Is it worth......

Is it worth it to spend $600-$1000 on a shop installing a new suspension?

I’m not super mechanically inclined and really haven’t done anything more then fluids and spark plugs by myself but I feel like I figure stuff out pretty good.

My big worries are...
1. If something else needs to be fix under there and I miss it because I don't know what I’m looking for
2. If something goes wrong its my one and only car and I cant have it down for long periods of time as well as If a shop did something wrong I could take it back to them and they can right their wrong.

 

Do you feel anything that would suggest something else may be broken down there? If not I wouldn’t worry about it.

as far as it being your daily driver, well that is an issue. You may find you have to stop multiple times to youtube a how to video or google a question you have. You may also discover a tool you need isnt in your possession or a bolt breaks/ strips. Too many unknowns here for someone who has never done it before. It may be worth it to have a shop do it.

 

I don’t know if anything else is wrong but I sure this would be the first suspension work on this truck and it’s at 148k

 

What kind of suspension work?

 

I’m getting a new leaf pack and shocks and springs and UCA’s.

someone mentioned possibly tie rods but could tell me if I would need them without looking at them first.

 

If you dont have many tools and dont have much experience it may be best to see if any members in your area can help.
The work you need isnt to hard but does take some time and you may have issues trying to get everything done in one day without experience and due to this being your only car especially if something does go wrong.
How much rust do you have? Excessive rust has been the my biggest cause for breaking/rounding off nuts/bolts.

How extensive of a tool set do you have. Any mechanic power/air tools? Do you have a floor jack and a set of jack stands?

 

Those things are definitely doable and simple enough. Don’t be tentative, just research , and do it. It‘ll save you tons of money and you’ll have piece of mind it’s done right. To me, as long as you don’t have to open up the engine/transmission, you can pretty much do anything else on your own.

Go for it, man!!! It’s a lot simpler than you think.

 

I would suggest making sure you have a backup vehicle unless you are okay with the truck being down a few days or longer just in case you run into issues. It's pretty straight forward but labor intensive if you haven't done this. There's enough write-ups or videos online along with assistance from the TW community that you should be able to tackle it yourself. Tools I find that are a requirement in my home garage are 3 ton floor jack, 6-ton jack stands, wheel chocks, impact gun(air or for me preferably 20V cordless), breaker bar, and basic hand tools.

 

After doing the research and gathering information, if you don't feel confident tackling the job, I would have a reputable shop do the work. Suspension needs to be done right if you expect to be happy with the results... that goes without saying but it needs to be said here. You don't want to get halfway through the job and decide it's beyond your comfort level (or ability) and tow it to the shop in pieces. Also, shops usually don't like to finish half-done jobs, some will do it but they don't like it. I can do shocks, tie rod ends, bushings, etc., but when it comes to major components I prefer to have the installation done by professionals. My $0.02

 

In your situation with experience and time limitations. I think it's better to have a shop do it.

 

how rusty is your truck. The install is easy but if your truck suffers from rust, then your install can get complicated when nuts and bolts snap and break off. Then you gotta figure out how to get them out, find replacements, etc.... This would certainly increase the down time of the vehicle.

 

In your case,have a pro shop do it.

 

I did mine myself twice and and it was the first time I did suspension work, the first time was a little tricky but the second time was a breeze. I would do it, I would just recommend buying your front shock/coil assembled then it’s an easy swap. Once you’re done drive it for 100 miles or so then take it in for an alignment.

 

Also, as everyone mentioned an 18v impact would be hugely helpful, especially with rust. I got the Ryobi 1/2” drive impact wrench for $100 and it’s tackled everything I’ve thrown at it. It’s great for lugnuts too. Well worth the savings and getting extra tools out of the deal.

 

Are those jack stands from HF? Did you hear they were recalled? ..............twice

It's barely been mentioned, so .......... ...just making sure you know.

 

Nope, I usually don't buy HF tools unless it's for light torque and very low usage. Definitely no HF tools used for high torque suspension work.

 

pay a shop. suspension isn’t something to play with. I didn’t read the entire thread and excuse my lack of tact but you don’t need to be doing this. Coil springs can be very dangerous let alone the fact that the suspension is what keeps you on the road...also you’ll need an alignment afterwards. Pay the shop, call around and get more estimates first but don’t forget the alignment. DO NOT attempt this yourself! I’m a former mechanic and even I wouldn’t attempt this unless I had pro tools AND a lift.

 

Hmmm seeing as your truck is 13 yrs old I’d have a shop do it I’m assuming your cam bolts on the lcas are more than likely seized. You may want to budget a set of lcas and cam bolts if they have to be cut out.

 

Uh, this truck is pretty simple to work on. I’ve done multiple suspension changes in my driveway/garage with a floor jack and hand tools.