Guy Quoted Me $1,052 Just For Labor To Install Bilstein 5100s on My Ram 2500, But This Seems Way Too Much

A Ram 2500 owner was quoted over $1,000 just for labor to install shocks and a leveling kit, are shops cashing in, or is this the new normal?

Earlier this evening, while strolling through the "Ram 2500 4x4 Group" on Facebook (as one does when you’re a truck guy), I came across a post that instantly made me pause. Jared Christopher had just bought a fresh set of Bilstein 5100 shocks for his Ram 2500, front and rear, plus a Thuren 2.75-inch leveling kit and a Synergy track bar. Excited to get the parts installed, he contacted a local shop.

That’s when things got interesting. "Looking for some insight from you guys who have had a shop install a Thuren. Recently bought new Bilstein 5100s for the front and rear, a Thuren 2.75, and a Synergy track bar. Guy quoted me $1,052 to install in just labor alone. Seems a little high, what do y’all think?", Jared Christopher

Let’s just say Jared’s post got some attention.

One group member, Ryan, jumped in with his experience: "I was around $750 for a Thuren 2.75 coil kit, track bar, Fox shocks install, and alignment, so it’s a little high."

To be fair, we all know that labor rates vary from shop to shop and region to region. But a thousand bucks just for labor, no alignment, no extras, makes you raise an eyebrow.

What’s Involved in the Install?

Let’s break it down. Installing Bilstein 5100s front and rear means unbolting the old shocks and putting the new ones in.

The fronts are tucked behind the coil springs, so they take a little more effort. The rear shocks? Those are pretty straightforward.

Now add in the Thuren 2.75-inch leveling kit. That usually includes new front coils, which require removing the old springs and swapping in the new ones. It’s more involved than just bolting on shocks, but still within reason for an experienced tech.

Then you’ve got the Synergy track bar. Replacing that involves unbolting the stock unit and adjusting the new one to re-center the axle, important after any lift or leveling.

All in all, this is a 4-to-6-hour job for most shops that know trucks. Even at a higher-end labor rate of $125 an hour, we’re looking at around $500 to $750.

So, is $1,052 too much?

Yeah, It’s Definitely on the High Side

Unless this shop is charging north of $170 per hour, or planning to take all day to do it, Jared’s quote seems steep.

Now, to be clear, shops aren’t out here just making up numbers. They’ve got overhead, insurance, skilled labor, and all the usual business costs.

But when you compare Jared’s quote with what others have paid for the same job, it’s hard not to question it.

In fact, this kind of pricing surprise is something Ram 2500 owners deal with more often than you might think. Take a look at this story we covered: "I Bought A Ram 2500 Laramie 4x4 To Tow A 32-Foot Toy Hauler. Now I’m Questioning Whether I Should’ve Gone Bigger". It shows how real-world experience can make you rethink the numbers.

The Importance of Picking the Right Shop

Even though it’s not the same topic, a comment from another group member, Brian, really hits the nail on the head: "We had our windshield replaced at a Rivian-authorized shop. It is an OEM windshield. We have been happy with the work and the finished product. It is crazy how bad the windshields crack!"

Brian’s experience reinforces something important: getting the job done right matters just as much as the price.

The last thing anyone wants is to drop over a grand and still end up with poor alignment or installation issues. That’s why it’s critical to find a shop that not only knows heavy-duty trucks but takes pride in the details.

You can check out another relatable story from our coverage: "I Upgraded The Steering On My Lifted 2021 Ram 2500 And Now It Drives Worse Than Ever. I Think I Found The Culprit". Sometimes, even with great parts, things can go sideways if the install isn’t up to snuff.

What Should Jared (and the Rest of Us) Do?

If you’re in Jared’s shoes, here’s what I’d recommend:

1. Get more quotes. Call around to a couple of other local off-road or 4x4 shops. Be specific about the parts and ask for a breakdown of labor hours and cost.

2. Ask the shop to explain the quote. A reputable shop won’t mind explaining where the hours go. It might include time for compressing coils, adjusting the track bar, or working around rusted bolts (you know how it is).

3. Consider DIY. If you’ve got the tools, space, and some mechanical knowledge, this isn’t an impossible driveway job. Plus, there’s something satisfying about wrenching on your own rig.

And if you’re weighing whether the whole setup is worth it long term, you’re not alone. Many owners are constantly reevaluating upgrades and ownership costs, like in "I Just Bought A Ram 2500 With The 6.4L HEMI. Now I'm Debating An Extended Warranty".

Big Picture: It’s Your Truck, Your Wallet

The beauty of the Ram 2500 is how customizable it is.

Whether you're towing a camper, commuting, or chasing trails, there's a setup for you. But as you build it your way, just be sure to do your homework.

Shops vary, and labor rates will too. But don’t be afraid to push back if something doesn’t feel right. You work hard for your money, and spending over $1,000 just to install parts you already bought? That deserves a second look.

We’ve seen this kind of story before. Remember "I Made A Mistake Leaving My Ram 2500 EcoBoost, And Now I'm Coming Back Strong With A 2500 HEMI"? Sometimes the best lessons come after a little bit of regret, or sticker shock.

And if you’re curious about what makes Ram’s off-road offerings really shine, don’t miss "2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel: What Makes It Special". It’s a perfect example of how Ram continues to deliver options for serious truck enthusiasts.

Ram’s future also looks exciting, especially with the brand heading back to the 2025 Super Bowl with a truck lineup that looks just right.

If this kind of pricing shock caught your attention, you might also be interested in how other Ram 2500 owners are navigating the upgrade game. From steering upgrades that don’t go as planned to suspension installs that change how a truck feels on the road, there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to modifying heavy-duty pickups.

For example, in one story we covered, a Ram owner upgraded the steering on their lifted 2021 Ram 2500, only to find that it drove worse than before. It turned out the problem wasn’t the parts, it was the installation.

You might also want to check out stories about long-term ownership costs and whether upgrades are worth the investment. One owner shared how they bought a Ram 2500 with the 6.4L HEMI and are now debating whether to add an extended warranty.

One thing that doesn’t get talked about enough after a leveling kit install, especially on heavy-duty trucks like the Ram 2500, is how easily things can go sideways if the shop cuts corners or skips a step. You might think it’s just some coils and shocks, but even a basic 2.75-inch front lift changes your truck’s geometry in subtle but important ways. If the alignment isn’t done properly afterward, or if the track bar isn’t adjusted to re-center the axle, you could end up with a truck that feels twitchy, pulls to one side, or chews through tires way too fast. And if the shop doesn’t torque everything down to spec? Have fun chasing down mystery clunks or uneven handling later.

Some owners even report getting what feels like “death wobble” after a simple leveling kit, especially if the track bar bushings or steering components were already a bit worn. That’s why it’s so important to get your truck re-aligned by a shop that understands lifted setups, not just any tire shop down the street. It’s not meant to scare anyone away from doing mods like this, but it’s a reminder that the quality of the install matters just as much as the quality of the parts. If Jared or anyone else is planning a similar setup, it’s smart to double-check all the small things most shops assume you won’t notice, because that’s usually where the problems start.

Let’s Talk!

Have you ever gotten a labor quote that just made your jaw drop? Did you go through with it, or did you find a better deal, or maybe even do it yourself?

And if you’ve installed Bilstein 5100s or a leveling kit on your Ram 2500, how did your experience compare? Share your story in the comments below.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.

Image source: Ram 2500 Press Room