Labor cost for replacing front and rear shocks/struts?

[jdmforwalteria]

So I have some STAGG rear and front shocks/struts I bought a few months ago, and I have yet to install them. I also bought a used set of eibach lowering springs and I was originally planning on lowering my car. Im starting not to trust the idea of putting the springs on cheap Chinese struts (regaurdless of their good reviews). I am however driving out to Chicago (I am moving there) and my front drivers side shock/strut is sagging a little and affecting my ability to drive (I also have 1 unmatching tire infront). I don't want to #### up my car driving so far so I am considering just installing the shocks/struts, however I don't honestly feel like doing it myself. Does any one know the average cost to get all 4 replaced on the 1997 GST?

And if it really is that easy (like my friend was telling me) should I just stick on the springs for the heck of it and drop my car? or is using shitty shocks that bad of a idea?

I appreciate any advice/comments

 

[SICK SOCIETY DSM90]

Should only take a few hours at a shop so what ever the going rate is for labor will depend on how much it will cost. So your looking at 100 or more.

If you use the drop springs then you might want to add in the cost of alignment so you don't chew up the tires. Usually with shocks and struts replacement I believe most shops want to align it also or atleast will recommend it to you.

 

[Bud92gsx]

I just had mine done with allignment.The final price was 317$

And that was just new springs on the shocks and an allignment.

 

[SICK SOCIETY DSM90]

Yep its never cheap at the shop when you add the labor cost and parts. I try to do most of it myself except when I need stuff machined or aligned everything else can be done at home.

 

[1990boost]

Should be no more than 275-300 for that job.

 

[jdmforwalteria]

Sweet guys thanks a lot, yeah I know about the alignment. I guess I will try and do it myself, no need to spend money when I could get experience too.

Anyone know of a good how to on a 2g? I have my Chilton and Haynes but there at home in California.

and also, I have heard sometimes Its good to let your car sit for a while before taking it in for the alignment after putting new springs and shocks on, any truth to that??

 

[Insane20]

Your probley going to need a camber kit if your lowering

 

[Bud92gsx]

Your probley going to need a camber kit if your lowering

Factory adjustments still work depending on how much you go down.I didnt need a kit.

 

[SICK SOCIETY DSM90]

I would look it up online or someone probally has a youtube video. but there pretty simple usually got a few bolts on the tower holding the shock and strut in place and one on the lower part of the shock and strut. Jack the car up put it on stand and get to it . Its really not a bad job.

 

[jdmforwalteria]

yeah I have a eibach pro kit for my gst only 1.5 inch drop. I may just install the shocks and call it a day sell the springs or wait till I can get some kyb's or tokicos

 

[SICK SOCIETY DSM90]

That's not to bad you probally could get away with that usually you have problems after 2 inchs or more.

 

[jdmforwalteria]

yeah like I said I might not even bother putting the springs on but if its hard to compress the stock ones #### it haha yeah I will

 

[BoostedBeaver]

Doing this job is a great oportunity but you will need a spring compressor to complete the job. I did not see a 2g specific video but here is one for a 1g to walk you through the basic process.

Robert

 

[WES_393]

Factory adjustments still work depending on how much you go down.I didnt need a kit.

There's no factory camber adjustment for the 2g.


The fronts are pretty good at maintaining their camber throughout the travel, but your likely going to need a camber kit for the rear. It's literally 8 bolts and a bunch of washers. Not something you can be proud to say you skimped on.
STM: REAR CAMBER KIT 2G DSM (95-99)

Also, camber alone won't cause premature wear. Well, unless you get all Hellaflush crazy... Your real enemy is toe, and is what causes most of the wear thought to be caused by camber IMO.

If your shocks are blown, replace them with whatever you have. Cheap shocks are still safer than bouncing around on springs. With lowering your going to wear out nearly any OEM shock in a short period anyways (unless you get something like Koni's).

And last but definitely not least, just do the work yourself. I won't lie, old rusty suspension is easily top 5 worst jobs on a DSM. But it's not worth paying a shop hundreds for something you could easily get done over the weekend. Rent a spring compressor, swap the struts, install camber kit in the rear, and cruise down to an alignment shop.

 

[Bud92gsx]

There's no factory camber adjustment for the 2g.

Chalk another one up for 1g owners then..


But good to know now.

 

[Ghost_92TSi]

I always charge 100+ usually 120. I think the bridgestone in town did them for the same price. If you do it yourself I recommend you trying and get some new top hats, That way you can assemble the whole thing (Don't forget the bumpstop, I always trim about half and inch off mine) and then you can do a direct swap. Instead of having to compress the old springs, because they usually suck.

 

[jdmforwalteria]

Points for yall!! thanks I will def invest in a camber kit, I think I am just gonna do the shocks swap and once I get to Chicago invest in some better shocks and top hats.

 

[bergz0]

Depending on what shop you take it to it could be close to $500. I have a ford probe as well lowered on sport springs and stagg struts and for the price you can't beat them. I also thought they were gonna be shitty but they actually turned out to work nicely

 

[jdmforwalteria]

cool yeah you cant beat the lifetime warranty for the price also

 

[ErikTande]

When I install coilovers in my 1g, can I lower the car 1 inch without a camber kit?

 

[troubleshoot]

You should be alright with just one inch. Just keep an eye on how the tires wear.

 

[bras_33]

great info...from what i have read and all the local chatter, unless your doing a drop from anything more than 2", rear camber kits are not necessary. correct me if I am wrong...

 

[tylerbrunkhart]

it is super easy to do the backs kinda a pain in the butt to do the fronts. i taught myself how to do mine in 30 minutes so its not to hard. i use to have my car slammed without a camber kit. and yes it did have uneven tire wear. now my rear is almost stock height and the front is lowered 1-2in and i dont notice much if any unusual tire wear.

 

[bergz0]

2inches you shouldnt need a camber kit... my buddy lowered his car and had the shop adjust it for more positive camber?? if i remember right for better tire wear. dont hold me to it tho