Total Chaos kit install

[Airborne21B]

I've been sitting on my gen 2 kit with all the trimmings for a while now. I went to have it installed and I was quoted 1k which I didn't think was that bad. I got a call back the next day from the owner of the shop, and he told me that he didn't know what he was getting himself into, and it will now be 4500 for the installation. I just don't have the money to pay that much after all I spent on all the parts for the front and rear. I'm wondering if anyone else has had to pay this much. I know most of you do your' own work, but I can't weld and don't have the time anyway. I've had the parts sitting in my garage for about 10 months now, and it's time to get them on. Any help/ideas would be sweet. Thanks.

[slotaco04]

4500 is absolutely absurd! get your truck back before he starts working on it. Average cost is anywhere between 600 to 1000 depending on who you take it to and if its 2/4wd

[sirhk100]

Are you doing bolt in coilovers or having to have a custom upper shock mount made? that'll be a huge difference in cost of install. The kit itself is easy to install.

[Airborne21B]

Originally Posted by slotaco04

4500 is absolutely absurd! get your truck back before he starts working on it. Average cost is anywhere between 600 to 1000 depending on who you take it to and if its 2/4wd

I picked it up the same day he told me the price change. I didn't know for sure if that was an accurate quote or not, but it just didn't sound right. I think part of it is that the shop probably hasn't done many LT conversions if any at all. Most of the "good ol' boys" around Bragg just throw on some skyjackers and call it good. The owner himself said he had to call Total Chaos just to figure it out.

Originally Posted by sirhk100

Are you doing bolt in coilovers or having to have a custom upper shock mount made? that'll be a huge difference in cost of install. The kit itself is easy to install.

To be totally honest dude I can't remember. I got shot in the head by an RPG in Afghanistan and ordered everything the day after I got out of the hospital. That whole month is a little foggy. I would be more than happy to throw up some pictures if that helps. I'm sure someone on here can refresh my memory.

[Airborne21B]

@ Sirhk100 Don't you have an 89 as well?

[Wainiha]

An RPG?! We'll, thanks for serving and taking one for the team And 4500 is way to much.

[Airborne21B]

Originally Posted by Wainiha

An RPG?! We'll, thanks for serving and taking one for the team And 4500 is way to much.

Haha, yeah an RPG. I guess I'm just hardcore like that! I appreciate the support. What sounds reasonable to you?

[Anthony250]

More reasonable is 600

[Wainiha]

Originally Posted by Airborne21B

Haha, yeah an RPG. I guess I'm just hardcore like that! I appreciate the support. What sounds reasonable to you?

Well, here prices are over-inflated.

At $80-100 an hour, for a mechanic, $1000 sounds reasonable to me. That would be 10hrs labor. $4500 would be 45hrs! That can't be right. Could you do it yourself?

The hours envolved would depend on experience with these conversions I suppose. I didn't think any welding was necessary. Unless you do spindle gussets and and shock tower/UCA bracing.

What year is your truck? Are you talking about a 2wd race kit(of which I know nothing)?

[slotaco04]

sorry to hear about the accident and thanks for your service we all deeply appreciate it! if you post up some pictures of your kit we could probably give you a more accurate estimate. is that the only shop in town that could do it if you dont want to do it yourself? maybe call around to other shops and tell them what you have and hopefully someone would have more experience with long travel suspension?

[Airborne21B]

Originally Posted by Wainiha

Well, here prices are over-inflated.

At $80-100 an hour, for a mechanic, $1000 sounds reasonable to me. That would be 10hrs labor. $4500 would be 45hrs! That can't be right. Could you do it yourself?

The hours envolved would depend on experience with these conversions I suppose. I didn't think any welding was necessary. Unless you do spindle gussets and and shock tower/UCA bracing.

What year is your truck? Are you talking about a 2wd race kit(of which I know nothing)?

The truck is an 89, and I do plan to keep the 4wd. Here is a link to Total Chaos Gen 2 caddy kit installation http://www.chaosfab.com/pdf/95602.pdf I would love to do it myself. I've always loved tinkering, and have done the maintenance on my truck since I got it at 16. There are a few factors that have made me decide to have this done professionally. #1 I don't know how to weld. #2 After all the years of dreaming about this project I know it would be done a lot faster if a shop did it. #3 By far the largest factor in the decision was quality of workmanship. Though I may be able to figure out the process enough to get it done; I would rather have it done right.

Originally Posted by slotaco04

sorry to hear about the accident and thanks for your service we all deeply appreciate it! if you post up some pictures of your kit we could probably give you a more accurate estimate. is that the only shop in town that could do it if you dont want to do it yourself? maybe call around to other shops and tell them what you have and hopefully someone would have more experience with long travel suspension?

Thanks for the support! There is another shop in town but has an extremely poor reputation. I might try to find a shop up in Raleigh. It's a bit of a drive but is a much larger city that has a lot more money, which to me means people have more money to spend on projects like mine, and that means larger, more experienced professional shops. I'm in the process of putting up pictures. I'm just trying to make them small enough to upload.

[Airborne21B]

Here is some of the stuff I'm working with

[slotaco04]

Are your leafs and shocks for the rear going into stock location? If so thats all bolt on as well as your front. Only thing you have to get welded on is just the tabs for your limit straps, so very minimal welding required. Installation costs for the front with 4wd and rear (if maintaining stock location) should be no more than 1000 period. You should be able to get it done for less but dont pay more than a grand. Good luck and enjoy it!

[Wainiha]

If you understand the instructions, could you help with layout and prep for a friend that welds?

I've seen better instructions, but those you posted could suffice.

Maybe someone from your area, who appreciates your sacrifice could "give back a little to one who served."

NC people, help this guy out!

[sjvicker]

I'd expect to pay anywhere between $1500 and $2000 to have a shop do the install but you can do it yourself quickly if you prep a few things first and are willing to buy/borrow some tools. Keep in mind that everyone saying it'll be less than $1k looks to be located in CA where shops have seen these kits and are familiar with their installs.

I'm just wrapping up my install and I recommend you do it yourself but prep these things first and have these tools ready before you start the project.

Tools: Sawzall, large socket set and breaker bar, shop press or bench vice (for bushings), 3/4" drill bit and drill with large enough chuck, Mig welder (check craigslist), scrap steel for welding practice.

Prep: if you don't have it yet, buy the TC upper shock mount kit and don't forget to buy the T100 axles and you'll need grease as well. Trim your inner fenders for the TC shock mount kit, weld up the coil shock mount and push your bushings for the lower a-arms before doing the main install. Buy new inner and outer tie rods (cheap on parts train) and have them ready for the steering install. On install day use a sawzall to remove your torsion bar rear mounts and make removal easier.

Dont worry too much about the welding. Watch a few you tube videos, practice some and you'll be good to go. There isn't much welding involved in the install.

[TEJASYOTA]

First THANK YOU SERVING!!!!
Second, do you need to install glass front fenders?
I thought you had to do it, due to the LT of the suspension.
Hope a few NC members step up to help on your install.

[y2kbaja]

Originally Posted by sjvicker

I'd expect to pay anywhere between $1500 and $2000 to have a shop do the install but you can do it yourself quickly if you prep a few things first and are willing to buy/borrow some tools. Keep in mind that everyone saying it'll be less than $1k looks to be located in CA where shops have seen these kits and are familiar with their installs.

I'm just wrapping up my install and I recommend you do it yourself but prep these things first and have these tools ready before you start the project.

Tools: Sawzall, large socket set and breaker bar, shop press or bench vice (for bushings), 3/4" drill bit and drill with large enough chuck, Mig welder (check craigslist), scrap steel for welding practice.

Prep: if you don't have it yet, buy the TC upper shock mount kit and don't forget to buy the T100 axles and you'll need grease as well. Trim your inner fenders for the TC shock mount kit, weld up the coil shock mount and push your bushings for the lower a-arms before doing the main install. Buy new inner and outer tie rods (cheap on parts train) and have them ready for the steering install. On install day use a sawzall to remove your torsion bar rear mounts and make removal easier.

Dont worry too much about the welding. Watch a few you tube videos, practice some and you'll be good to go. There isn't much welding involved in the install.

Great post and great advice. Once you have the kit installed welding will be a necessary part of prep.

[sirhk100]

Sorry for the delay... For some reason I was thinking this was going on a tacoma, not an older pickup like mine. Yes, mine is an '89 also. 2WD chassis.

The kit itself should be bolt on. The guy probably whent thru the roof with the price when he realized he had to do upper shock mounts which will need welded on. Did you kit come with shock hoops to weld in or will you need to have that fabbed up? If they came with the kit and just need welded in your price really shouldn't be that hard or like mentioned above, if you have the tools and access to a welder you could try it yourself.

Honestly though, you could probably bolt the entire kit in. I believe total chaos has provisions to run the tortion bars so you could install with that and run it straight to a fab shop with no shops. Just be careful driving it cause it'll be VERY bouncy without them. Then just have a fab shop install the upper shock mounts and do the fab/welding part for you.

Get a picture of the actual kit itself when you get a chance so we can see exactly what you're working with. Total chaos has a few different versions of their kits and depending which one you have will depend on what you can expect for install cost.


And thanks for your service! If you were here in the vegas area I'd do the install for you if you brought the pizza and beer! LOL Only catch is you'd have to hang out and help too...

[Land Pirates Off Road]

Thank you for the service. Our normal shop rate for a front and rear install would be $1,000.00

With a military or service discount that would be $600.00

We are the only authorized Total Chaos dealer in the State of Washington, and seeing as how anyone willing to serve and take bullets or an RPG... to ANY body part... $200.00 and let us take a photo of you and the truck. That quote for over $4k is silly...

To bad you are 3/4 of the country away...

Thank you for your dedication! Nice to see great responses on this post!!!

[Airborne21B]

Thanks for all the swift replies, let me try to reply to everything.

Originally Posted by slotaco04

Are your leafs and shocks for the rear going into stock location? If so thats all bolt on as well as your front. Only thing you have to get welded on is just the tabs for your limit straps, so very minimal welding required. Installation costs for the front with 4wd and rear (if maintaining stock location) should be no more than 1000 period. You should be able to get it done for less but dont pay more than a grand. Good luck and enjoy it!

I do know that the rear is going to need new shackles, I do remember that. Those leaves are beast. I called Deaver and they made them for me from scratch to make the best springs for my application. Honestly though...how much can they really get away with charging to weld on two new shackles that I already have?

Originally Posted by Wainiha

If you understand the instructions, could you help with layout and prep for a friend that welds?

I've seen better instructions, but those you posted could suffice.

Maybe someone from your area, who appreciates your sacrifice could "give back a little to one who served."

NC people, help this guy out!

A few of my boys were mechanics before they joined and we had plans to sit and work on it, however by the time I was done with recovery they had already gotten out or moved to another post. Like I said, I believe I could figure out the installation of the kit (minus the welding) if I were to never use it. This truck is going to be my LT/expo rig. I need it done to last, I'm not sure I'm the guy for that lol.

Originally Posted by sjvicker

I'd expect to pay anywhere between $1500 and $2000 to have a shop do the install but you can do it yourself quickly if you prep a few things first and are willing to buy/borrow some tools. Keep in mind that everyone saying it'll be less than $1k looks to be located in CA where shops have seen these kits and are familiar with their installs.

I'm just wrapping up my install and I recommend you do it yourself but prep these things first and have these tools ready before you start the project.

Tools: Sawzall, large socket set and breaker bar, shop press or bench vice (for bushings), 3/4" drill bit and drill with large enough chuck, Mig welder (check craigslist), scrap steel for welding practice.

Prep: if you don't have it yet, buy the TC upper shock mount kit and don't forget to buy the T100 axles and you'll need grease as well. Trim your inner fenders for the TC shock mount kit, weld up the coil shock mount and push your bushings for the lower a-arms before doing the main install. Buy new inner and outer tie rods (cheap on parts train) and have them ready for the steering install. On install day use a sawzall to remove your torsion bar rear mounts and make removal easier.

Dont worry too much about the welding. Watch a few you tube videos, practice some and you'll be good to go. There isn't much welding involved in the install.

What T100's am I looking for exactly? I called TC and they said any refurbished T100 axle will work. Do you know a part number by chance? I'm assuming they have to come from a T100 that is 4x4 as well.

Originally Posted by TEJASYOTA

First THANK YOU SERVING!!!!
Second, do you need to install glass front fenders?
I thought you had to do it, due to the LT of the suspension.
Hope a few NC members step up to help on your install.

I'm not too worried about the glass right now. My first tasking is to get the kit done with. If I've got to run around without any fenders or bedsides then so be it. Someday I would love to have a decent looking functional truck, however, if I'm stuck with an 89 Frankenstein for a bit then I'm cool with that. It's all part of the journey brother. Thanks for the support!

Originally Posted by sirhk100

Sorry for the delay... For some reason I was thinking this was going on a tacoma, not an older pickup like mine. Yes, mine is an '89 also. 2WD chassis.

The kit itself should be bolt on. The guy probably whent thru the roof with the price when he realized he had to do upper shock mounts which will need welded on. Did you kit come with shock hoops to weld in or will you need to have that fabbed up? If they came with the kit and just need welded in your price really shouldn't be that hard or like mentioned above, if you have the tools and access to a welder you could try it yourself.

Honestly though, you could probably bolt the entire kit in. I believe total chaos has provisions to run the tortion bars so you could install with that and run it straight to a fab shop with no shops. Just be careful driving it cause it'll be VERY bouncy without them. Then just have a fab shop install the upper shock mounts and do the fab/welding part for you.

Get a picture of the actual kit itself when you get a chance so we can see exactly what you're working with. Total chaos has a few different versions of their kits and depending which one you have will depend on what you can expect for install cost.


And thanks for your service! If you were here in the vegas area I'd do the install for you if you brought the pizza and beer! LOL Only catch is you'd have to hang out and help too...

Yeah, I have every single part they need. They don't have to fab a single thing. I've got to go to a Network + class in a minute (getting my smart on), once I get back I'll upload some pictures of all the crap I have.

If there were someone around I trusted with welding then I might go the route you suggested. The problem is if someone tries to french fry me on an alabaster alter I'm not coming back for more. I understand these guys are just trying to make money, but I wouldn't swing by that shop again to give George of the Jungle his vine back.

Originally Posted by Land Pirates Off Road

Thank you for the service. Our normal shop rate for a front and rear install would be $1,000.00

With a military or service discount that would be $600.00

We are the only authorized Total Chaos dealer in the State of Washington, and seeing as how anyone willing to serve and take bullets or an RPG... to ANY body part... $200.00 and let us take a photo of you and the truck. That quote for over $4k is silly...

To bad you are 3/4 of the country away...

Thank you for your dedication! Nice to see great responses on this post!!!

You know...I just might have to take you up on that. I know exactly where you're located. I was born in Sumner. I'm hoping to be out in August or September, and am coming back to the great PNW.

Shit for 600 bucks I'll even wear a costume to that photo shoot.

[Newman98XJ]

Did you ever get that kit installed?

[DirtEveryDay]

Originally Posted by Land Pirates Off Road

Thank you for the service. Our normal shop rate for a front and rear install would be $1,000.00

With a military or service discount that would be $600.00

We are the only authorized Total Chaos dealer in the State of Washington, and seeing as how anyone willing to serve and take bullets or an RPG... to ANY body part... $200.00 and let us take a photo of you and the truck. That quote for over $4k is silly...

To bad you are 3/4 of the country away...

Thank you for your dedication! Nice to see great responses on this post!!!

Hell, Im up in Bellingham and I would drive down and help on this install to shave off some shop hours for these guys... have bender, will travel!

[Wainiha]

What's the status? Did you get your LT on?

I hope you got hooked up and didn't pay $4500.

How's your head?