A question for all of you that actually lifted your 4Runner yourself

S

Signal

New member
What tools were actually needed? I have OME springs and shocks so I guess the shocks will need to be build ( Whatever that is) and I have Dirt King UCA's I am debating just pulling it in the garage and doing it myself since finding help is so hard. Is there a tool list so I can amass everything needed tonight and tomorrow. Also how long did it take? I am thinking get it done over the weekend and get an alignment Monday or tuesday of anyone is open.

UPDATED 1/31/21-

As for tools there are a ton needed
12mm and 14 mm for the skid plate and the ABS line mounts
17 mm for the boot nuts,
21 for the LCA bolts and lower ball joint I think
19 for something.
8mm for the top of the shocks
6mm allen key for the sway bar removal
Sockets in those sizes but I used mostly wrenches
I did need spring compressor for the rear, the front did not need them.
a Breaker bar
A pry bar
10mm for something
A hammer to separate the UCA
A torque wrench

I am really tired, it took me 2 days to do but I tore the labrum in my right shoulder so I did it one handed and that made it rough lifting and getting everything in place but it's done. I will not do it again unless I have a garage to work in with a full lift. If I remember more I will update it.
 
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Wrenches and sockets up to 21 or 22 mm. A spring compressor, rented mine for free from Autozone. Jackstands. Breaker bars and torque wrenches.

Only specialty tool I recall was the spring compressor, and a ball joint separator.

I spent all day but I work slowly, as I enjoy it.
 
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delloro said:
Wrenches and sockets up to 21 or 22 mm. A spring compressor, rented mine for free from Autozone. Jackstands. Breaker bars and torque wrenches.

Only specialty tool I recall was the compressor.

I spent all day but I work slowly, as I enjoy it.
Click to expand...


I have the wrenches and I'm not sure about the sockets, but I do have the jackstands breaker bars and I think I have a torque wrench. I have a compressor in the garage with air tools.
 
Definitely make sure you have the sockets. I installed my lift multiple times (changed it up a few times) on my 05 and installed my front CO's on my 17. Overall like mentioned above, all basic wrenches and sockets, tire blocks, headlamp or other light source while youre under, I always have PB Blaster on hand for the difficult bolts, breaker bars (I just use the bar from the jack), impact wrench helps as you said you had air, Aleve for the back pain, beer for the finished product.

Be careful using the spring compressor. Those can be dangerous.
1560119345_fb_img_1543592257468_mmthumb.jpg
 
Spring compressor.

I recommend having your local suspension shop compress and remove the OEM springs, and reinstall the new ones on the shocks. Make sure they face any wording on the springs the way you desire. Sometimes they re-install springs facing the wrong way. They should charge $50-$90 max. Make sure they have the WALL MOUNTED spring compressor.


I have seen a few people, including myself, damage the paint on new springs with the rentable auto parts store spring compressors. Plus, these springs are high load compared to lets say a Subaru or Acura - so in general, a bit more dangerous than your average car or sedan spring install.
 
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If you have a good selection of Metric tools and a spring compressor I say go for it. I do stuff like this for a living and honestly I think a lot of the fear of spring compressors is overblown. Yes you can absolutely get hurt using one. Yes I have had a coil spring unload and shoot out and hit the garage wall in my house (many years ago and I was drinking pretty heavily that day... oops) but if you use the tool correctly it's fine. I have used numerous different types of spring compressors and I actually like the one I bought on amazon a few years back for like $60 the best. It's kind of like the old school suicide sticks but there is an arm attaching the two sides together. I used them on my 4Runner actually. For both OME and later Eibach springs.
 
Look on tube you for the vids that show how to do it without a spring compressor. Torque wrench would be the most "obscure" tool needed.
 
Signal said:
I have the wrenches and I'm not sure about the sockets, but I do have the jackstands breaker bars and I think I have a torque wrench. I have a compressor in the garage with air tools.
Click to expand...

Spring compressor.

But air tools are a plus.
 
We have no KDSS, I do have sockets and the wrenches will be here tomorrow when I bring them home from work. There are no shops local, that is why I am doing it myself, unless its a Chevy and it needs to be half lifted no one wants the job. Since its a 3 day weekend I should get it done my monday. Wrenches up to 22mm sockets up to 22mm are gtg, and I found my old torque wrench. I don't think new springs shocks and UCA's should be hard.
 
Anothe question, Should I upgrade my bushings since they are not assembled, if so what should I be looking at. I wouldnt mind getting them put together before I install them to make things easier.
 
Pulled my post from the Eibach thread.

The install is not that bad. Once I figured out the snap ring issue. It can be done about an hour per side.

*** Basic concept, do work at own risk and skill level. I am not a certified tech, nor did I stay at a Holiday inn express last night***

Get the truck up on stands
Pull tire
Loosen the ABS wire from UCA link (to gain extra slack)
Remove sway bar link
Loosen upper shock nut (center one)
Place Jack stand under wheel hub and Jack under lower ball joint
Remove the two bolts holding hub assembly to the lower control arm
Mark alignment sleeves and loosen the lower control arm bolts.
Lower jack/ lower control arm.
Once the spring is fully decompressed, remove lower shock bolt
Remove strut
Install new strut, torque lower strut mount
Lift the LCA back into position using the Jack to compress the spring
Torque the two lower ball joint bolts and LCA bolts (making sure alignment marks are in place)
Torque top shock nut
Install sway bar link and ABS line
Remove Jack and stand from under the hub/ lower ball joint
Mount wheel
Second side is the same.
Put rear up on stands and remove wheels (I kept the Jack under the diff)
Remove sway bar links
Remove upper shock nut
Place Jack under other side shock and lift until coil spring is free
Remove lower shock mount and spring
Install new spring
Install new shock, torque lower mount to spec
Lower jack ( hope spring staid in place)
Tighten top shock nut
Repeat on other side
Install sway bar links
Mount wheels.

Get truck alignment

I used 3 Jack stands and two jacks

Plenty of tube vids for reference
 
I recently installed my front coil overs this past weekend. The hardest part to me was finding the correct tool to compress the springs without damaging the threaded shock body. I have a link here with more details.


How do you swap Kings springs ?
How do you swap Kings springs ? - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum


Other tips what helped me out a lot

1. Ratcheting wrenches
2. Breaking bar - used jack bar
3. Big hammer - used for UCA knuckle
4. Remove sway bar bolts - both sides
 
daytonaviolet said:
I recently installed my front coil overs this past weekend. The hardest part to me was finding the correct tool to compress the springs without damaging the threaded shock body. I have a link here with more details.


How do you swap Kings springs ?
How do you swap Kings springs ? - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum


Other tips what helped me out a lot

1. Ratcheting wrenches
2. Breaking bar - used jack bar
3. Big hammer - used for UCA knuckle
4. Remove sway bar bolts - both sides
Click to expand...

Good catch. I have a ball joint separator.


OP, do NOT use a picklefork. Get the right tool for $20 at Harbor Freight, and be careful of the boot.
 
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