FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Real bad dealership experience/Replacing shocks...

Hey all, gonna be my first post here, and probably not the best. So i'll keep it brief, but recently had the worst interaction with a dealership possible. (Putnam Toyota in Burlingame) I took my 08 mostly stock FJ in for 70k service thinking it'd be a harmless service appointment. But sure enough, I was told my C/V boots were all leaking, and my shocks were in pretty bad shape (The guy told me they were a 1 out of 5 on their "shock scale") . To my surprise after everything seemed fine to me. Even drove over 500 miles w/o a problem recently.

I have the Gold warranty, but found out only the CV boots were covered after a fiasco of dealing with the dealership, when they told me the shocks were covered when actually they aren't, and the Toyota warranty company. This service guy at the dealership quoted me at $1700 for all four shocks. Probably the worst customer service ever. I can go into detail if people really want to hear how bad this guy was and how awful he represented Toyota. Don't think i'd ever go back.

I went back to the dealership in PHX where I got it (jan of this year) and asked them why my shocks would be in such bad shape after only 5 months after purchase of a Toyota Certified car. I talked with a guy in finance (since he was helping with my warranty issue) he said that shouldn't happen and when I mentioned how much they were going to charge me, he explicitly told me not to get them repaired at the dealership as they should be no more than $700. So I didn't. Now I'm no shock expert so I'm not sure who to believe here. Hence why I'm seeking shock advice here...

Any recommendations what I should do with my shocks? (i'm in the San mateo area)

- Go with stock at a separate auto shop? If so, how much should I be charged/recommended shops?

- Take the opportunity to upgrade to aftermarket? If so how much should I spend?

Appreciate all the insight. Sorry if this was a little long.

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Permalink Reply by Frank_the_Tank on August 1, 2013 at 8:06pm

I think I may go OME's after some research and pointers from the AZFJ guys. If I go that route anyone willing to do an Install for some food and beers?

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Permalink Reply by 5AND5TORM on August 1, 2013 at 8:11pm

WOW, they were really going to give it to you.

If you are mechanically inclined the rears are easy to replace, rear shocks are about $45 each. Fronts are more work, but can still be done in a few hours. Struts are $100-$150.

What do you plan to use your FJ for? Will is see any tough trails or do you want a bit of lift for looks?

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Permalink Reply by Frank_the_Tank on August 1, 2013 at 8:15pm

Tell me about it. I was looking at OME's for about $900 which is in my budget. I don't think I need a lift and it's my daily driver with a few trails here and there. No crawling or anything too intense.

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Permalink Reply by Frank_the_Tank on August 1, 2013 at 8:34pm

Any thoughts on these too? Ironmans...

http://www.metaltech4x4.com/p-466-ironman-4x4-fj-cruiser-suspension...

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Permalink Reply by UlySi on August 1, 2013 at 8:30pm

I have a deal for you I have my or bilsteins and rear 5160 if you are interested. Both are like new maybe 7k miles they are from a 2012!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Frank_the_Tank on August 1, 2013 at 9:11pm

Would they fit an '08?

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Permalink Reply by LuvDirt • (Keith) on August 1, 2013 at 9:53pm

I have a complete set front & rear from a 2013 springs, shocks, coil overs. Less than 1000 miles. Send PM if your interested.

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Permalink Reply by Bz on August 2, 2013 at 6:18pm

you get the shocks and I'll put 'em on for ya

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Permalink Reply by Frank_the_Tank on August 4, 2013 at 2:55pm

Sounds good! I should decide on what to get here soon. I'll send you a message.

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Permalink Reply by RJAMSOIL on August 3, 2013 at 9:03am

If you are going to wheel and had planned on a lift etc go for the gusto get aftermarket... Depending what you want to pay there are some good shocks out there fox and king name a few... Get them and call BZ like he said he can get them on for you and you will learn how it is done!

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Permalink Reply by Frank_the_Tank on August 4, 2013 at 3:01pm

I wouldn't mind a 2" lift, but wouldnt want to spend too much. Those Ironman shocks have a 2" and are reasonably priced. Anyone have any experience with them or know of others that are better but priced around that? (500-600)