Strut and Rear Shock time 2012 Taco

Hey TACO world, I just got a quote for stock replacement of 2 front struts, and 2 rear shocks on my 2012 tacoma. It's a 4 door, sr5 short bed. The current struts look like they have chewing my front tires up. They have some weird looking wear on them giving a rough ride. Rotated the tires, now the rear rides bumpy.

2 front struts: 393.24 parts 309 labor
2 rear shocks: 707.88 103.20 Labor <- WTF, $700 for rear shocks?
1 wheel alignment 104.99

$1520.03+tax 1616.55

The cost seems pretty high for the local shop, and I was just curious if there was a better value. And I would not be upset if it sat 1.5/2 inches higher. (not higher than that, I don't want to get into any driveline mods. Been there with a Jeep TJ already!

Just considering doing this right now. Sometimes a nice kit with better than OEM parts is a better value. A simple Bilstein leveling kit?

Thanks! Spence

 

5100’s and call it done.
Set them where you want. They have 4 setting.
Stock up to 2.5” or so.

 

Do you mind doing the labor yourself? If the struts are assembled, it's a pretty easy job.

You could hit up Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road and get yourself something like this:

 

Forgot how great this group was! I'm looking at this guy's quote (from good year Service) And it's not adding up. Maybe OEM stuff is that pricey.

I am not going to do this job, if it were a trail rig, I'd give it a go. But it's my daily.

 

That guy is on drugs for the rear shock price. Rears are easy. 10 minute job if you just cut the old ones off with a sawzall. His price for the front is reasonable, so just have him do that. Put in the rear shocks of your choice, like some Billy 4600's. If you aren't very mechanical, you'll gain a little confidence and have some pride in working on your own truck. It's easier than changing spark plugs (on these trucks), maybe a little more of a challenge than changing the oil.

 

My outfit is reaching the point of needing front and rear shocks. By paying attention to part numbers and prices - looking for free shipping - you can get all four, 5100 Bilsteins for $375.00 total. I did, took a few weeks - keep looking. Then go shopping for an installer...

 

This: 2 rear shocks: 707.88 103.20 Labor <- WTF, $700 for rear shocks.

That is insane! He must be smoking something. That has to be a typo as $70 seems about right for both sides.

Looks like $36.53 all day long each side for OEM without offroad package and $33.90 with offroad package.

Without Offroad $36.53:
https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-shock-absorber-left-right-rear-4853009q40?c=Zz1yZWFyLXN1c3BlbnNpb24mcz1yZWFyLXN1c3BlbnNpb24mbD0xJm49QXNzZW1ibGllcyBQYWdlJmE9dG95b3RhJm89dGFjb21hJnk9MjAxMiZ0PXByZS1ydW5uZXImZT00LTBsLXY2LWdhcw==

With Offroad $33.90:
https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-shock-absorber-left-or-right-rear-48530a9680?c=Zz1yZWFyLXN1c3BlbnNpb24mcz1yZWFyLXN1c3BlbnNpb24mbD0xMiZuPUFzc2VtYmxpZXMgUGFnZSZhPXRveW90YSZvPXRhY29tYSZ5PTIwMTImdD1wcmUtcnVubmVyJmU9NC0wbC12Ni1nYXM=

 

He did not write it specifically, but I think he quoted replacing the rear leaves as well, which I don't need to be touched. He mentioned getting leaf packs from the yota dealer.

 

With those quotes, I'm glad I do my own maintenance.

 

I talked to someone that works part time at Toyota as a mechanic. I’m going to have it checked to make sure the tow in/out caster is correct. really don’t think it needs a whole new suspension.

 

I went too les shwabs when i got a nail in my tire they pulled and patched it for free then came at me with a crazy $2500 quote to replace my front brakes and suspension cause my rear shock was leaking. Ended up paying 150$ for take off trd bilsteins and 160$ for brakes did it in a day maybe 5 hours total.

 

That isn't what you said in the original post...

If he is doing the rear leaf springs then that is another kettle of fish... and sounds much more reasonable.

 

I had forgotten that he mentioned the leaves. But was not clear on the quote.

I decided to have it looked at by my local Yota dealer. Get all the alignment/toe/caster stuff checked. IF it still needs struts after all that, going to get a quote for the 5100 setup. I'm holding onto the truck as long as possible. Hoping to get a classic Defender 110 soon and keep the taco running as a daily.

 

I bought rear Fox 2.0's recently, $300 for the pair. I stalled myself, easy install except for the too thick lower bushing. I trimmed it flush after fighting one for 30 mins and they went right on. Trim first and its an easy 30 min job. Maybe only the Fox 2.0 has this issue. I'll replace the fronts soon but can't decide which route to go, stick with the Fox 2.0 or go with the 6112's. I've done front's many times on cars and the Tacoma install looks easier, more room.