Question about Bilstein 5100 install

[Benningtonr]

To remove the strut you have to disconnect the BJ from the knuckle anyway, only additional work is removing the two bolts at the frame which may take an extra 30 min tops to remove and install new. This is why people go ahead and replace at the same time they install struts, its just not that much more work

I didn't think it was much extra work, i'll keep looking around.

 

[Pull Ya]

Holy ****!!!!! run run run I think you need to find another estimate. That's about double a reasonable estimate!
Jay

 

[shadowhawk]

It really is something you can do yourself. Don't be intimidated

 

[JB1]

maybe phrase it like.....how much to install a set of front Bilstein struts?.....they say it will cost blah blah blah....then you say, while you have the UCA disconnected, how much extra would it be to swap some new arms on?

best price I saw on the arms was at rockauto and best price on Bilsteins was amazon

 

[Benningtonr]

Good point on the phrasing, may try that.

I am not intimidated by it, it is not that hard. I had a 84 power wagon that was completely redone in the 90's by me. 318 swapped for 360, 727, completely rebuilt 44's swapped for dana 60s, Detroits in both ends. I am not scared of the work. Only difference now, i no longer have a garage, or my big three level tool box. Divorce will do that to ya. I really don't want to rip this apart in the street in front of my house.

 

[Benningtonr]

Crazy, i just called three other places, to get a quote for just the struts, and all three said they will not put customers parts on the truck.

WOW

 

[shadowhawk]

well, it is a liability thing. if something fails, they could be responsible for that. I'd let you use my garage, but you're not right around the corner.

 

[JB1]

Maybe try calling an offroad shop versus a standard auto repair place

 

[Benningtonr]

well, it is a liability thing. if something fails, they could be responsible for that. I'd let you use my garage, but you're not right around the corner.

No, just a few miles away, thank though, it is a nice thought.

 

[Benningtonr]

I will try calling today, A friend said I can use his garage, but it will be mid March before he has it cleared out enough. Still looking.

 

[bigred74]

Ya that is insane. Think we paid 150 to have the bilsteins installed on my dad's truck. Mine just got delivered. Thinking about trying to do it myself but debating if I should buy a zone lift first and do it all at once

 

[Benningtonr]

Yeah, i would have them installed today if i could get it done for 150, hell even 250.

I still need to call a four wheel drive shop. Maybe they will have some sense.

 

[Benningtonr]

Just called Eastern Off Road here in Virginia Beach, 440.00 just for the struts, didn't bother asking about the UCA's.

 

[Benningtonr]

Four Wheel Parts want 240 for struts, 150 for an alignment and 210 for the UCA's
So that is about 600 out the door. that is better than 900, but I think I will do it myself, I just need to find a location.

 

[bigred74]

Four Wheel Parts want 240 for struts, 150 for an alignment and 210 for the UCA's
So that is about 600 out the door. that is better than 900, but I think I will do it myself, I just need to find a location.

Did you ask them why so much for the uca's when it's already going to be torn apart? They prolly just look up install Times and tack on their shop labor rate. You need to bring up that it takes no time at all to swap those out

 

[bigred74]

I would even try an exhaust shop. I've had places like that do simple installs like this before and they charge a lot less then most automotive shops

 

[bigred74]

Sorry for three posts in a row lol but I've seen people on here say they pay 6-800 for an entire suspension lift installed so 600 for level kit is absurd

 

[Benningtonr]

Exhaust shop will be next. Thanks for all the ideas. Much appreciated

 

[shadowhawk]

have you called a good shade-tree mechanic?

 

[Benningtonr]

I have thought about it, but he or she, would have to be highly recommended. This is not a difficult job, but still, my warm and fuzzy factor would have to be very high.