Sandi_k

OK, so I talked back to the independent shop, and gave them these numbers. They apparently have a policy of refusing to install customer-sourced parts.

The revised estimate is $1040 for the front struts; $424 for the rear shocks; and $1283 for the trailing arm replacement.

I do need new tires - the Nittos I have are now at 80k miles, and the tread is down to 5/32 - my husband and his best friend examined the tires, and say they saw no evidence of cupping (they're both gearheads, and I trust them). And DH drives my car regularly - his only complaint is one front wheel that is out of balance a bit. So he is suggesting that I just replace the tires at this point. I'd like them done before New Year's, as we plan to head up to Tahoe and the snow in 10 days.

Since the tires are done elsewhere, I think I will just do the tires now, and see if the tire shop notices any evidence of leaking shocks once it's all apart (there is no evidence when we looked). If so, I'll do them after the snow trip.

For future reference, part sites for the Sport package:

https://www.mylparts.com/auto-parts/...omponents-scat
http://www.lexuspartsnow.com/Page_Pr...Keywords=shock

Clutchless

If the rear shocks are leaking, which is most likely, the fronts are probably fine. I just replaced my leaky rear shocks at 50,000 miles. The fronts were fine.
That is a high price to replace the rear shocks. Considering the price is about $80 for both online and it takes an hour to do it. Even if they double the price and charge you $160 for them They are charging $264 for an hour labor. I should change careers at those prices.
The rear shocks are so easy to replace that any local gas station could do it for an hour labor at a much lower rate and they may be receptive to owner supplied parts since there is only one source for the Sport Package shocks and that is OEM. I would then consider just replacing the rear shocks. In the alternative you could give them the above links and they could buy the parts as that is still likely going to be cheaper for them than the local Lexus dealer.

Sean2202

I am very cautious when it comes to independent "specialists" as I got really burned by one in the past and it cost thousands. If my work had been done at a stealership I would have been able to call a corporate office and explain my case. At an independent I had no recourse except a small claims court. My point being get another opinion even if you semi trust them. It sounds like the "gearhead" in your family can perform this shock install.

Sandi_k

Agreed - this is a shop that has done decent work for me for a couple of years. And yes, my DH could do the shock swap, but I decided long ago that we'd rather spend our weekends not focused on car and home maintenance. So I try to find a reasonable way to get it done before I turn the Bambi eyes to him.

Clutchless

Let's do the math: The shop wants $424 for the rear shocks. You can buy them online for $80. Hubby installs for free. Tell him what a frugal wife you are and about the $344 Christmas/Holiday gift he can have with the savings if he will take an hour (literally, that is all it took me with a floor jack) to replace the rear shocks.
Then have him watch this Youtube video on how it is done:

Kopavi

Thanks for posting the Youtube video it was very helpful. Even if I add the cost of floor jack to the project I am still ahead. The price of the shock on Rock Auto is now $66.89 and delivery is very reasonable at $9. Total shipped price for two is $142.77.

Clutchless

You could consider OEM as they are far cheaper. although they ride rougher and are probably not as durable as KYB. www.lexuspartsnow.com www.mylparts.com

I recommend you check Craigslist or get a Harbour Freight floor jack if there is one near you. They constantly advertise with 20% and more off coupons. You also need jack stands or a couple of cinder blocks for safety.

http://www.harborfreight.com/

Barry2522

If your going to buy new tires ,have the shocks in the car and ask them to install them while the wheels are off . I cant imagine a shop would not do that for you with out a big expense . By the way KYB shocks ride a lot better than OEM shocks . I put on new oem shocks 2 months ago .Didn't like the ride at all . Just changed them to KYB last week and the ride is so much better .