Recommended Texas shops for suspension installs

Hey guys, just bought a full OME suspension setup with LR UCA's and dakars for my 2016 Tacoma. I was initially planning on me and my brother doing the install ourselves, but unfortunately both our schedules are quite busy of late and have no time in the immediate future to tackle the task myself. I considered the stealership but I'd rather pay a reputable local shop the money if I'm having to shell out some dough rather then give it to the dealer. Are there any places you guys trust or have good experience's with around the north DFW area to do installs on your trucks? Also not looking to get raped on the wallet side either dealership quoted me 750$ for the install, thought it was a bit steep but I've never paid for someone to do a suspension install for me so I'm assuming most of that is the labor cost. Thanks guys appreciate it!

 

I'm a big fan of Tandem Automotive but in SE Fort Worth they are a bit of a hike from Mesquite. Several members here have used them and I've heard of no complaints. Pablo, the owner is a Tacoma guy. @Gingerbeard Man just used TRB Motorsports in Carrolton but hasn't given a full review yet but isn't complaining so there's that.

 

Sorry, I haven't had time to give a review. For the most part everything went great. Listed below are a few things I've noticed after the install:

I don't like the placement of the reservoirs on the rear shocks. Looks like the hose can rub.

Something is squeaking and pissing me off. I need to take it in and have them look at the bushings or something. But I hear the lifts do make a little noise.

One of my wheels is scratched, but I can't say for sure if it was TRB, NTB (alignment) or the tire shop that installed the new tires. I didn't think to look them over like an idiot.

I don't really have anything negative to say. They bent over backwards for me. The issue with the reservoir is a small one that can be addressed easily. The wheel issue on the other hand is one of those things I have to chalk up as a loss. I can't prove who did or didn't do it.

My labor was $500 for install and alignment. I believe Tandem was the same.

 

Depending on the material your hose is made of it OK to rub. The lines on my front reservoirs are rubbercoated steel braided line and have shown zero effect after 17 months, several wheeling trips and about 15k miles.

The squeaking is normal, learn to love or go crazy chasing it, pool liner between each leaf and constant cleaning is the only solution.

The scratch is likely from either the alignment with hooking up sensors or the tire shop but I would guess the tire shop would take more care on a fresh install. Blame NTB.

 

Thanks guys appreciate the info. Going to give both a call tomorrow and see if they can fit me in just got all my parts today. I had one last question though, I bought my tires from discount tire planned on getting them mounted, balanced and aligned there. My concern is that they won't have the proper knowledge on how to correctly align my truck with the caster on the UCA's. I've never dealt with it before myself so have little knowledge on the process myself. The cooper at maxx tires I'm getting are notorious for pulling right so I just want to make sure it's done right. Should I fly with discount or just have one of the specialized shops take care of it?

 

Look up trailworx fab, based out of Arlington area. Good guy, very reasonable install prices. Installed my full lift when I still had my taco.

 

Tandem has an alignment machine and it should be part of the install. I don't think Discount does alignments. I use Firestone, they aren't great at it, but I paid 175 for lifetime alignment and I've got more thanmy moneys worth.

 

Trailworx has moved to Midlothian, Dave has a shop behind his house now.

 

Yeah I know, that's where I had mine installed

 

I'm not from here but to me Midlothian =/= Arlington Area, especially not when his last shop was in the shadow of AT&T Stadium

 

Neither of those two places are anywhere near each other

 

Yeah, pretty big difference between the two places. Stop by swfa if you like fun stuff too while out there

 

Gosh damnit if you want help with an install just call the guy. Lol holy shit . There.

Tomato, Tomato

 

swfa?

 

It should say "gun" not fun. God damn autocorrect

 

Haha message received appreciate it guys good lookin out.

 

Tandem Auto is well worth the drive. They replaced my setup and couldn't be happier.

 

Yea decided to go with TA, dropping the truck off Friday morning. They quoted me 600$ for full suspensions install including extended brake lines pretty excited to actually have it all done sooner than expected. How much was your install if you don't mind me asking? Also do you think I should just have my tires and wheels mounted together then take them down to TA and have them installed and align them for me? Just worried discount won't align my caster right on the UCA's.

 

I only had my front end changed out instead of everything as my rear setup was still in good shape. Also had some fluid changes, so I cannot tell you off the top of my head what just the suspension repair ran. I believe I was in the $300-400 range.

Discount does not do anything with the alignment. All they do will mount the tires and balance them. When I originally had my suspension installed, I had discount mount my new tires and wheels and i just brought them with me to the shop and had them install them with the lift. Had them give me the old tires and wheels and sold them on Craigslist after.

 

How did Tandem work out for you? I'm thinking of doing mine myself but for $600 and aligned at the same time...might change my mind.