Dealer Labor Rate? leaf springs 4hrs???

It’s cold here so I called my local dealer and was quoted 4.0 hours at $115 p/hr to swap rear leafs.

Thought that the time was a little high so I called another local shop. They quoted 5.5 at $50.

Seems like a lift and all pneumatic tools would get the time closer to 2.5 hours.

 

There is no reason they should be charging that much. Our labor rate is higher slightly however we charge 2.1 hours. The 2005 - 2011 leaf springs are covered under a recall that pays to replace both leafs and the bushings on the rear shackles at that price, Now out of recall(warranty) it usually pays more but not 2 hours more, I could see a shop charge 3 hours but no more.

 

Just curious where do you live ?

Some time ago I asked about that I was told 6 hours here in the liquid brine belt as every thing needs to be cut off

Since all dealerships are owned independent prices can be so very different

 

Rhode Island no rust at all. Same dealer who services my truck. We have a great history. I need to go talk with the service manager and negotiate.

 

Did it myself in 4.5 with hand tools and jack stands.

Cut the old U-Bolts out and easily saved an hour. The hardest part was aligning the leaf with the axle. It required two jacks - one for the axle and one for the leaf.

Pretty easy job.