DIY or go through a mechanic?

Hello, 2nd post here. I have a 99' Toyota 4Runner, and the suspension is pretty bad, I was told from the prior owner that it was probably on the top of his list to be fixed (and I couldn't agree more lol). I do not have any experience with working on cars, let alone this being my first car. I have been pondering whether to do it through a mechanic or to do it myself, but confidence with doing it myself is lacking a bit. I'm curious what the "skill level" of doing it myself would be? Or if I should just go to a mechanic, get an estimate, and go from there? Let me know what you think I should do, my top choice at the moment is the estimate through the mechanic.
Thanks a ton!

 

A new suspension install is a fairly straightforward DIY on a new vehicle if you have a decent floor jack, 2-4 jack stands, breaker bar, some good combination wrenches and a torque wrench. Nothing too elaborate is required as far as tools are concerned. The main problem you'll likely run in to is due to the age of the vehicle = i.e. rust issues, siezed bolts, etc. Could be a major pita.

 

By suspension do you mean just a set of shocks? It’s easy, just be careful with the spring compressor it’s a lot faster to have an impact gun to compress them. And the top nut on the rear shock is a pretty tight space. But ya go for it I’ve done two vehicles and I’m no mechanic really....

 

Then get an alignment and have the rest checked out by an expert....

 

Look up Timmy the toolman on YouTube. If you want to learn how to work on your own car then this is one of the best and easiest platforms to learn on.

 

Not to hard to do. Lots of write up and videos.

Make sure to hit all the bolts with some pb blaster or simular for a few days prior just spray on all the nuts and bolts you fan see everyday for a few days. Makes it easier. Also might wanna have a breaker bar and some 6 points and map gas ready just in case. Makes life easier.

 

Where do you live? Lots of rust? Rust can make the whole job a pain. The back shocks are a major pain if you are new to diy. The upper bolt is hard to get to and it tends to be rusted...even in NC where there is little to no rust.

It sounds like you need to replace the ball joints if the prior owner neglected the front suspension that long. The ball joints need special tools to remove but those can be rented. Same with spring compressors.

Like was suggested, look up Timmy's videos on youtube and watch them.