Good price for strut install?

[2ksev6]

Hey,

Thanks for all the replies, this is more than I'd expected! I'll be in contact more later this week (got to beat a deadline) and think about what the next step will be. You all have really opened my eyes to other options.

BTW, KYB will probably be the way for me as part of the reason I'm doing this is to drive my parents around when they come out here. I certainly don't want to go back to stock, but I definitely need something a little smoother for their sanity and my own.

The other parts should help to make up for any slight handling performance lost by switching to KYB, and having a smooth riding car will be appreciated by my passengers.

Should I be looking at strut mounts as well? How much do those run?

Anything else since the struts will be off?

[2ksev6]

Hey guys,

Sorry I've been away, I had a big project fall in my lap and had to get on it!

So I visited another shop the other day, they found an oil leak from a seal that the other one missed, suspects the tranny may be leaking as well (unsure), that the other one said was.

Now for the struts, basically he said he'd charge $150 in labor if I get the parts and bring them in, he doesn't usually get too into aftermarket parts, he says. So I'm thinking I can save some coin and get them on ebay as was suggested here.

I'm just concerned that if I go all around getting parts here and there, then having a shop do it that isn't usually into the aftermarket that I may be facing issues down the road if the part fails or was defective from an unscrupulous source, and/or the shop screws it up and everyone points fingers at everyone else and I have to pay more money. I've had enough problems with the Tokicos and don't want to keep messing with this. I just want a smooth-ish ride that handles really well and doesn't break for at least 5 years, preferably 10. Stock is not an option!

Also, should I be thinking about KYB strut mounts or any additional parts? I think I read about that on here.

[(K)]

$150 sounds about right for the rears (I had to have them do my rears because I *ahem* rounded a few sway bar link bolts).

If your rears aren't making that clunking noise then you shouldn't worry too much about the mounts. How many miles are on your original mounts? I mean if you want the extra insurance might as well replace the rear mounts too while he has the car apart.

[2ksev6]

I'm at over 130k on stock mounts, but it's making all kinds of noise, clunking included. Tough to tell what's wrong with the strut mount and what's the strut. I know one strut is blown, and the boot (or whatever that rubber accordian looking thing is called) around it has a tear in it, which I believe is a part of the strut mount. That's a lot of words to say that if it's probably good insurance.

Now I've just got to figure out how to get all these parts together and choose the right installer.

[krawzyazn]

get greg to do it for you its cheaper and he can also work on your tranny leak he does excellent work

[(K)]

If it's making that much noise then now's the time to replace those struts mounts too. While you're at it, if you have the extra bank, buy a RSB and be done with the rear.

What I did, to cut down on labor costs/time, I removed the interior of the rear making it easier for the mechanic to get at the rear struts. Just strip it (takes an hour AT MOST), seats, panels, cloth, speaker cover, everything until you can see the top of the struts (3 bolts securing them to the chassis). Just be careful with those tabs, I broke half of them...