suspension labor?

[90MTXSHO]

Alright peepz...got a question for ya.

Since my struts and springs have arrived, I'm curious as to what they'll run to install. By that, I mean what's the typical number of hours of labor it's required at your average shop? I can do the math from there.

Now, let's say prices are REALLY high..how hard IS it to do the suspension when you really don't know much about working on a car? I'm talking springs and struts here...nothing else...

 

[sdpatt]

I'd also like to know. I have installed struts or the spring and strut combination on my Gen I and several Gen II SHOs. It takes me most of a full day of physical effort. Not a job I look forward to doing. How much IS it worth?

 

[90MTXSHO]

See, I thought I overheard the guys at perf+ say it was $200 (or was it $300?) when someone asked if they could cut his springs. Now, I could've misheard, them very easily...but that'd make 4-6 hours labor...

I have a local shop that costs $30/hr, for $120 to have them install it...screw it, I'll let them fight the job

Any pointers in case I do need to bust this out myself?

 

[cRaZySHO.]

I work for a parts supply company. Most of my customers charge $60-$80 an hour. And the All Data cpu says you need a B mechanic rating, and it will take 4.8 hours. An A mechanic rating says 3.9 hours. Just some numbers from the all mighty All Data machine for ya.

 

[90MTXSHO]

So, at most I'm looking at $200 labor. I can tolerate that...I believe.

Um, I might as well throw this out there too - what kind of things should I repair while the mechanic's in there? Will he have troubles aligning this thing?

Thanks!

 

[ghostrider]

Strut mounts and bearings I would certainly suggest changing those. With a 90 and living in wisconsin I'm sure those are probably pretty beat up. Probably about $50 worth of parts and labor wouldn't be extra since its all apart already. Check out the condition of the tie rod ends. Wheel bearings stuff like that you could have checked out.

 

[90MTXSHO]

Thanks Rob - tie rods are brand spankin new...but I'll definately have those mounts looked at. I guess I'll just call the mechanic and say "any bushings or mounts, fix 'em". Only catch is, I don't wanna be w/out the car for long...I need it

Thanks!

 

[sdpatt]

If you have a shop offer to replace all four struts and springs for $200, you should get that in writing. I wouldn't do it for that much. While disassembling the major suspension components, you usually find something else that needs attending. Especially on a car from the rust belt.

Scott

 

[snowwind1990]

Outside the cost of parts....I have been quoted numerous times and places......$50/corner /labor thumbs_u ,,,,for parts new including mounting nut $134.00 for strut/ $30.00 for the bushings.....springs?/I didn't ask.
total per corner...$214.00 percorner, and some change...
Ma Ma M.....Gen I or Gen II,,don't matter to them.

 

[90MTXSHO]

sweet jesus...$200/corner?! that's insanity seeing as how i have all the major parts here!

looks like i'll be looking into replacing them myself....

 

[94shoboy]

that was 200 per corner for parts and labor less the cost of the springs. if you have all the parts, it will only be about 200-250 in labor for the install.

 

[90MTXSHO]

ah - ok. i was gonna say...

i have the struts and springs, but it appears i may need to order bushings and mounts as well. will this list never end?!

 

[90MTXSHO]

Ok - I got off the horn w/my mechanic today. He quoted 4 hours of labor, totalling $275. This is with me supplying ALL parts (springs, struts, mounts, etc.)...

...sounds good to me!

 

[Todd TCE]

Did a few many years ago with the sale/install of KONI kits. I think I got about $250 for the work all the way around. And it's a pain to say the least. $30 an hour is dirt cheap in my mind. I'd check the credentials of the shop.

 

[90MTXSHO]

I've been to them before, actually. Did a pretty good job last few times i've been there - plus they usually have a late-model ferarri parked out front

Ok - now here's a little request for advice. Money is getting tighter and tighter. I'm going to probably replace the strut mounts and bearings while it's all apart. Is it really worth the extra $80 to get the HD piece over the SLO/(ford says SHO as well) piece?

 

[twr]

Yes - replace the strut bearings (mounts) up front. I didn't replace the rears ones, mine were still in good shape. I spent close to 5 hours to replace springs and struts.
Terry

 

[AutoXSHO]

It took significantly more than four hours to replace all the struts/springs/strut bearings on my rust-free '95. 100k miles did a number on the bolts and nuts and I had them all replaced.

The shop initially quoted me four hours of labor as an estimate. It took them eight. Looking at it, I can see why - it looks like the rears would be a bitch to do on a GenII. Maybe the Gen I cars are easier to get at the top strut nuts.

John V

 

[twr]

Actually the rears weren't to bad. I pulled the back seats, removed the rear deck cover (speaker grills and all) and then unbolted the seat belt tensioner - presto - easy access. The fronts were even easier. I figured I would be fighting all four corners - turned out to be one of the easier things I've done to my car.

Terry

 

[1fastsho]

Wow you went to a lot of trouble. I have a "gear" wrench set it makes everything soooo much easier, If I'm ontop of my game I can usually do struts in a couple of hours or so.

 

[twr]

Shawn,
It only took me 10 mins to pull the seats and move the belts. My next "big" purchase is going to be a good (complete) set of "gear" wrenches. Those little buggers are slick, a buddy of mine has them - very useful when we pulled the tranny.
Terry
PS - do you offer the big bore butterflies??

<small>[ May 15, 2002, 10:30 AM: Message edited by: twrsho ]</small>