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Feedback requested (on what dealer quoted me to install lift, etc.)

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by SedonaRunnerX, May 1, 2019.

  1. May 1, 2019 at 6:09 PM
    #1
    SedonaRunnerX

    SedonaRunnerX [OP] New Member

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    Hello all,

    So I want to have the following installed:
    - Toytec TRD Pro lift kit (followed by an alignment which will be needed)
    - mount and balance 4 new tires (255/80/r17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers)
    - install a Rhino Rack Pioneer with Backbone system

    Findlay Toyota in Flagstaff quoted me $1621 for all the above work.

    I'm not familiar with this type of work, so what do you guys think? Fair price, or not a fair price?

    I am happy to pay a little more to have the work done right obviously, and right or wrong I would feel better about a Toyota dealer doing the work. There is also the issue of retaining one's warranty.
    But I don't want to get chiseled either!

    Do you guys recommend someone else in North Arizona, or even in Phoenix?
     
  2. May 1, 2019 at 6:35 PM
    #2
    Trident904

    Trident904 Freelance Mammographer

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    Jesus! That’s expensive. Get yourself a set of metric wrenches, some jack stands and YouTube how to do it and bang it out yourself. It’s so simple to install the lift yourself and then drive it to a tire shop to have the tires mounted.
     
  3. May 1, 2019 at 6:36 PM
    #3
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    For comparison... I had a dealer tell me they would charge $500 to install a TRD PRO suspension in my 2015 Tacoma (install only). That's more than what an independent shop would charge, I think.

    So, $500 plus an additional $1121 for mount and balance + rack install sounds quite high.

    I'm not an expert on this stuff either. Just thinking out loud in comparison to my lift install quote.
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2019
    SedonaRunnerX[OP] and WallyT4R like this.
  4. May 1, 2019 at 6:38 PM
    #4
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    A lot of us aren't so mechanically inclined or confident in that type of work. I fix all kinds of stuff- small engines, appliances, light carpentry, but I'd have no interest in attempting to install a suspension.
     
    SedonaRunnerX[OP] likes this.
  5. May 1, 2019 at 6:45 PM
    #5
    Allaboutfamily

    Allaboutfamily Regular Hound Dog

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    Agreed, do it yourself and apply that money saved towards tools. It’s very simple to install these lifts.
     
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  6. May 1, 2019 at 6:47 PM
    #6
    Trident904

    Trident904 Freelance Mammographer

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    This is much easier than fixing a small engine and far less involved.

    The front suspension is literally a nut and bolt on the lower end of the strut and 3 nuts at the top end. The rear is even easier.
     
  7. May 1, 2019 at 7:03 PM
    #7
    HoBoDanny

    HoBoDanny Dude...

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    That’s nuts! No way I’d pay that.
     
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  8. May 1, 2019 at 9:07 PM
    #8
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Just more proof dealers suck! Ridiculous!!
     
  9. May 2, 2019 at 12:27 PM
    #9
    SedonaRunnerX

    SedonaRunnerX [OP] New Member

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    Yeah that's sort of where I am, I wish I was as knowledgeable as some on this forum when it comes to automotive stuff, and have the garage and tools and such. Hopefully in the future, but was of right now I'm sort of stuck with getting someone to do the work.
     
    4runningMan[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. May 2, 2019 at 12:29 PM
    #10
    SedonaRunnerX

    SedonaRunnerX [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for that info!

    Yeah, I need to find someone else to do the work for sure. When he quoted the price I was a bit shocked I must say.
     
  11. May 2, 2019 at 12:37 PM
    #11
    TN_FunRunner

    TN_FunRunner New Member

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    Where are you located? There are regional threads on here with guys willing to help you out. They would probably be willing to install it for you and you could learn along the way. Just supply some food and drinks.

    Edited: just saw you are in AZ.
    Go here: https://www.4runners.com/forums/south-west-u-s.40/
     
  12. May 2, 2019 at 1:09 PM
    #12
    SedonaRunnerX

    SedonaRunnerX [OP] New Member

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    Awesome I'll check it out! Thanks!
     
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  13. May 2, 2019 at 1:35 PM
    #13
    Trident904

    Trident904 Freelance Mammographer

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    Just installed my suspension today. Took 2 hours to knock it out by myself. I highly recommend getting with some local folks and learning how to do this yourself. The time and cost savings alone is worth it.
     
  14. May 2, 2019 at 3:10 PM
    #14
    SedonaRunnerX

    SedonaRunnerX [OP] New Member

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    The search will commence. I'm looking for other 4x4 shops as well so I can explore the possibilities.
     
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  15. May 2, 2019 at 5:20 PM
    #15
    jtice

    jtice New Member

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    Eibach Pro Truck Lift, 255/75/R17 BFG K02s, TRD Pro Wheels, C4Fab Front Bumper, Smittybilt 9.5 Winch, Rocky Road Super Sliders, BajaRacks Rear Hatch Ladder, SSO Roof Rack, RCI Full AL Skids
    I would also HIGHLY recommend reaching out locally, look into local offroading clubs, some members may be willing to help you install it and teach you.
    There are also plenty of youtube vids, search for installing lift on 4runner with out a spring compressor.
    Not only is that expensive, my main problem is I would NOT trust a dealership, or hell, most offroad shops, to install a damn thing for me.
    Dealerships especially, typically dont have any experience installing anything other than STOCK components.
    Trust me, if you do the lift yourself, not only will you save money, you will be surprised how easy it was, and me proud that you did it.
    Only think you need a shop to do is alignment.
     
  16. May 2, 2019 at 5:47 PM
    #16
    Allaboutfamily

    Allaboutfamily Regular Hound Dog

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    Anyone who can read can install these lifts, they’re that simple. My guess is the OP is just one of those people who prefers to pay someone else to do things for them. I don’t think anything said here will change that.

    And I don’t mean this is a rude way, it’s just what I’ve gathered.
     
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  17. May 2, 2019 at 6:26 PM
    #17
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    Maybe some people have better stuff to do?

    I paid for my lift to my installed. I got 100 other things to do like spend time with the kids/wife than wrench for hours on something I don't know how to do.

    I did send it to someone local not a big ass dealership though. They take enough of my money with new cars.
     
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  18. May 2, 2019 at 7:14 PM
    #18
    SedonaRunnerX

    SedonaRunnerX [OP] New Member

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    I would love to be able to learn how to do this myself. I have to find some good dependable people with a garage where this could be made to happen.

    In the meantime I want to do an overland trip in late May, and I'm busy as fark, so realistically this time around I will probably need to have someone do the work for me.
     
  19. May 2, 2019 at 7:30 PM
    #19
    Allaboutfamily

    Allaboutfamily Regular Hound Dog

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    Trust me, I understand being busy. And I understand sometimes ya gotta pay someone else. If I ever have to tear the heads off of a ford Diesel again, I may just pay someone else to do it for me. Haha
     
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  20. May 2, 2019 at 11:12 PM
    #20
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    I've watched videos and with the right tools and garage I'd love to attempt a lift install sometime. But when you've never worked on vehicles before, this stuff can be intimidating.

    And then there's always that one bolt you can't get off, or something gets stuck, and then... oh F*>k. Now I don't have a vehicle to drive, it's on jack stands, i leave tomorrow for a week of work, and now I gotta find someone to get me out of a jam.
     
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  21. May 3, 2019 at 11:37 AM
    #21
    SedonaRunnerX

    SedonaRunnerX [OP] New Member

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    yeah, and I wish I had your skills too!
     
  22. May 3, 2019 at 11:40 AM
    #22
    SedonaRunnerX

    SedonaRunnerX [OP] New Member

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    Yes great points; these were definitely part of my decision making process of being soft and weak and not attempting to do the job myself :D...like Dirty Harry said:" a man's got to know his limitations." Also I just moved to the area and I don't know anyone. I have to look for a good 4x4 or overlanding club ASAP! Going to Overland Expo West later this month ought to help I'm hoping!
     
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  23. May 3, 2019 at 12:00 PM
    #23
    Allaboutfamily

    Allaboutfamily Regular Hound Dog

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    Respectfully, “skills” aren’t anything more than being willing to put forth the effort to accomplish your task by teaching yourself how to do it through research and trial/error. You shoulda been present when I was teaching myself how to weld. It wasn’t a pretty sight.

    My 20 year old son is a heck of a good mechanic. He’s went through 6 transmissions and two transfer cases in his trucks in the past three years and replaced all by himself with minimal help. Because he has to do the work or he doesn’t get to drive.

    I spent 20 years climbing the ladder in the corporate world in IT and got sick of traveling so much so then I started up my own business in a trade that I knew absolutely nothing about. I taught myself everything I needed to know the first year, the second year both my wife and I quit our careers and have ran a very successful business ever since.
    So my point is, you can teach yourself to do anything you want to - if you just TRY.
     
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  24. May 3, 2019 at 2:10 PM
    #24
    SedonaRunnerX

    SedonaRunnerX [OP] New Member

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    Well said and I totally agree with you, I was just giving props to you for having skills.
     
  25. May 3, 2019 at 2:15 PM
    #25
    SedonaRunnerX

    SedonaRunnerX [OP] New Member

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    Update:

    I am new to the area but after some research I settled on having Sierra Expedition in Mesa (Phoenix) AZ do the work. They will charge $595 (85/hr x7hrs) for everything, which is way better than that freakin' dealer in Flagstaff, and they will order all the stuff I need.

    Thanks for the comments to all of you...and yes, I have to learn how to do this $hit myself!
     
  26. May 3, 2019 at 4:35 PM
    #26
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
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    I was going to page @Daria and see if any of her AZ boys could or would be willing to lend a hand.
     
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  27. May 3, 2019 at 4:51 PM
    #27
    Allaboutfamily

    Allaboutfamily Regular Hound Dog

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    Thank you for the compliment.
     
  28. May 3, 2019 at 9:37 PM
    #28
    Toyster

    Toyster New Member

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    This, ive been wrenching for decades now and when I get outta work, I’m done for the day
     
  29. May 4, 2019 at 5:13 AM
    #29
    Daria

    Daria Moderator Staff Member

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    Wil at Sierra Expeditions is highly recommended. If something doesn’t go right, he will make it right. He just did the gears in my bf’s truck and he does a lot of work for friends.
     
  30. May 7, 2019 at 11:35 AM
    #30
    SedonaRunnerX

    SedonaRunnerX [OP] New Member

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    Good to know thanks for the feedback!

    Adventure Trailers Overland also recommended Nichol's Autofab in Prescott, AZ. Have you or your bf heard anything about them?
     

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