ball joint replacement requires a ball joint tool that you can rent for free/cheap from any local parts store (AutoZone, Advanced, O'Reilly's, etc.).

If you want the bare-bones easy stuff, do the end links & shocks yourself and let the shop do the rest. You will want a flex head wrench for the rears.

 

[suprarx7nut]

Looks good to me. Surprisingly low labor on the shock removal, IMO. Front is easy, but rears can be a bear.

You can do some of that DIY if that sounds like fun for you, but that's on the cheap end for a good LC shop, IMO. If you're not dying to do the jobs yourself, give those guys some business and let them knock it out.

 

[cruisin4bruisins]

I would do the sway bar end links yourself, super easy. Also the front shocks are easy. Knowing how hard it was to replace my rear shocks i would 100% have a shop do it. I haven't done upper control arms before but that price seems fair.

 

[Patassa]

The ball joints can also be a pain unless you have the right tool set. I agree with doing the shocks and sway bar yourself. Those are pretty basic and straightforward.

 

[Patassa]

The ball joints can also be a pain unless you have the right tool set. I agree with doing the shocks and sway bar yourself. Those are pretty basic and straightforward.

Any evidence your ball joints are actually bad though? Id think the bushings in the lower control arms and frame would need to be replaced before the ball joints unless they are damaged/dry.

 

[Mike NXP]

The prices are fair just don't throw parts at it for no reason. Are you sure your rear control arms need replacing? Are your shocks bouncy?

Maybe just chip away one job at a time unless it ends up costing more in the end. Maybe pay for the shop to do ball joints and shocks, and you do the sway bar bushings and links...I don't see the sway bar cushions on that quote which is a good part of the sway bar refresh, in addition to the links..You can usually see these bits are visibly worn......This is a semi-beginner friendly job that can be done with the tires on the ground if need be.......Then see how it rides and go from there.

 

[baltistyle]

Depending on your diy skills, this is about ten hours of labor and some proper tools. I’ve done all of these myself in some fashion and they are all doable. I think the price is good and would also inquire about the sway bar bushings as well as springs for the shocks and any mounting bushings for the shocks. It can seem expensive but all the parts will last another 200k or more.

 

[jpneely]

I’m in the same boat with the ball joints. My ride was getting rough and I went ahead and bought all 4 shocks and replaced them a week ago. I was dreading the rear shocks, but they didn’t turn out near as bad as I expected. I got a ratcheting wrench with no swivel and did fine. Big ol crescent wrench on the shock body and wrench on the nut and within a few good grunts the nut broke loose. I did soak the nuts in pb spray for a few days prior. I would at least save that money and do that myself.

My ball joints boots have failed and I’m loathing DIY those things.

 

[DuckLN]

I’ve been down this road - You’re better off getting new oem upper control arms from amayama that come with new bushings and ball joints. For your lower ball joints get the napa product. Its a bit more expensive but do it once and do it right.

 

[D21FJ60]

Can't speak to the other items, but when I did my rear shocks one was so rusted a wrench wouldn't work.
Posts 41-44 give a little insight as to how I did it. No need to pay them $259 just to remove and slap in some shocks.