4 Hours labor charged to install Springs and Struts! Options

[nitemare]

OMG. My mechanic (not dealer) just said it took 4 Hours to install all 4 springs and struts. At about $80 hourly rate - that comes to $320 for just install. I supplied the teins and kybs. WTF? I thought this takes 2 hours to do.

Also charged me 1 hour to replace spark plugs and fuel filter. Plus 1/2 hour labor to install both rear bushings. He had to order bushing from dealer at cost of $40 total.

Ive been going to this guy for years. Well, last time. I feel this is too much. Maybe Im wrong. But for a 12year old car - paying $634 is not worth it to me.

Now, I do the basics myself. Oil changes, battery replacements, filters, wipers, bulbs. I did do brakes once - but turned into a project on my old subaru. I think Im going to invest in a lift at this point.

This post has been edited by nitemare: Feb 23, 2007 - 10:41 AM

[nitemare]

Got car back. Ride is so low now. Maybe too low. I bottom out on almost everything. Going up the drivway, small pot hole. I hear a loud metal on metal sound. Is this what lowering your car is supposed to be like? Granted, it seems to handle better and drives now like a low sports car - but didnt realize car has issues on the slightest incline. Even changing the oil - i could barely get under the car while on the ramps.

[trdproven]

Got car back. Ride is so low now. Maybe too low. I bottom out on almost everything. Going up the drivway, small pot hole. I hear a loud metal on metal sound. Is this what lowering your car is supposed to be like? Granted, it seems to handle better and drives now like a low sports car - but didnt realize car has issues on the slightest incline. Even changing the oil - i could barely get under the car while on the ramps.

Nitemare,

I think i mentioned how to take care of this problem before. You will need Toyota Spring Bumpers. They go around the stem of the shock preventing the shock from fully compressing and in long term destroying them. Here is the OEM part number: 48331-20110. You can get them from Toyotaworld from Jeff. They run for $11.30 for both front sides.

Same goes for both front left and right. I've had this bottoming out problem since I got my Intrax Springs because they are pretty low. I had the metal sound bang whenever I hit a good bump. Not anymore now that I have those bumpers. Note**If you are hearing clunks while turning, then the spring is not seated well but if you are hearing a metal bang when hitting a bump, this is your solution. Good luck.

[nitemare]

Does this require another 4 hours labor to take apart the spring and strut? Or can they just keep everything on and install like they did the rear bushings?

Can I get these for all 4 tires- Front AND back?

Wow! If these is a quick install - I will order them now. I hope my mechanic knows how to put them on.

Toyotaworld from Jeff - How do I contact him?

This post has been edited by nitemare: Feb 27, 2007 - 9:15 AM