Suspension swap difficulty level? (1 Viewer)

[Poudre Hound]

Hello, good people of the 120 series forum. Although I'm pretty much worthless when it comes to posting useful content, I am good at asking questions. So, my apologies in advance if you're getting sick of me eliciting information and giving little in return. My rig is an '09 and it's my DD. I love most everything about it. One of my major complaints, however, is the suspension. While the ride is smooth on level pavement and on the highway, it is awful at the slower speeds especially on things like speed bumps for example. My wife's accord is smoother over a speed bump than my rig. The rear seems to especially be prone to bottoming out. From what I've read on here and elsewhere there may be some issues with the air springs going bad over time. I'm closing in on 100K and I think it may be time to replace some of the suspension components. I was thinking that for my needs a small lift like 2" and convert the rear to coil springs. Don't want to go crazy and spend too much because I'm not going to do some of the crazy stuff I see some of you guys doing in your trucks! I was looking at some of the Iron man setups and OME setups that aren't going to break the bank but will give me a little lift and improve the ride. I am mechanically inclined (sort of), but don't have the tools and/or time to swap out components like suspension myself. Will local shops do the work for me and what can I expect for labor costs? I know it's a big job. Better yet, if anybody has any recommendations for a good shop in Northern Colorado I would appreciate it. Thanks again as always for your assistance and inspiration. You guys have some really great trucks.

Cheers,
PH

 

[JLee]

This topic came up recently in the GXOR Facebook group...I want to say the labor range was about $650-900.

 

[h2oskikrazy]

I went with the 2" Ironman Set up. A local shop did it for me after some hesitancy and charged me $1200 labor. It took them 1 day and 3/4 for the install. They were willing to do it after I told them it's basically a 4 Runner with air springs in the rear. I did not have the time and tools to complete everything myself. I'm sure it would have taken me 2+ days with jack stands and hand tools. I'm not sure my jack stands would even get high enough.

 

[little_joe]

I went with the 2" Ironman Set up. A local shop did it for me after some hesitancy and charged me $1200 labor. It took them 1 day and 3/4 for the install. They were willing to do it after I told them it's basically a 4 Runner with air springs in the rear. I did not have the time and tools to complete everything myself. I'm sure it would have taken me 2+ days with jack stands and hand tools. I'm not sure my jack stands would even get high enough.

Eesh. Not saying you got robbed, but I did my entire suspension swap alone, in my garage, in less than 8 hrs. That was with taking breaks due to it being +90* here in NC when I did it. My wife helped by standing on the rear axle to enable me to get the new springs in, otherwise it was just me + hand tools, jacks, and stands.

JMHO, but a competent shop with a lift should be able to do this job in 4? 6? hours.

 

[GXO]

Most big box offroad shops price lift installs at a premium because they can...and then get them don fast (flip and profit).

 

[h2oskikrazy]

Eesh. Not saying you got robbed, but I did my entire suspension swap alone, in my garage, in less than 8 hrs. That was with taking breaks due to it being +90* here in NC when I did it. My wife helped by standing on the rear axle to enable me to get the new springs in, otherwise it was just me + hand tools, jacks, and stands.

JMHO, but a competent shop with a lift should be able to do this job in 4? 6? hours.

I have done suspension swaps on a Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee and based on those experiences, I really didn't care to take on the Lexus. I knew the price was high, but considering my location it's difficult to even find anyone competent to do anything other than factory repairs. Dedicated 4X4 shops are non-existant here and I would have to go to Omaha or Kansas City to find anyone that will install a lift. I had to talk them into it by telling them it's just a 4 runner underneath and they still didnt want to lift it. I also told them that the air suspension will raise it 2" from the factory. Finally they came up with a price and agreed to do it. They just happened to have a toyota mechanic on staff and that's one reason I chose that shop.

 

[Poudre Hound]

Ouch, 1200. Well, as you may have guessed there are few 4x4 dedicated shops here in FoCo, but don't know too much about them. I should probably go down and talk to the guys. I was hoping to do parts and labor for around 2K, but that might not be realistic. I still need to do the timing belt too! That ain't going to be cheap. I need a friend of a friend who has friend who is a good wrench. Thanks for the replies.

 

[phishtaco]

Why not just drop it off at Slee? You should have options in CO.

 

[Poudre Hound]

Did not know about Slee. Thanks. A friend of mine recommended Fort Collins 4x4 or 4x4 offroad. He said to stay away from Bullhide. He had a bad experience with them. I'm thinking early next year I'll start the mods. Will add photos. Thanks.