Ok, now I'm really torn...Most people here say that putting in shocks isn't that difficult. While I have never put in shocks before, I'm no stranger to tools.
It seems as though few in our tiny town have ever heard of Bilsteins. Even the dealership said,
I don't show that series of shock available for the Xterra.I suggest you check out nexterra.org/links to see what some these other guys have used to beef up the suspension.
...it seems as though this man has never followed his own advice...
So I figure that leaves me with 3 options:
1. Get another brand (which probably won't save me much $$ anyways.*see below
2. Buy Bilsteins and get someone to put them in.
3. Buy Bilsteins and put the dudes in myself (cheapest alternative).
*The thing is I've received 2 quotes for shock installation, 1 is simply OUTRAGOUS!
4 Monroe Reflex installed for $420 - His per shock price is even higher than Bilsteins and his installation price is ~$160!!!!! This guy must think I'm a sucka!
Other guy said he'd install shocks that I brought in (i.e. Bilsteins) for $120. This seems reasonable, except that I'm a poor graduate student and the shocks alone are pricey enough.
2 (or 3) Questions:
Do you really need a torque wrench? If I don't use one will it potentially break something?
How hard are they to put in?
And don't candy-coat it, give it to me straight.
ChrisNYC seemed to have figured out the trick! Plus, I have access to a hydralic jack. I'd feel like a fool if I paid someone $120 to lift my truck up and unscrew a few bolts.