'03 Front/Rear Shocks DIY?

[Rasputin]

I bought my T4R new in 03, 90k on it now with normal "soccer mom" driving. I noticed some, okay 3 of 4, shocks had what I think is some leakage on them. I have seen some posts for the type or brand to buy, KYB and Bilstine (sp), but can a normal Joe replace them? I do have access to a lift at my AF base hobby shop. Do I need any other parts besides the shocks to replace them?

Here are some prices I found from Autoparts Warehouse, is this good?

KYB Rear Shock Absorber and Strut Assembly GR-2 ***$57.95 ea
Manufacturer Number: 344410

KYB Front Shock Absorber and Strut Assembly GR-2 ***$102.95 ea
Manufacturer Number: 341340

BTW, it's a 03 Sport 2WD V6, I have no idea if it has the fancy X-whatever it is system. How do I find out? I did see a tube going into the bottom of the front shock, is that an indication?

Wow I seem like a noob to this. I think I can do this myself with some good guidance.

Suggestions?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Air Force hobby shop... I am assuming that means a good assortment of standard hand-tools plus the lift? You'll want some 1/2 drive stuff with a breaker bar for sure...


The rear shocks are DIY. Start 2-3 days before the job with a little squirt of PB Blaster or other penetrate oil. Same on the front...


The fronts are a bit different. They are DIY but require some knowledge/experience with spring compressors (they can be dangerous). The front shocks are a strut like design meaning the coil spring is bolted on to the shock and it's all one unit. If you have a buddy who has changed struts (on anything) to help out you can do it.


If you do have XREAS no big deal, just jack the whole vehicle so as to extend the suspension and unbolt the lines, they'll be unpressurized.

*Note*- When you do the fronts be very careful and avoid pulling on the ABS sense wire; it's very fragile. There's a support bracket for the wire. By undoing the one bolt on the wire support you'll give yourself enough slack to wiggle the strut around as necessary. It's no big deal just knowing that tidbit will keep you out of trouble.

This thread is about installing a lift but the procedure is the same. It has a neat trick to avoid needing a spring compressor too. OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

You can price compare here too: www.shockwarehouse.com Good luck!
:cheers:

 

[Rasputin]

After reading someother threads I found that the Sport Ed do have the X-whatever as std equip. So I guess that complicates this and does matter what shocks to buy. I bought it for the hood scoope,it came with leather, sunroof, rear spoiler and was much cheaper than the Ltd.

If anyone has the Part # for the replacement ones and a good place to buy them, please post. I also read that all should be replaced at the same time fron/back. Is this true?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

After reading someother threads I found that the Sport Ed do have the X-whatever as std equip. So I guess that complicates this and does matter what shocks to buy.

Not really. Just buy the KYB's or Bils and be done with it. The only time it's complex is if you want to spend gobs of money to retain XREAS. You'll simply unbolt the XREAS lines and leave them there or remove them. That's the good thing about doing a 4 shocks.

 

[Rasputin]

Not really. Just buy the KYB's or Bils and be done with it. The only time it's complex is if you want to spend gobs of money to retain XREAS. You'll simply unbolt the XREAS lines and leave them there or remove them. That's the good thing about doing a 4 shocks.

Do you have a part number for those? I found KYB Back #34410 and Rear #341340 but both say w/o XREAS. Is there ones FOR XREAS?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Do you have a part number for those? I found KYB Back #34410 and Rear #341340 but both say w/o XREAS. Is there ones FOR XREAS?

No, the "w/o XREAS" is the one you want as you'll be essentially disabling/removing the XREAS. The bottom and top attaching bolts, shock size etc are the same. The non-XREAS shocks are simply missing the one hydraulic line for the XREAS.

 

[Rasputin]

No, the "w/o XREAS" is the one you want as you'll be essentially disabling/removing the XREAS. The bottom and top attaching bolts, shock size etc are the same. The non-XREAS shocks are simply missing the one hydraulic line for the XREAS.

Is this normal to do that or is there replacement ones (non-OEM) to use XREAS?

 

[chaz]

replacing your existing xreas will cost you, thats one reason why some just ditch them in favor of the bilsteins,kyb,OME,etc. its cheaper & they seem happier with the ride.

 

[Rasputin]

Good to know...Break Check said they would replace them with KBYs.

 

[ben550]

I found this write up on another forum and was going to give it a try.

looks easy enough.


OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[Dominic]

I found this write up on another forum and was going to give it a try.

looks easy enough.


OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

When I changed out my fronts, I used this method, super easy to get the shock out without having the spring being under tension, if you follow the instructions.
Rear shocks were a pain in the butt, eventually used a pipe wrench to hold the rear shock from spinning ( I stripped the top bolt thing whatever that is meant to stop the shock from spinning).