Labor Costs Fair Price?

[Mum4rdV8]

I’m in NY HV area. Looking to get progressive springs and StH kit installed. The two shops that I reached out to quoted me between $1700-2100 for labor to install and alignment. (150/hr). I’m not a mechanic by any means. What do you guys think? Parts are going to run about $1300 which I have no control over. It looks like they estimated 10-12 hours of labor plus tax.

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[NGOT8R]

To do the entire kit is a very involved process. It requires disassembling the entire rear suspension, disconnecting and/or removing the driveshaft, lowering the cradle, installing the parts and of course reassembly. This is assuming you’re talking about their top of the line STH kit, as there are Several levels to the Kit.

I didn’t time myself when I did mine, but it was at least an 8+ hour job. I recommend that you consider upgrading any and all parts that have to be removed for the install, so as to not have to pay labor twice.

Take a look at this thread from when I did mine to give you a better idea of what the job entails.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...cket-which-through-bolts-and-bushings.147580/

 

[Jasonb543]

DIY … that price is ridiculous, it’s not even a bad job, I did mine with hand tools in an afternoon.
Countless YouTube vids

 

[Cobra Jet]

Labor rates in the region are anywhere from $100-$150+ depending on the shop. I would not focus the concern on just labor rates…

Focus on:
- Is the shop capable of doing the job AND doing it correctly?

- How long have they been in business and are they just a standard “mechanic shop” that only ventures in the basics - or are they well versed with performance cars and the aftermarket parts?

- What online reviews can you find of them?

- Do they take care of the customer’s vehicle as if it’s their own - meaning are they careful when working on it or are they laying tools on the fenders and greasing up the seats when getting in/out?

I would look at those avenues first before worrying about the labor rates. Doing the type of work you’re seeking is tedious to some shops so therefore labor hours will be on the higher side - and if the Tech isn’t all that experienced, the labor hours will be longer…

You could also post on social media (if you’re on those other sources) and see if there’s someone local who would want to help you do the job for some side $$$…. You can save that way or maybe someone can recommend a better shop with better rates.

 

[Mum4rdV8]

Yeah, the two shops I contacted deal specifically with performance cars and shying away from smalller local shops. I’m going to put it on the back burner for now. Checking to see if any price drops on parts around BF. Thanks all!

 

[Steeda-Sergio]

We do installs at our Steeda Valsosta, GA location.
Here are our times:

Springs - 4.5 Hours (includes alignment)
STH Starter Kit - 3 Hours ( 4 hours with alignment)

So total time for your parts is 7.5 Hours.

 

[NGOT8R]

We do installs at our Steeda Valsosta, GA location.
Here are our times:

Springs - 4.5 Hours (includes alignment)
STH Starter Kit - 3 Hours ( 4 hours with alignment)

So total time for your parts is 7.5 Hours.

What’s the hourly rate?

 

[Steeda-Sergio]

What’s the hourly rate?

Hate when I only reply in my head and not in writing.
Our current shop rates is 195/HR

 

[High Velocity]

We do installs at our Steeda Valsosta, GA location.
Here are our times:

Springs - 4.5 Hours (includes alignment)
STH Starter Kit - 3 Hours ( 4 hours with alignment)

So total time for your parts is 7.5 Hours.

Does that include clocking the bushings? If not how much extra labor hours to do that?

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