Hey guys, sorry for the second post today but I also had another question. I bought a Teraflex 3” lift with the 4 sport arms and falcon 3.1 shocks. I also bought the upper front sport arms as well. My local jeep shop quoted me $1476 to install this with alignment. Does this seem right? It seems kinda high to me

8 x $140 for lift install
1x $140 for upper arms install
1x $140 for alignment
1x $76 additional parts
$1476

 

Guessing their labor rate is $140/hr there huh? 9 hours of install time isn't egregious. Maybe a little generous given they likely have a lift which makes things monumentally easier. I could install that kit on my garage floor in less than 9 hours but their booked time for a lift install is no different than any other mechanic going by a stated time for a job (most jobs don't take near the book time). The labor rate doesn't seem bad for these times, and $140 for an alignment, if they are doing an actual alignment, isn't bad.

Installing yourself and saving some $$ isn't an option?

 

That’s pretty typical for my area. We’re around 140-160 an hour. Alignments run $80-200 depending on the shop.

if you’re able to, I’d suggest installing it yourself, and having them do an alignment. That’s my plan, but I’m so sick of rusty control arms… the bolts never come out…

 

Air hammer and air/electric impact wrench is good for seized CA bolts. Put Never Sieze on them when they go back in.

 

Impact was a game changer. Anti seize is is a must! I’ve had good luck with mapp gas. Haven’t messed with the Jk yet, but soon. It’s a lot newer than the TJ was so hopefully the bolts come out easier!

Never was an over exaggeration, haha, but I did have 4 bolts that heat and impact couldn’t get out. Granted those were stock control arms that were in there for probably 14 years, had to use a sawzall haha



OP, unsure what you have for tools, but autozone, Napa etc usually have spring compressors, impact wrenches, etc you can rent and harbor freight sells floor jacks that work pretty good for fairly cheap. Let the forum know how we can help if you decide to do it yourself! There are a lot of experts on this forum that can help you out.

 

Hey guys thank you for all the replies!! I am amazed by how much the prices have increased on this recently. I bought my lift and shocks 2 years ago and have had them tucked away until I could properly afford install, wheels, and tires as well. Back then, my local shop who I bought it from quoted me 1100 to install with alignment otd. The time has finally come for install now so I got requoted while making an appt last week. 1480 now. Figured I’d call another shop who quoted me 900 back then and they are now looking for 1800 lol. Crazy.

As for installing it myself, I’m only 20 and use it as my commuter car to college. I’m sure I could get it done but also my parents would verbally disown me with the “I told you so’s” if I couldn’t and had to get it towed off. Annoying because I’ve got every tool you could think of and full set of air tools. I’ve done all the other mods myself like drag link, tbs, tr, bumpers, exhaust all that sort of stuff.

 

First off, if you've done the other mods, there is no reason to doubt you could knock out this lift with no issues. There is really nothing fancy about this and there is no reason to think you wouldn't be able to complete it and "have to have it towed off". It would be a good day's work for you but you could start it on a Saturday morning and then have a 2-day cushion to wrap it up. One way to think about this is you can get the shocks and springs installed first. You don't have to get the arms in there immediately (caster will be low until you get the arms in). The jeep will be driveable and then you could address the arms a different day giving you a lot more time. If the kit comes with new brake lines that is something that could wait as well and be a separate project day. Just saying.....there's nothing really technical happening in this install and nothing sensitive like regearing an axle. It sounds like you are fully capable and could keep a bit portion of that money in your pocket.

I can totally see how parents that might not be mechanically inclined are hesitant to encourage their kids to jump into something that they don't understand themselves and might feel a bit helpless with if something goes wrong. Don't let that play into you doubting your ability to knock it out though. Between YouTube videos and member support here, you have the resources necessary information-wise. Jack stands, a jack (two jacks is a bonus), decent hand tools and a half-decent torque wrench are all that are really required. Power tools are a big luxury.

What kit specifically do you have to install?

 

@barryjuapchade29

What college do you go to? I’d be willing to bet that there is an off-road club or a car club with people who have done this work before. There’s definitely someone there that would be willing to help for the cost of a pizza.

 

*Commuter Jeep

I know that feeling. My first Jeep I was in the same situation. College, only vehicle, and wanted to lift it.

You clearly are capable of doing it yourself. That being said, I don’t think you’ll find any judgment for having a shop install the lift, provided you understand how to work on your vehicle.

I can’t say that I personally enjoy installing a lift. But saving $1500 bucks to put it in myself this worth it to me. It’s rewarding, it’s satisfying to work on your own vehicle, and you know when something isn’t set up correctly right away. And it’s cheaper. Lol.

I would budget yourself some extra time if it’s your first time with a lift, I think my first lift took 3 or 4 days due to various snafus and not having a second vehicle and having to walk to the hardware store a lot. LOL! Learned a lot over the years since then, the biggest one was get a second vehicle haha