Suspension Install

This question is for any builders/installers. How long would it take someone to install a MII with airbags and a triangulated 4-link from removal of stock parts to finish?

 

on the 50 pickup?

 

Yes on my 50 Pickup and this is just welding in. Not running airlines, steering none of that just the welding

 

For a decently equipped shop with competent people (2 maybe) and dedicated effort, all parts on hand........maybe 2 to 3 days if everything goes very well. More likely, 2 or 3 times that....or more.

I have all of the above and can never hit the guesstimate for a variety of reasons.

Best formula I have seen sez " estimate how long you think it will take....... go to the next larger unit of time...........and double that"

Unfortunately, I must be a slow learner, because everytime I estimate I do so optimistically and prove the above adage is immutable.

Best wishes.

Ray

 

Removing front sheet metal, bed, measuring, removing old suspension, measuring, tacking in and mocking up new stuff, checking to make sure wheels are where you want them in the wheelwells, then un-mocking, and welding. I'd say 4 days of labor. 32 hours. We charge $70 an hour.

 

shop rate of $70 dollars an hour seems like a bargain! that being said thats $2,240 for labor alone.

 

Don't forget boxing in those stock framerails! And I ***ume the engine is already out! 4 Days sounds about right though.

 

UGH really 30 hrs

 

its either time or money..

 

Yup its always one of those

 

What if I did all of that and just left it loosly cuz the sheet metal and bed and unbolted as of right now. I can clean up the frame have my friend make some frame boxing panels at work weld them on I can do all the measuring all thats left is tear down mock up and final welds. That should cut the time down by at least 10 hrs right. I'm not trying to be cheap but I wanna be able to say I did something on this truck.

 

Do you have a shop in mind for doing the work? Go by and talk to them. Get a quote for the whole job versus you doing some of it. I've done things where the customer has done some of that stuff. It definitely helps out your bill.

 

Sorry about the hijack, but how long for just the tri 4-link in a decent shop?

 

What vehicle? A truck is a lot easier, pull the bed and everything is right there. Now a car is a different story. Sometimes you can do it all on a lift. Sometimes cutting out the floor is the most effective way to go about it.

 

Fast
Good
Cheap

Choose two... You lose the third.

Four days was my guess. If any problems, add 50%. Pretty typical. If you do half the work yourself, the price goes up because I have to figure out what you did and how to work with it, correct it, whatever. It's faster, cheaper and turns out better if the owner let's me do my part, building, and he sticks with his part, paying.

 

sounds like 4 days to me... $70.00 an hour for us also....Make sure you are clear with the shop on labor you will do and labor they will do... It generally takes us a little longer then we only charge for the original estimate. We are right down in Morro Bay and do lot's of this...Jason

 

I gonna call the guy tomorrow, he actually gave me the idea to do some of the work to help offset the cost. I remember i was quoted by some one $4500 to do the IFS and 4-link

 

zman... sorry... '55 Buick Special. It seems like it can all be done underneath. I was planning on doing it myself, but I'm having a hard time deciding exactly where the lower arms should go. I was just trying to get an idea of what I'd be in for at a shop. It would surely help me move this project along. Thanks.

 

I was actually thinking about asking ur shop but ur a little to far from me

 

You are only 2.5 hours away. My wife's family lived in prunedale..I get cars from the valley, San Fran, monterey, kings city, ventura, San Diego... In and out.. Whomever you use... get detailed info and a timeline... Jason...

 

Thanks Jason, the guy lives about an hour away so its still close enough to check in.

 

better to go with someone here rather than a shop that claims they can do it cheaper and faster. Remember, even if told 4 days not likely to drop off Monday and pick up Friday. Most shops have multiple projects being worked on. Plus, you usually need to get in line behind all current customers. Then there are the unexpected problems, or things that need to get done as long as you are doing everything else. Once you pick a shop see if you can get a list of parts that they need for job and ask if you can order them ahead of time. This would save the shop tracking down stuff and adding expenses to their shop operation. None of this is quick and easy, but best to do it right the first time. Save some $$ for insurance upgrade once your ride is ready for the road again.

 

I have all the parts IFS, 4 link, rear notch and rearend so waiting for parts will not be a problem. As for how long it will take the it doesnt matter to me cuz i'm not in a rush to get my truck on the road