I need new front shocks. I don't have a spring compressor and I hear renting is a bad choice because it is not safe. I also am on the fence with removing the whole strut myself. So, what did you pay to have someone replace the shocks if I bring them the truck and the shocks? How about if I bring them the struts and shocks and they just swap shocks out? I talked to a place and they said just get a quick strut as it will be cheaper than paying book time to take apart the spring/strut assembly. Quick struts are considerably more pricey though...

 

The old 2004 F150 Screw I had, I put new struts, heavier springs, and all bushings in the front end including the sway bar. I also had new strut mounts put in as the old ones were apparently loose from the factory and the holes weren't round anymore. It cost me a hair over $1,000.00 and that also includes alignment and all labor. The struts and springs were the Monroe best they make with a lifetime warranty. You might consider new springs. The ones I had were pretty much done and had dropped the front of the truck by 2.5". The new springs brought it back up to level again. Drove a little rougher due to the heavier spring rate but it handled like a sports car. That might give you an idea of the cost or for a comparison.

 

Yea the place I talked to suggested I do a quick strut, but with only 42k on the clock it seemed like overkill. I was quoted 300 in labor to swap the shocks only upfront if I bring my own shocks. 500 if they provide the shocks. 1000 all in for a set of Monroe quick struts with lifetime warranty.

 

I paid $425 off eBay for Monroe quick struts and rear shocks, and replaced them all myself in about 2-2 1/2 hours. No special tools needed. I had an impact gun which was really nice, but could've been accomplished just fine with out it. Really just depends on your mechanical skills and tool selection. I see your point for 42k, then again, I didn't change any of mine until 125k, so apples and oranges I guess! I'm just not a fan of other people touching my truck, just my personal peeve. Good luck with your choice though!

 

Install labor and alignment would run about 250 for a side job, and like 600 through the shop (plus parts cost)

 

I paid about $220 total for the Bilsteins from the classifieds on this forum ($120 for the fronts, then bought the rears a few months later for $100) and about $100 for a shop to put the fronts on. I did the rears myself.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151389566271

Seems like what I need. Anyone have experience?

 

Same thing I bought except for the 2WD version. The only trick I found out was that I had to loosen the front sway bar on either side a little just to be able to drop the control arms down enough to pop them out. A good pry bar comes in handy for this. Once you have the new struts bolted in, then just re-tighten the sway bar, lower the truck and torque everything down and you're good to go.

 

You have a 2013 with 42k and need new shocks already? Sounds strange to me. How are you determining that you need new shocks - are they leaking?

 

Yea they are leaking. I bought from a Ford dealer and it is certified pretty owned, 6k ago, and it's not covered. I am pretty pissed.