Shock Installation

Wardster · July 29, 2005

Since my truck is currently at the dealership for warranty repairs, I decided to have them install the new Bilsteins that came in a couple of days ago. The estimated time for installation was 2.1 hours at $70 per hour ($157 w/tax). Does this sound like a fair price or would I have been better to try it myself?

-Wardster

03HD · July 29, 2005

YES!!! That is extremely expensive considering how simple a process shock replacement is on our trucks. If you have a socket set, wrenches, floor jack, and can get the front tires off, you can replace the shocks. You could probably do it in 2 hours or less in your driveway. Anyway...I guess there are always benefits to having someone else do it (you don't have to get sweaty, dirty, or are extremely busy) so you have to factor in how valuable your personal time is.

99silveradoz71 · July 29, 2005

I, though not mechanically inclined, performed the shock swap on my 99. So as the previous poster said, it's all a matter of what you have on your plate.

facn8me · July 29, 2005

WOW that's a screwin on price. In all actaulity you don't even have to pull the wheels. 1 nut and 1 bolt per front shock. That's 35$ a bolt.

Edit: Not allowed to tax labor either.

Wardster · July 30, 2005

Yeah, I took a screwin', but it sure as heck rides alot better. My wife said the truck looked like it sat higher than before, but I could not tell. I was more surprised the way it handled after having the shocks and the intermediate steering shaft replaced.

The dealership gave me a $50 credit on my account for keeping the truck for three days, so the install only cost me $100. Considering I have to put new front rotors on my wife's SUV this weekend, I could justify it.

-Wardster

structEng07 · July 31, 2005

That's a dealership for ya. Just remember to bend over as you walk in the front door. But seriously, that is way too expensive for the simplicity of this installation