Strut assembly for DIY installs
Installing your own lift or leveling kit? Bring us the struts, springs and top hats, and we will compress the springs and assemble them correctly on a proper strut compressor. Most pairs are ready in about 30 minutes, from $45 per strut.
The one step not worth doing in the driveway
Most of a strut-style lift or leveling kit is a reasonable weekend job: pull the wheel, unbolt the old strut, bolt in the new one. The dangerous part is in the middle, when the coil spring has to be compressed to move it from the old strut to the new one, or to install a spacer or a new top hat.
A compressed truck spring stores a huge amount of energy. The clamp-style compressors you can rent or buy at a parts store grab a few coils with two small hooks, and if a hook slips or a thread strips, the spring lets go all at once. That is how people get badly hurt. We do this on a shop strut compressor built for the job, so you get the struts back assembled and never have to touch a loaded spring.
Bring the parts, pick up assembled struts
Remove the struts
Take the strut assemblies off the vehicle yourself. Leave them assembled as they came out; we will take them apart safely.
Bring everything in
Bring the old struts along with the new parts: new struts or springs, spacers, top hats and any hardware from your kit, plus the kit’s instructions if you have them.
We assemble them
We compress the springs, swap the parts over, and assemble each strut with the spring seated correctly, the top hat clocked the right way and the top nut torqued to spec.
Bolt them in
You pick up complete, ready-to-install struts, marked left and right. Put them in, torque everything to the kit’s specs, and get an alignment after any height change.
Common strut jobs
Anything with a coil spring over a strut: most half-ton and midsize trucks and many SUVs, like the Tacoma, 4Runner, Tundra, Ram 1500, F-150 and Silverado and Sierra 1500.
Leveling spacers
Spacers that sit on top of the strut or between the spring and the top hat. See our leveling kits page.
New struts and springs
Moving factory springs onto new lift struts, or building up new struts with aftermarket springs from a lift kit.
Coilover springs
Swapping springs on adjustable coilovers for a different rate, like a heavier spring for a steel bumper and winch. Coilovers are quoted.
Worn strut replacement
Moving good springs and top hats onto new replacement struts when the old ones are worn out.
Two prices, about 30 minutes
Most jobs are done in about 30 minutes, so you can wait or run a quick errand. Call or text 970-509-5118 before you come so we have time set aside. The price we publish is the price you pay.
Strut Assembly
$45per strut · $85 a pairYou bring a new strut, spring and top hat as separate parts. We compress the spring and build the strut.
- Spring compressed on a shop strut compressor
- Spring seated and top hat clocked correctly
- Top nut torqued to spec, marked left and right
Strut Swap
$60per strut · $110 a pairYou bring the original strut assemblies and the new struts. We tear down the originals and rebuild your spring and top hat on the new struts.
- Original assembly safely taken apart
- Spring and top hat moved to the new strut
- Top nut torqued to spec, marked left and right
Seized or badly rusted hardware can take extra time; we will call before going past the posted price. Coilovers with adjustable spring perches are quoted. Rather not install them yourself? We can do the whole job, including the alignment, in one drop-off. See leveling kits and lift kits.
Strut assembly FAQ
How much does strut assembly cost?
$45 per strut, or $85 a pair, when all of the parts are new and loose. $60 per strut, or $110 a pair, when we take apart your original assemblies and rebuild them on new struts. Coilovers are quoted.
How long does it take?
About 30 minutes for most pairs. Call or text ahead so we have time set aside, and you can wait or run a quick errand.
Why not just rent a spring compressor?
The clamp-style compressors from parts stores grip only a few coils with small hooks, and truck springs carry a lot of load. If one slips, the spring can release violently. A shop strut compressor holds the whole spring securely, which is why we do it that way.
Do I need to bring the whole strut assembly?
Yes. Bring the complete assemblies off the vehicle, along with all of the new parts and hardware from your kit. We will take the old ones apart and build the new ones.
Can you install the struts too?
Yes. If you would rather not do the install, we can handle the whole job, including the alignment, in one drop-off.
Will I need an alignment?
Yes. Any change in ride height changes the alignment, so plan on an alignment after the struts go in.
Do you warranty the parts?
We stand behind our assembly work. The parts themselves are covered by whoever sold them to you, since you supplied them. More on customer-supplied parts.
What customers say
5.0 from 46 Google reviews
Zach did an excellent job replacing my Jeeps ball joints. Very satisfied with the joints he suggested and the work that was done.
Zach did some suspension work on my truck and it came out great, he was quick and the price was fair. Will definitely be back for more work in the future.
I had a great experience at Off Camber 4x4 as Zach is a true professional and pleasure to work with. He went above and beyond getting all hardware snugged up even though it wasn’t in the estimate - with being a late request made when I dropped off the truck. Additionally, Off Camber’s shop not only provided the most reasonable price out of the four estimates I received, they were the ONLY shop that recommended a follow up inspection for the type of service I had done. They installed a leveling kit, control arms, rear shocks, dual exhaust system, and a trailer receiver along with including the complementary inspection at 500 miles to make sure everything was still tight.
I had some Rubicon takeoff springs installed on my Wrangler JL Sport 2 door. It was awesome to watch Zach work. He took time to torque everything properly and still completed the job in a very timely fashion. It was a great experience!
Zach did a great job on the lift install for my sequoia. Highly recommend!
I recently had a set of Fox 2.0 shocks installed on my daughter's Jeep at Off-Camber 4x4 Garage and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From start to finish, the Zach and Team was knowledgeable, professional, and efficient. They took the time to explain the different shock options, ensuring we chose the best setup for her needs. The installation was done quickly and with great attention to detail. The Jeep now handles better than ever—smoother on the road and more capable off it.
Zach went above and beyond for me. I Had him install readyair bags on my F350 and even though he ran into an issue that wasn’t his fault that made the install take longer, he honored his original estimate and gave me a military discount on top of that. Stand up guys here. Professional and easy to work with! Highly recommend
Zack made a great recommendation on the Old Man Emu overland suspension for my 2021 Ford Ranger. Also on the installation. Truck rides and handles great.
Skip the spring compressor
Strut and coilover assembly for DIY installs in Windsor, CO, for home mechanics across Northern Colorado.