[SoFloT4Run]

I'm going to be installing a Toytec 1/4 top plate spacer on my 6112's in order to gain additional height and i have some questions concerning the removal and re-installation of the coilover/strut.

From what i have read on this forum, i noticed that a lot of people here have utilized the method which requires the removal of the [2] 19mm bolts that attach the LCA to the spindle in order to remove the strut along with the removal of the swaybar links and the obvious removal of the three 14mm bolts on top of the strut and the 19mm bolt attaching the strut to the LCA. I tried doing it this way and i could not remove the two 19mm LCA bolts as they were stuck on there pretty good.

Another method that i have seen requires the removal of the UCA balljoint from the spindle but i didnt see where the removal of the [2] 19mm bolts attaching the LCA to the spindle was needed.

What do you guys recommend will be the easier way to go about this process?

Please keep in mind that i have a RWD 4runner and i dont have CV-Axles that would in the way.

Thanks

[salong53]

@SoFloT4Run I have personally done the strut removal both ways, removing the UCA spindle on my 4th gen, and removing the two LCA spindle bolts on my 5th gen (the 4th & 5th gen are almost identical). In my opinion, it is much easier to remove the two bolts attaching the LCA. You just need to get a solid cheater pipe or a quality breaker bar that is 24" or longer. Once the bolts break loose, they're really easy to remove.

The upper spindle requires you to beat the crap out of it with a dead blow hammer. It took me probably 200+ strikes on both sides to get it to break loose.

[MyanRagahis]

Originally Posted by salong53

@SoFloT4Run In my opinion, it is much easier to remove the two bolts attaching the LCA. You just need to get a solid cheater pipe or a quality breaker bar that is 24" or longer. Once the bolts break loose, they're really easy to remove.

The upper spindle requires you to beat the crap out of it with a dead blow hammer. It took me probably 200+ strikes on both sides to get it to break loose.

What he said. They're torqued on there at 118ft-lbs if I remember right. I really can't remember if I disconnected my spindle from the UCA when I added the spacer. I'm used to loosening my lower control arm bolts and the lower spindle bolts to let the LCA just hang whenever I have to work on mine. Just how I learned it and easier for me.

Just in case, for the sake of it, loosen the ABS wire at the top of the upper control arm if you're going to disconnect the spindle from the UCA, just so you don't accidentally tear it. Ask me how I know...

[boyguan]

Originally Posted by salong53

@SoFloT4Run I have personally done the strut removal both ways, removing the UCA spindle on my 4th gen, and removing the two LCA spindle bolts on my 5th gen (the 4th & 5th gen are almost identical). In my opinion, it is much easier to remove the two bolts attaching the LCA. You just need to get a solid cheater pipe or a quality breaker bar that is 24" or longer. Once the bolts break loose, they're really easy to remove.

The upper spindle requires you to beat the crap out of it with a dead blow hammer. It took me probably 200+ strikes on both sides to get it to break loose.

the trick is to apply some pressure while you hit it. i use a ball joint seperator, not the pickle fork, apply some tension and hit it a few times and it pops right off.

[SoFloT4Run]

i know that once i place the spacer on top of the strut it will technically be longer.... does this mean that it will be harder for me to align the strut again with LCA?

[samwhich]

Originally Posted by SoFloT4Run

I'm going to be installing a Toytec 1/4 top plate spacer on my 6112's in order to gain additional height and i have some questions concerning the removal and re-installation of the coilover/strut.

From what i have read on this forum, i noticed that a lot of people here have utilized the method which requires the removal of the [2] 19mm bolts that attach the LCA to the spindle in order to remove the strut along with the removal of the swaybar links and the obvious removal of the three 14mm bolts on top of the strut and the 19mm bolt attaching the strut to the LCA. I tried doing it this way and i could not remove the two 19mm LCA bolts as they were stuck on there pretty good.

Another method that i have seen requires the removal of the UCA balljoint from the spindle but i didnt see where the removal of the [2] 19mm bolts attaching the LCA to the spindle was needed.

What do you guys recommend will be the easier way to go about this process?

Please keep in mind that i have a RWD 4runner and i dont have CV-Axles that would in the way.

Thanks

Do this but then take off the 3 strut hat bolts: