Lift install at shop....or do myself (in Appleton, WI)?

cjsmuscle · May 24, 2018

First, let me apologize for starting a thread about lifts, when there are a metric ton of them already.
Here it goes...I am piecing together a small lift and getting rid of the XREAS system on my 2004 4Runner Sport. (I have Bilstein 5100's, new upper (JBA) and lower control arms and the majority of the hardware. Just haven't decided on FJ Springs (have a rear spacer if I do), or perhaps going with some from Wheeler's).
Now, onto my quandary. Is this something I can attempt myself (I do have wrench turning knowledge) and complete, or am I better off finding a shop local to do the work?
I have asked for some estimates and they've come back pretty high. So, do I just get to wrenching myself and hope for the best, or continue to look?
Any recommendations, local owners, as to shops you trust, or have done work for you?
And, if you have attempted a similar lift, how long did it take? (tips/tricks?)
Thanks in advance, for any insight. Love this community!

blind squirrel · May 24, 2018

cjsmuscle said:
And, if you have attempted a similar lift, how long did it take? (tips/tricks?)

You should do it yourself if you are somewhat mechanically inclined. I put my lift on and countless other guys/gals on here have as well. It's pretty easy as long as the nuts and bolts are not completely rusted together.

Tips? A big pry bar is a must to get the rear springs in. A shorty wrench, I forgot the size, is needed to get the third nut off the top of the front strut.

Other than that, just take your time it's pretty easy. I think [MENTION=84680]wadle5[/MENTION] did a write up that I followed in his build thred.

cjsmuscle · May 24, 2018

blind squirrel said:
You should do it yourself if you are somewhat mechanically inclined. I put my lift on and countless other guys/gals on here have as well. It's pretty easy as long as the nuts and bolts are not completely rusted together.

Tips? A big pry bar is a must to get the rear springs in. A shorty wrench, I forgot the size, is needed to get the third nut off the top of the front strut.

Other than that, just take your time it's pretty easy. I think [MENTION=84680]wadle5[/MENTION] did a write up that I followed in his build thred.

Awesome! Appreciate the reply, especially the tips! I'll have to look for the write up as well!

blind squirrel · May 24, 2018

cjsmuscle said:
Awesome! Appreciate the reply, especially the tips! I'll have to look for the write up as well!

Also on the old suspension, you have the option to take it all off or leave most if it on. I just cut the rubber hoses and left all the old hydraulic hard lines on the undercarriage. Been meaning to get around to taking them off.... but 3 years later, still can't find the time...I'm not OCD about things like that.... With all four wheels in the air at the same time the pressure is low enough, I used a pair of tin snips to cut them and didn't get covered in oil. It shot out a little, but nothing major. If you get stumped, just take a pic and post it here. Plenty of people will help give you guidance.

You will need an alignment after the UCA change, that should take ~30 minuets to do both sides since you have to remove the airbox to get to the passenger side one.

wadle5 · May 24, 2018

blind squirrel said:
You should do it yourself if you are somewhat mechanically inclined. I put my lift on and countless other guys/gals on here have as well. It's pretty easy as long as the nuts and bolts are not completely rusted together.

Tips? A big pry bar is a must to get the rear springs in. A shorty wrench, I forgot the size, is needed to get the third nut off the top of the front strut.

Other than that, just take your time it's pretty easy. I think [MENTION=84680]wadle5[/MENTION] did a write up that I followed in his build thred.

Yeah definitely just do it yourself. Not difficult, but also rewarding to know you worked on it and just learn something new about your vehicle and if you ever have an issue with it you now have a general knowledge of the components and tear down. Been going 5 years now with mine and no issue.

cjsmuscle · May 24, 2018

Plus, it gives me a reason to buy a "summer toy" to drive while the Runner has some downtime, right? I mean, that makes sense to me...wonder if the lady will buy it :loco:

jrm · May 24, 2018

Id suggest

having someone assemble the struts for you. Makes for a easier remove and replace operation up front. There are some youtube videos about removing Xreas...

Rodtheviking · May 24, 2018

Do it yourself, get the Wheelers springs.

cjsmuscle · May 24, 2018

Rodtheviking said:
Do it yourself, get the Wheelers springs.

Really? I guess I don't know much about them, or what settings I would need on my Bil's to perfect the stance. I will try to search more on them later.
Again, appreciating all the insight, especially from those who have done similar lifts. You guys rock.

Rodtheviking · May 24, 2018

cjsmuscle said:
Really? I guess I don't know much about them, or what settings I would need on my Bil's to perfect the stance. I will try to search more on them later.
Again, appreciating all the insight, especially from those who have done similar lifts. You guys rock.

With lift springs its recommended to use the "0" setting on the Billies. I am just not fan of pre-loading springs for lift, if you have them apart just get the "lift" springs and save yourself the hassle of doing it in the future.

cjsmuscle · May 24, 2018

Rodtheviking said:
With lift springs its recommended to use the "0" setting on the Billies. I am just not fan of pre-loading springs for lift, if you have them apart just get the "lift" springs and save yourself the hassle of doing it in the future.

See, that's the kind of advice I'm looking for! I truly appreciate the insight!

RobD · May 24, 2018

cjsmuscle said:
First, let me apologize for starting a thread about lifts, when there are a metric ton of them already.
Here it goes...I am piecing together a small lift and getting rid of the XREAS system on my 2004 4Runner Sport. (I have Bilstein 5100's, new upper (JBA) and lower control arms and the majority of the hardware. Just haven't decided on FJ Springs (have a rear spacer if I do), or perhaps going with some from Wheeler's).
Now, onto my quandary. Is this something I can attempt myself (I do have wrench turning knowledge) and complete, or am I better off finding a shop local to do the work?
I have asked for some estimates and they've come back pretty high. So, do I just get to wrenching myself and hope for the best, or continue to look?
Any recommendations, local owners, as to shops you trust, or have done work for you?
And, if you have attempted a similar lift, how long did it take? (tips/tricks?)
Thanks in advance, for any insight. Love this community!

You can do it. Takes 3 times longer to do the first side than the second side, but you'll be fine.

Here's my shock swap: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/247138-my-2003-limited-bilstein-adventure.html

cjsmuscle · May 24, 2018

RobD said:
You can do it. Takes 3 times longer to do the first side than the second side, but you'll be fine.

Here's my shock swap: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/247138-my-2003-limited-bilstein-adventure.html

I cannot wait to look through that suspension swap! Thanks so much for the valuable resource! :hail: I'd love to document my own, just to give back and provide any help I can to anyone who goes through the work later on.

chris27 · May 24, 2018

I'm doing a full install tomorrow of front and rear shocks and coils, plus upper contral arms. Doing it all myself and I've watched a ton of youtube videos plus tutorials on here. I can pretty much do it by memory now, haha. I did do some PB blaster last night which will hopefully help with the stuck bolts.

cjsmuscle · May 24, 2018

chris27 said:
I'm doing a full install tomorrow of front and rear shocks and coils, plus upper contral arms. Doing it all myself and I've watched a ton of youtube videos plus tutorials on here. I can pretty much do it by memory now, haha. I did do some PB blaster last night which will hopefully help with the stuck bolts.

You go ahead and document that, then share your experience....heck, let me know how it goes in here anyways! Good luck, wish I had everything together for the long weekend!

RobD · May 25, 2018

cjsmuscle said:
I cannot wait to look through that suspension swap! Thanks so much for the valuable resource! :hail: I'd love to document my own, just to give back and provide any help I can to anyone who goes through the work later on.

Don't get too excited. There aren't a lot of step by step pictures or anything. But maybe a pointer or two, hopefully.

cjsmuscle · May 25, 2018

RobD said:
Don't get too excited. There aren't a lot of step by step pictures or anything. But maybe a pointer or two, hopefully.

Better than nothing! I need to start looking at videos/write-ups anyways.

cjsmuscle · May 25, 2018

chris27 said:
I'm doing a full install tomorrow of front and rear shocks and coils, plus upper contral arms. Doing it all myself and I've watched a ton of youtube videos plus tutorials on here. I can pretty much do it by memory now, haha. I did do some PB blaster last night which will hopefully help with the stuck bolts.

I need to find decent videos and tutorials as well, just to lock it in like you did. Like I said, chime in during/after!

Rodtheviking · May 25, 2018

cjsmuscle said:
I need to find decent videos and tutorials as well, just to lock it in like you did. Like I said, chime in during/after!

Check out Low Range Off Road on the Youtubes, they have a few good ones for reference.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-7ysiGblyc

cjsmuscle · May 25, 2018

Rodtheviking said:
Check out Low Range Off Road on the Youtubes, they have a few good ones for reference.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-7ysiGblyc

Fantastic! That's exactly the type of videos I'm looking for! Thanks you so much for the link!

Lift install at shop....or do myself (in Appleton, WI)?

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