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digitaldad

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Yeah while I’ve never heard of an alignment needed for shocks I guess it’s not a simple upper and lower bolt to change shocks nowadays? This shop does good work but they are full retail and then some. Very greedy.

You replied already but see my edit above.

The aligment is because you are lifting with new shocks. You may be able to swap OEM height shocks and be fine but your UCA (change, in regard to new angle) and lift warrant it.
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Robert1380

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They are charging you for the shocks (25 shipping though, come on) so as long as Chuck also added the alignment to his total (on top of the $686)...you just seem to be charged $200 more for the install, which is odd.

EDIT: I paid close to 1K labor/install for four shocks/springs (front/rear), plus new UCAs; to give some visibility (all parts and alignment were on top of that price).
As I already suspected, they are overcharging. I’ve been dealing with this shop for years but I guess I’ll have to find someone else. Not many options locally so I guess I’ll have to travel to LA or OC.
 

digitaldad

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As I already suspected, they are overcharging. I’ve been dealing with this shop for years but I guess I’ll have to find someone else. Not many options locally so I guess I’ll have to travel to LA or OC.
Gotcha, I thought you were referring to the same shop that OP went too.
 

beyondthelens

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As I already suspected, they are overcharging. I’ve been dealing with this shop for years but I guess I’ll have to find someone else. Not many options locally so I guess I’ll have to travel to LA or OC.
I got a quote from a shop up in Montclair for $575 (includes alignment) and will take half a day if you bring the shocks yourself. Eibach is semi-local in Riverside (15 & 91 fwy) and maybe will have will call for pick up.
 

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Robert1380

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I got a quote from a shop up in Montclair for $575 (includes alignment) and will take half a day if you bring the shocks yourself. Eibach is semi-local in Riverside (15 & 91 fwy) and maybe will have will call for pick up.
I’m not far from Riverside. Recall the name of the shop? Thanks brother. Appreciate it.
 

beyondthelens

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The labor was $686 to remove pucks, add shocks, adjust. Then $300 for the 2 shocks.
What was the name of the shop you went to? and do you know if they changed and charged for new alignment cams for the lift? I only ask because some of these bigger off road shops are saying they have to be replaced due to the increased lift in order to get the correct alignment and can't reuse the stock ones.
 

digitaldad

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...because some of these bigger off road shops are saying they have to be replaced due to the increased lift in order to get the correct alignment and can't reuse the stock ones.
Both, UCA (upper control arm) and camber/caster kit are recommended for best geometry, after lift. Many have stated here, either up front...or not, that they have not added these.

This is the SPC kit that the shop added to mine after install.

In regards to the Eibach Stage 1 kit, their advertising claims that they support the stock UCA. However, when I called their tech support (for another inquiry) and asked about this, they still highly recommended aftermarket UCA for best fitment & longevity of components.

My two cents, if you're going down this path, better to pay all the parts/labor up front, vs. not and then having to pay again if alignment does not get to spec (removing/re-installing parts).
 

Robert1380

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Both, UCA (upper control arm) and camber/caster kit are recommended for best geometry, after lift. Many have stated here, either up front...or not, that they have not added these.

This is the SPC kit that the shop added to mine after install.

In regards to the Eibach Stage 1 kit, their advertising claims that they support the stock UCA. However, when I called their tech support (for another inquiry) and asked about this, they still highly recommended aftermarket UCA for best fitment & longevity of components.

My two cents, if you're going down this path, better to pay all the parts/labor up front, vs. not and then having to pay again if alignment does not get to spec (removing/re-installing parts).
Yeah I’m starting to think my truck is perfect the way it is. Might do a wheel swap but I think the rest I’ll leave alone. Thanks for the info.
 

digitaldad

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Yeah I’m starting to think my truck is perfect the way it is. Might do a wheel swap but I think the rest I’ll leave alone. Thanks for the info.
Aww, hope I didn't discourage you...just wanted to emphasize that if doing something, do it right from the get-go. Definitely in favor of shocks vs. puck only lifts but when it comes to suspension (lifting or lowering), there are times where people have remorse immediately afterward. This can come from not purchasing all correct components...or even if they did, a remorse of it not being what they wanted, or hoped.

With that said, there are as much (or more) content with the modifications. I have definitely experienced both sides throughout the years and multiple applications/vehicles.

The stock ride on the truck is pretty awesome but I (personally) just wanted the rake gone, more than anything.
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