Bilstein shock installer..??

I have a full set of 5100s to install on my 2021 Limited TRD Off Road.

Should I have the dealer install these 5100s or should I get a good local tire/shocks/alignment/brakes service center to do it?

Thinking about the dealership simply because they work on these all day long, are probably very familiar with them and have all the specific tools to do alignment, shocks, etc. However, it doesn't seem like they do much aftermarket stuff so I'm unsure about them in this regard.

Thinking about a service center (i.e. Big Brand Tire, Americas Tire, Wheel Works, etc) to install because they often install aftermarket stuff and they seem like might be used to this. Just wondering if they have the Tundra specific skills.

The Brand Big Tire center near me suggested a differential drop kit whereas the dealership told me I don't really need one (shrug).

 

my comment is what i would do in my area/environment.
my local dealer would do this, but i wouldn't trust their alignment on a leveled application and would strictly bring it to my tire shop to do the alignment since they do the alignments the old school way and not the digital way. i would most likely do the install myself, then get it aligned.
if you're needing/wanting someone to do it, considering the dealer wouldn't hurt to make sure they don't void warranty if a concern of yours. i've known dealers to install 4/2 kits and still warranty it even though modded. up to you and what you trust your local guys to do.

 

What height are u going with are they assembled? I had dealer do alignment mistake took to dedicated shop

 

these are brand new shocks in their boxes…they will need to be installed using the existing factory springs that are on the truck

For height, I’ll likely go with the middle setting on these…very slight chance I might go with the highest setting

 

My 2 cents.. I would get a pair of springs like the Eibach ones and have them assembled with new tops on the lowest setting. Then you can sell the take-offs to recoup some money. I'm just not a fan of pre-loading springs for lift, they don't ride very well.

 

Fair point on the springs but would you trust your Toyota dealership to do this or trust a local tire shop chain?

I just moved to the area so I haven’t had a chance to try either near me.

 

Where are you located? Maybe someone has a recommendation where to take it.

 

Dealerships are hit or miss, some treat their techs right, some treat them like slaves and you get poor work. Chain shops aren't much different. If you don't have a local mom 'n pop truck mod shop, maybe try the dealership. Good luck with your 5100s, they're a nice shock, but I did have to warrantee all 4 of mine because they rode like shit. Second set was good enough, did throw some OME coils over my fronts to get a better ride at the higher settings. My understanding is the diff. drop isn't really necessary with the 0.7/3" lift you get with the 5100s, but I'm no pro. Maybe check the threads, I'm sure it's covered in length somewhere on this forum.

 

I had my 6112’s put on by dealership I bought it from. They said that was the first set they had seen and really liked them. They did the alignment and warrantied everything. It was like $400 something. Truck only had about 600 miles on it at the time. I felt very comfortable with them doing it as the area I lived in at the time was very desert off road oriented. El Centro, CA. I have not had any issues with their work.

 

I live in between Santa Barbara and Santa Maria California

 

Well hopefully someone will chime in with a good shop. Lotsa members in SoCal it seems. Good luck!

 

Was that $400 labor only? I'm assuming so.. Local dealership to me told me $1800 (Canadian) for 5100s all around, rear block and diff drop. Seems pricey

 

That is high if it's labour only.

I was quoted about $350 for front and rear installed for Eibach Stage 1 here in Winnipeg....labour. $280 front and $80 rear. By a custom car shop.

It was about $150 more for 5100 installed as they said there was more to them in disassembly etc.

 

Yes $400 was for labor. Included alignment. I was good with it being a brand new truck, didn’t void any warranty, and was done where I bought it. It took them about 3 hrs. I did the rear 5160’s myself. Very straight forward. So I have a relatively brand new set of 4600’s in a box in the garage.
Edit: I was happy with the work, good with the price, and no worries with warranty. You can pay more or less, all depends on you.

 

I guess it would depend if the dealer had a good alignment rack, most will probably send it to their approved shop if not. Will they guarantee the work? If they have a rack and will guarantee it I'd go for it.

 

The $1800 I mentioned was all in with them, that seem high or not overly? They also said they usually have no issues with tss doing this but if they do they "can disable it entirely provided you sign a waiver" lol

 

My local Toyota dealership gave me a quote of approx $700 to install the front and rear shocks + alignment...I provide the 5100 shocks.

 

Hmm they're not far off then.. They warranty it as well as have multiple nice tundras in the employee parking

 

$700 plus the cost of the alignment or including the alignment?
I thought my dealer was high quoting me $750 plus $150 for alignment. It is about 3 hours of work meaning a shop rate of $250/hr which seems high to me.

 

I paid my local shop 700ish to do 5100s front and rear with alignment (that includes cost of shocks). I know my local shop likes me, but they don't work for free. Gives you an idea where your costs could be. Since you already have the shocks, you should probably be paying around 400 like Bprose did.

 

Front shocks install labor + rear shocks install labor + alignment = approx $700