Replacing Shocks & Struts

2002 Tacoma Xtracab PreRunner TRD 3.4L V6 2x4

I have always gone to my local dealer for all maintenance since I purchased the truck and have been told I needed my shocks replaced. One quote leads to another and now the price is up to $1,120.00 ($660.00 front, $460.00 rear); more than a set of tires. I was also told the price could as low as $930.00 by taking out some of the labor cost. I am willing to pay a little extra for good service and parts but I feel this is way beyond what I think is reasonable.

The $1,120.00 quote from the dealer included the following Toyota replacement part numbers:
- 48510-A9080 – Front, $660.00
- 48531-A9020 and 48531-A9010 – Rear, $440.00
The dealer would not (or could not) tell me what specific model number of Bilstein shock and struck were included in the part numbers.

Questions for the community:
On the front, does the spring have to be replaced along with strut?
I would like to stay with current Toyota parts (Bilstein). Preference – 4600? or 5100’s?
How much should it cost for labor? And parts?
Any recommendations for a shop/mechanic in central Orange County, CA?

Any other comments are welcome.

 

It would be a good time to upgrade you can get 5100s for 150-200 a set so about 400 for front and rear. Your springs can likely be reused but don't quote me on that. If they are sagging you should replace (goes for rear leafs as well). Any shop can do the work, so don't waste your money paying dealer prices. Also, if you know anyone who is slightly handy with tools, this is an easy job to do on a day off, but you will need to compress the springs to install the strut. I get a local shop to do it for $40.