Replacing shock absorbers ???'s

[Angus]

The suspension on my truck is softer/mushier then I like and recently Les Scwab told me all 4 were leaking, they quoted me almost $300 to replace them, $40/shock + labor.
My questions are, is this a job a backyard mechanic (me) can tackle and are any special tools needed? also, is $40 going to get me much of a shock or should I dig deeper?
I don't have alot of mechanical ability but have replaced clutches, alternators, starters, brake jobs etc. so I'm not totally clueless, though some may disagree.
These will be going on a Dodge Dakota, not hauling any major loads.

[jeepasaurusrex]

Changing shocks on a vehicle takes nothing more than a couple wrenches and some of your time. I would never pay Les Slobs to install anything. Shocks are simple. $40 a shock is low end, but you can pay a little more and get a better shock. Chances are the price they quoted you is for some Monroe shocks. I would look at some Rancho, Bilstine, KYB shocks.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

I would you tube it! As for schocks 40$ may be ok for a mid size truck? Good luck!

[huntnphool]

 I had them change my shocks a few years ago, bought lifetime warranty shocks at that time. Since then I've had them replaced a couple times, free of charge. Its not because the product was bad but because I'm off road a lot and hard on them. I'd spring for the lifetime shocks and never worry about it again.

[Angus]

Thanks for the info guys, thats what I was hoping to hear. It didn't look like it would be to difficult but thats what I thought the 1st time I took a level wind reel apart, still have that box of parts around here somewhere.

[jackelope]

What kind of vehicle?

[jackelope]

Schwabs really likes to sell shocks. I'd get a 2nd opinion.  Just my .02

[Angus]

What kind of vehicle?

Dodge Dakota

I knew the shocks were toast before I took it to LS.

[MikeWalking]

Put KYB Monomax on the Grand Cherokee.  $205 to my door bought on line. Love'em

Aside from taking out the rear lower bolts, untouched in 7 years (used Jeep) gruntgruntgrunt and buying a deeper socket for the top fronts no problems.

[Mudman]

Im not a fan of rancho.  Very easy to do unless you have struts.  I like my reflex monroes.  Took about hour n half to do on f350 and change oil.  40 seems low for a decent shock.  Google reviews on shocks for dakotas, it helps form opinion.   Dont forget to jack it too, makes it easier.

[thinkingman]

I replaced my shocks with Bilstein 5100's.
Excellent shocks, but over $300 for all four.

Shock replacement is not that easy.
I had the two rear shocks spin the shafts while trying to undo the top nut.
The flats disappear when the nut gets to the top of the threads and you have nothing to grip.
40 min with a Sawzall did nothing.
60 seconds with a cutting wheel on the nut did the trick.
The fronts are struts and require removal from the car and placement in a spring compressor to remove.
Not a 40 min job for the average joe.

[Mudman]

Jeez, what you working on?  Struts are more dificult.  Sorry for your rough time, I hate it when that happens.

[thinkingman]

Jeez, what you working on?  Struts are more dificult.  Sorry for your rough time, I hate it when that happens.

2006 Toy Tacoma