Cost and recommended installer for SpecB kit in Perth

[Sheik Jabooti]

Has anyone got any suggestions on installing a set of SpecB struts and springs in Perth? Or have a gut feel for what it should cost?

So far I've rung the following:

Pedders: $410
Morley Tyrepower: $410
Morley Ian Diffen: ~$300 (but I think they had no idea)
Osi Park Subaru: $750
Amfor Motors (my Subi mechanic): $520
Wilkinson's: $510

Somehow I thought I'd get away with about $250 to install...obviously I was wrong

I'm kinda resigning myself to Pedders at this stage...on the lower end of quotes and at least they know suspension.

<sorry for double posting this across here and the for sale section...just thought it would get better visibility here>

[Arith]

Well I reckon it would be $250 ~ $350 for just the work. Then it's another $60 ~ $100 for the wheel alignment. So yeah, those prices are near the mark if they include the wheel alignment (except for Subaru who add their special mark up on top of everything).

[teK--]

Complete struts is an even quicker changeover than springs only.45to60 min job plus align. I too would have thought 250ish.

Explain that it's complete struts they may drop the price.

[Sheik Jabooti]

The guys at Wilkinson's (suspension specialist) reckons it was a longer job 'cos you have to drop out the K Frame...can anyone comment on that? True or false?

[teK--]

They are full of shit.

[Sheik Jabooti]

Complete struts is an even quicker changeover than springs only.45to60 min job plus align. I too would have thought 250ish.

Explain that it's complete struts they may drop the price.

Rang Pedders and mentioned they were complete struts and he requoted $400...that's a whole $10 discount

Though I was able to get him to slip in installing a front sway bar as well...he agreed as long as it was below the frame...which I think it is?

[Sheik Jabooti]

They are full of shit.

Can I quote you on that when I speak to him?

[jdm rsk]

Fit them yourself. I am sure there is a fellow forum member who would help if you supplied a couple of beers. Should take no more than 1 to 1.5 hours. Front 3 bolts top 2 bottom each side rear 2 top and 1 bottom each side. It is easy and the rear dub frame does not have to come out. If they told me that I would not be going back to them for anything

[Sheik Jabooti]

Fit them yourself. I am sure there is a fellow forum member who would help if you supplied a couple of beers. Should take no more than 1 to 1.5 hours. Front 3 bolts top 2 bottom each side rear 2 top and 1 bottom each side. It is easy and the rear dub frame does not have to come out. If they told me that I would not be going back to them for anything

Thanks Shane. Are they really that easy? I haven't done any serious work on a car since my Torana (~20 years ago). I would rate myself a 3 out of 10 nowadays as a DIY mechanic. Fitting a sway bar would be about the limit of what I would be confident doing. If it needs a torque wrench or any knowledgeable adjustment or is hard to get to then I'd be stuffed I reckon.

[teK--]

Complete struts is an even quicker changeover than springs only.45to60 min job plus align. I too would have thought 250ish.

Explain that it's complete struts they may drop the price.

Rang Pedders and mentioned they were complete struts and he requoted $400...that's a whole $10 discount

Though I was able to get him to slip in installing a front sway bar as well...he agreed as long as it was below the frame...which I think it is?

Yeah front bar is below frame. Adds maybe 10 to 15 mins to job.As shane suggested get some help and bolt struts in yourself its easy then just go to shop for an alignment around $120

[jdm rsk]

It's easy mate believe me. sway bars are even easier. ask a Perth guy to give you've hand.

[Sheik Jabooti]

Thanks guys. I just don't understand why all the retailers are coming up with such high prices. Effectively if you call it a 2 hour job plus alignment (~$100), then $400 equates to about $150/hr labour. That's just ridiculous...I don't think doctor's get paid that much!

[Sheik Jabooti]

Sorry for the continued stupid questions but...

Is the swap out so blindingly obvious that I wouldn't need a workshop manual? And is it still straight forward as a 1 man job or do you really need 2 sets of hands?

[teK--]

All you need is a standard wrench and/or socket set, a big breaker bar in some cases, and either a trolley jack and/or scissor jacks. 1 Jack stand at a minimum is recommended, work on one wheel at a time.

The struts simply bolt in with 3 bolts at front/2 bolts at rear on the top and 2 bolts bottom. It is dead easy. Just need to undo a bolt here or there for the brake hose guides. You use one of the scissor jacks to lift the control arm back up to bolt the new strut in (this is necessary if you are doing it as a one man job)

One man does it easy but best to get someone to show you if you are unsure, then they can sit back and drink, supervising you work

[Sheik Jabooti]

One last question (i promise)...

Any difficulties in getting it past the front wheel hub? Or is there plenty of room to slip the old one out and the new one in?