So my local shop just quoted me $600 for labor on installing front coilovers, rear shocks and AAL. Is this a bit high or is it reasonable? My truck is a 2006 f150 scab if that matters at all. Please, those who own or run shops, feel free to give your input on your charges for this sort of labor.

 

I'm assuming you mean coilovers like the procomps, fabtech, kings etc. If so then yea that is really high. Rear shocks I wouldn't pay anyone to do, it takes you about 30 minutes yourself. AAL and front coilovers should run 150 or 200 MAX.

 

Fabtech 2.5" dirt logic coilovers. Sorry I left that out.

Oh yeah and the quote was with an alignment as well.

 

Yea 200 max, and just install the rear ones yourself. It's just the two bolts per side and thats it.

 

yea i can see 200 maybe even 300 max, try shopping around

 

Hell, if you pay 200 they should just through your rear shocks on there for free

 

Yeah I'll try finding and calling some other shops in the area. There's 4wp but they never call back and I'm not sure if they'll do cranked coilovers/AAL on a truck that already has a suspension lift.

 

Which shop is this? I'm also in The Bay Area. That seems kind of high. But then again, they are probably pricing the job at mechanics rates of $125 and hour. That's maybe about 4 hours for $500, + another $100 for the alignment. Does it seem high? Your truck will be in their shop for most of the day. They will spend about 4-6 hours working on the truck. Remember that in The Bay Area, shop rates are higher because the shop pays more in rent, labor, and other costs.

I would say that you should shop the job around.

 

Indo,

If you go to the 4 Wheel Parts Performance Center in Oakland, ask for Dave. If you're in the San Francisco Peninsula area, Ditos Motors in South City can do it at a fair labor rate. Also, if you haven't already gotten your parts, check w/ Dave Dito or Robert Dito to see if they can get you a competitive price through their wholesalers.

5150

 

Yeah I had thought about the fact that everything is more in the bay. The shop is Up & Down truck in Santa Clara off of El Camino. Their rate is $85 an hour and he said that his $600 was mostly a guess based on how long he thought they might have it. If things were tking longer then it may be more but he didn't mention that if they finished earlier, it would be cheaper.

I've already got the coilovers and rear shocks. The only thing left for me to purchase would be the AAL

 

Indo,

Don't forget MercedesTech. He's a reputable member on this website with a shop. He might be able to take care of you also.

5150

 

Do you know where he is located? I'm in the South Bay, Santa Clara/San Jose.

EDIT: I found him. He's a bit north of the bay. Right about 2 hours away.

 

His shop is in San Rafael. That's in Marin County. He drives an F-150 and he knows these trucks. If it's not too far, and he could fit you into his busy shop schedule, he is a good guy for you to take your truck to.

I've been to Up & Down. The guy there had a bunch of lifts, no technicians, and no cars were being worked on. Despite the fact that my truck was there, he couldn't give me a price on a lift kit, wheels, tires, installation, and alignment. He told me that he would have to get my number & call me. Then I never heard from him.

Also, check out:

Arabia's OverKill

Custom Fabrication, Repair & 4x4 Specialist

1436 White Oaks Rd. #15 Campbell, CA 95008

Shop Phone : 1-408-626-8660

Shop Fax : 1-408-626-8661

Shop Hours

Mon-Fri : 8am-6pm

 

I would go to M-Techs shop, the drive will be worth it and he probably wont charge you out the ***.

 

I appreciate the kind words 5150 and you too Jditta ! Really.

Hey there indo. Name is James. Work here in San Rafael. I do own an F150, and have worked on a number of them now, installing lifts and other odds and ends. We can set you up right. We do get pretty busy but more then willing to help a fellow F150online guy out. so give me a call. Mon - Fri 8am-4pm
(415) 459-3068

This job would be about three hours. Our labor rate would be $100/hr. So, a $300 install. If its less, I charge accordingly. but wont go over 3 hours. Drop off in morning, and its yours that day.


BTW: I live in Rohnert Park, but commute down to San Rafael for work. Shop is about 15 minutes from the Bridge. Right by the 101/580 ramps.