3rd Gen help needed!

[JMWeaver]

Hey guys,

Just installed some OME rear springs and Bilstein shocks front and rear. I went with the 5100 ride height adjustable up front.

The problem I'm having is that even with the front end of the 4runner jacked up high enough to let the front suspension sag as much as possible, I still don't have room to install the strut assembly with the clip on the highest setting. I finally moved the clip to the middle setting(mine only had 3 settings instead of four) and I got it.

It looks ok, but I would like to see what it would look like with them set on the highest setting. Anyone have any idea how I can get the shocks compressed and installed while on the highest setting?

Thanks for your time guys.

 

[Taylor20]

Are you using a spring compressor?

 

[Diesel_Dog]

Did you try the flipped bottle jack trick to push down on the upper control arm (UCA). Also you can loosen the bolts holding the UCA (19mm) to help the sag. Bottle jack trick worked for me!

 

[JMWeaver]

I did use a spring compressor to install the coil spring onto the new shock, but there was no room to use the spring compressors, at least the set I had, while the shock was installed on the vehicle.

I haven't tried to bottle jack trick. what does the jack press against on the top side?

 

[RIDEALL]

Another good one thats worked for me
(on a clean low mile Tacoma not so lucky with current 4Runner) is just unbolt swaybar and remove upper ball joint nut, give her a whack and the whole assembly drops to lowest point. Then jack back up under LBJ and tighten nut back up.
Sound time consuming, but its actually pretty quick and saves fighting and cussing those struts;-)
But definitely try bottle jack trick first. That's the easiest if it's not to big of a lift.
Good luck;-)

 

[Diesel_Dog]

I haven't tried to bottle jack trick. what does the jack press against on the top side?

Just presses against the upper fender wall. It's metal and can take some abuse. Another idea you can try is to wedge a long pry bar in the UCA and have someone press down as you try to line up the bolt below.

 

[JMWeaver]

Funny you should mention the pry bar. I had to do this on the second side with a friends help since I was so worn out from the first side and installing the rear coils and shocks.

I wondered if separating the upper ball joint might help. I did have the sway bar disconnected.

Thanks for all the help. I've got a little bit more knowledge now, so I'll give it a try.

Thanks again!

 

[SCRunner12]

As mentioned use the stock bottle jack with the base on the fender well and the top of it pressed down on the UCA. I tuck mine behind the castle nut so it doesn't slip out and smack me in the face.