Front Suspension Swap (Bilstein 5100s)

Ok, so I've decided that I cant stand the way my Tacoma looks after I got the TSB done. When my fiance says that my truck looks kinda funny because the back end is stickin up in the air, I know its time to get this baby leveled. I've decided to go with the Bilstein 5100 adjustables (2.5") in the front to level everything out. I've read up on the spacers and even though they are cheaper they stiffen up the ride a lot more than I would probably like. With that said, since I am a college student I do not have all the necessary tools nor the space to do this operation on my own. If I wanted to have my front suspension swapped out where are good places to go to have this done and what price can I expect to pay? I would prefer to stay away from the dealerships just because I know they will charge quite a bit. Thanks for everyone's input.

 

I figured i might bump this thread. I emailed a bunch of auto shops around here. They haven't replied, I'll give them a call when I get off work. Any suggestions on a ball park estimate on how much the process should cost just so that I know the quotes they give me are reasonable.

 

send a pm to nd....he had 5100's installed, but i dont remember what he paid.

 

I took mine to my local tire shop. They charged me $120 in labor to install the fronts. Not sure if that is a good, or a bad price, but I have peace of mind that it was done correctly.

 

I'm getting mine put in tomorrow by 4 Wheel Parts, they charged me $95 for each front shock and $100 for the install, so I'm out the door with tax and everything for just over $300.​

 

Good Lord, thats quite a difference between quotes for 2 people that live relatively close to one another.

 

Keep in mind that mine was just for the install. I had already bought my 5100's from Downsouth Motorsports.

 

Roger that, I didn't see that. I guess 300 for the entire job is not a bad deal at all. Thats about as much as I expected to pay. Did they do an alignment as well?

 

Do you have a part number for the 5100s you got? I have been up and down their website and I havent found any Bilsteins for the price you got. Just to make sure we're on the same page you got the adjustable height ones correct?

 

It did need an alignment, but that was $50 extra.

 

just so you know, the ride is very stiff with the 5100's set at 2.5

 

Did you get this done? I am looking to just to the front on my DC and want to see just the front done.? If anyone can point me to pics id appreciate it.

Z.

 

Got mine done tues,Front only,diff. drop,alignment.Total was 350.They're set at 1.75.Not stiff at all.Ride is now better then stock. Done at a local shop.After pic.

 

You can get spacers that bolt on the top of the shocks which would eliminate the preloading aspect.

 

that really looks good man!!

 

so... what is better for the truck the 5100 or the spacers?

 

being in automotive business, i don't see too much of a problem with spacers. if you're extreme rock crawling, then spacers will be a problem. but for everyday use i would go with spacers especially if your taco is still under warranty, easier to remove if needed. btw i just added readylift spacers and boy does my truck look nice and maintains factory ride(i paid for a good ride im not about to ruin it).