I have a 4th generation 4runner that is my semi off-road vehicle...use to transport my mountain bike to bike trails in the mountain (BIG BEAR,CA and Mount Charleston, NV)...and my daily commuter vehicle from Los Angeles, CA to Las Vegas, NV.
Due to the age of the vehicle....the suspension system was sagging and the Strut/shock assembly is no longer working at properly..Leaking and corroded struts..
Decided to upgrade my suspension system with a lift of no more than 1.5". After researching ...I settle on Bilstein 5100+OME 2883/2895E. This should give me a lift of .75-1.00" in the front...and 1.5" in the rear.
Purchase my parts from 4wheelparts in town. 4Wheelparts wanted 600.00. and the reviews were not stellar.
The three options that remains:
1. Have the work completed in Los Angeles/Orange County, CA... As I am out there for work 2 weekend a month..
2. Nefarious Kustom
3. Rogue-Off Road.
Option 1: not viable. Didnt want to haul around all that gear in the Vehicle.
So that narrows it down to Nefarious or Rogue.
Coin toss. Either one would do. Price at the same rate 475-500. Range.
I decided on Nefarious Kustom. Their Facebook/Google reviews are awesome. Rogue-Off Road as well.
Nefarious was able to get me in sooner...I so I decided on Nefarious.
Joe, one of the owner, was very knowledgeable and personable.
Dropped my vehicle off. Took a Lyft to work.
Vehicle was done at 3:30pm. Lyft to picked up the vehicle.
Upon inspection, I noticed the Engine splash shield were cut and partially removed. Wasnt sure if this was standard practice. Post my concerns on message board (love message boards)...and other members mention it was NOT standard practice. The other thing I notice was the driver side spring end tip did not meet the end of the spring seat. Off by an .75". Yes, my OCD..kicks in. Because of the designed of the spring and coil rate...I want the spring to have max contact with the spring seat.
Now I am concerned.
Contact Joe. Joe explained everything. Spring may have shifted after installation. The splashed shield were not removed or cut.. They simply fail apart from the age. Think dry-rot. Joe showed me a piece of the splash shield. He is absolutely correct. Very little play. So when the TECH went to remove the splash shield, they simply crumble.
Joe wiling to replace them at no cost to me. OUTSTANDING.
Brought my vehicle back. The technician either compressed the spring while on the vehicle..or simply removed it, compressed it off the vehicle...and turned the spring rest seat counterclockwised .75". and reinstalled it. It was done in 30 minutes.
Overall, they did an outstanding job.... I would give the installation job 10/10.
Would I return? Absolutely. Joe will make sure the client is satisfied with the installation job and addressed all concerns.
Would I recommend this place? Absolutely.
In closing... I would recommend Nefarious Kustom or Rogue Off-Road for any upgrade suspension needs.
For generic replacement (MONROE), your typical independent mechanic can handle the job. read more