Bilstein install costs?

Hello out there! Need advice. Went to 4wheel parts today to get prices on Bilstein 5100's. I have a gift card for there and I didnt know of any local stores in my area that carry these. There were two 5100's on display, one said leveling next to it and the other one didn't. The guy at the counter said they were identical, except the one that said leveler could be leveled? Then he showed me a truck they had just worked on similar to mine (but newer) with the 5100's. He said that truck also had blocks in back, and new coils on front. The tires were 32's. Technically, this had waaaay more than I wanted or needed for my truck. All I want/need is new shocks. I have 65k on my 2006, and the ride feels squishy. Nearly everyone here on the forum said bilstein 5100s were the way to go and I only want maybe a 2" lift. The 4wheel store wanted $250 for the shocks, +$500 to install just the front shocks (no alignment incl). $650 w/ alignment and for $890 I could get rear shocks installed at the same time. This seems really expensive to me. I think cuz I have a rack, I'm being taken. I know most of u guys do your own mods, but i dont have the space or know how to do this. Anyone have advise on how/where I can get a good deal on these installed? Also, does anyone think I need to replace the rears? Sorry it's so wordy. I appreciate any help and advice on this!

 

That seems really pricy to me. I know you said u cant do you own work but, but Im pretty inexperienced with trucks and i was able to do the instal, Theres several threads on how to install them. However if your certain you want a shop do the instal I would recommend mavis discount tire, they are always friendly and reasonably priced by me. I have no clue how much a lift instal would be but my alignment was around $70-$80

 

That seems way steep to me.

 

It is too expensive for just front shocks. Get another quote, i'd say

 

$150 for an alignment is also too much. This place is bad news.

You might consider buying the fronts from Toytec assembled with Eibach coils. These simply need to be bolted on. You could do it in your driveway. This will give you a nice ride with 1.6" lift

 

My 5100 install and alignment was $150 at a local garage. I say shop around it's not a difficult install for the aveage garage.

 

To get my front shocks installed it was 1 hours labour,Which is $60.

 

Bought mine for $150 for a front set and went to a local shop , paid $85 for install . Went to another shop for alignment for $60 . So total around $300 . $700 is ridic

 

Yeah, that sounds reasonable for removing and replacing the front (only) shocks plus an alignment. The front shocks require them to take off wheels, probably disconnect the sway bar ends, remove the coilover assembly (spring plus shock), put that in a compressor tool, remove the old shock from the spring, then put it all back together, x2 for the other side. Not hard, but it is a bit lof labor.

The back shocks are far simpler. Two bolts per shock, off and on.

If all you need is shocks, you could just get the Bilstein HDs rather than 5100s.
Parts:
Cost for HD front shocks, about $95 each, $190/pair
Cost for HD back shocks, about $75 each, $150/pair.

Labor, should be about 1 hour of shop time, plus about $60 for an alignment.

Total probably about $450 + tax

Never go to 4Wheel Parts. I hope they have just lost your business for life.

EDIT: oops, just re-read your post and saw that you DO want a 2-in lift. That's a whole other kettle of fish, assuming you want to lift the rear, too.

I suggest additional reading:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/11590-ongoing-lift-install-price-thread.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/11282-tacoma-lift-faq-guide-read.html

 

Check out the 626/909 thread here on tw. Ask if you can get some help on the install. I did and we did the front and rear in a day!

 

If you have the time, do it by yourself. I'm an idiot studying Accounting, and I even did it by myself... lol. Rent a spring compressor from Advance Auto parts, or once you get the strut assembly out, go to Grease Monkey or a local Tire/Suspension shop, and they can usually change out the shock and re-assemble it for around $40. Worth the cost IMO. Spring compressors can be a PITA. But there's a TON of write-up/instructions on this site about how to do it. And like he said ^^^^, there's tons of members in your area, and we (TW members) LOVE helping other guys out on their trucks, and I'm sure they'll all have the tools for it. A shop is going to charge too much for it, no matter what shop you go to.

 

I wouldn't let 4wheelparts change my cigarette lighter. . . That place is a RIP OFF! Find a local, mom and pop, shop to install them if you can't. The front 5100 shocks are adjustable (0, .85, 1.75, 2.5 inches). The rear 5100's are not adjustable.

 

Sadly, this is probably true. 4Wheel parts is good for ordering online, sometimes. But I've had horrible experience with their installers. Look in your local TW thread, I bet they are a couple peeps that will gladly help you out

 

That's really expensive. I paid $200 for install on toytec coil overs + aal.

Keep looking around and get your truck something nice with the savings

 

Y the hell do u need pictures? Of a stock tacoma or the shop?

 

^^^^^^This! Buy the 5100's from Down South Motorsports with the TW discount and get some local help from TW members.

 

Bought my billies from DS as well, 180 otd for the fronts. Installed including alignment, 250. shop around. Since you have a gift card at ORD, buy the billies but take them elsewhere to install and do alignment. I went to precision tune.

 

Hey guys! Thanks for all the feedback. Got all four ordered from down south motorsports with TW discount. Found a friend that can help with install. He scoped out the instructional on TW. U all f*g ROCK! Thanks guys!!!

 

My shocks come in the mail today, I am hoping to find a place to install all 4 for 150 or under.