2012 front shock question

[ron in sc]

When I apply brakes front seem to nosedive more than I'm used to from my other cars and SUV. I presume it's normal and necessary to have such a smooth ride.

Do any other find the front to soft and install different shocks?

 

[stanleybb50]

Just a pre warning that a lot of people will respond telling you to search - haha. Been discussed many many times.

Try the google thing in the top of the page. It searches this website only.

And welcome!


- Sent via Tapatalk for Android

 

[ron in sc]

Try the google thing in the top of the page.

thanks it works well.

 

[desertred]

Unfortunately, nose dive is a characteristic of the T4R from the factory (especially if you have the SR5). The most popular fix is replacing the stock shocks with the Bilstein 5100 series. I'm sure I'm headed that way eventually.

 

[ron in sc]

I'm sure I'm headed that way eventually.

Me too. The only problem I see is obtaining a safe spring compressor to remove and replace front coil. I have spring compressor for many, many MB chasiss but nothing for Toyota. I'll only use a well made heavy duty compressor.

 

[Antman]

Me too. The only problem I see is obtaining a safe spring compressor to remove and replace front coil. I have spring compressor for many, many MB chasiss but nothing for Toyota. I'll only use a well made heavy duty compressor.

You can do the swap without one. We did this writeup about a year ago, after I did mine, and Sp8ball's without a spring compressor. This link shows a top-spacer install, but same idea- springs came out...

Check it out

Toytec Spacer lift install

 

[Qjake]

^ Very ingenious technique, I like it :thumb3: ^

 

[ron in sc]

You can do the swap withour one.

Excellent write up. I applaud your effort.

I have in the past removed rear suspension member to replace hiem joints. Used jackstands and floor jack to unload coil spring that needed to be removed. It was time consuming and frankly concerned me as what would happen if something slipped.

So I now own a Klann spring compressor kit. WIth the kit it takes about 10 mins. to insert plates, rod and compress, and all with no danger.


I would like to buy a heavy duty compressor for this job, I'll be able to use it on other vehicles as well. So far I have not found the type I'm looking for made by a high quality manufactor. None of the special tools I have are for Toyotas.

I want a very heavy duty compressor that compresses from the outside. Baum tools used to make one. I had used it in the past to remove springs from 99 ML 320. I think it might work on the toyota shock with coil spring.

Edited: I did find a Canvik brand that is TUV approved on Baumtools website, no idea of cost, I'll have to call tomorrow.

 

[philsey]

Unfortunately, nose dive is a characteristic of the T4R from the factory (especially if you have the SR5). The most popular fix is replacing the stock shocks with the Bilstein 5100 series. I'm sure I'm headed that way eventually.

Having gone this route, here's my take. I'm no suspension expert, and only have a rudimentary understanding. The 5G SR5 is softly sprung, enough so that it annoyed me a lot after I owned it awhile.

I put on 5100s F & R, fronts set at .85 to level the factory rake. These shocks did firm up the ride, just the right amount imo. The front nose dive was reduced, but is not gone, and it still does annoy me some. I attribute this to springs, but I have not gone to the trouble to investigate a total fix, as I assume it to be more expense and trouble than the annoyance is worth (to me).

In summary, 5100s help, but don't fix.

 

[ron in sc]

In summary, 5100s help, but don't fix.

That's good to know. I had a bit of nosedive on my 1999 ML 320. I replaced front shocks and problem solved with handling greatly enhanced. Fortunately the fronts are just shocks so it was very easy. The rear were much more difficlult. Need to remove unit and then remove shock from strut.