Basic Shock/Strut Replacement Tutorial/Advice Sought

[UTEP]

Hi All,
I did a number of searches but a simple basic tutorial on installing shocks/struts eluded me.

My shocks/struts (I never know which is which) are certainly past their prime at best. Looks like OEM's on a 2000 T4R Ltd w/ 155k miles.

I don't do a lot of aggressive 4x4, I'm more of the "get from point A to B" and don't abuse the T4R or search out extreme conditions. Any lift results ok but not the reason.

My investigations have suggested Bilstein 5100's would be more than ample but this breaks the budget bank leaving no room to pay for the installation. I could go with KYB's and perhaps get them installed professionally. Or any other decent brand suggested…. I'd like to keep the price ~$300… is this reasonable?

I am concerned I do not have the tools or skills to do the job properly, but I have not found a good step-by-step to see exactly what I'm getting into. I have replaced shocks on Tacomas and old Chevys.

Any advice on this much appreciated.

UTEP

 

[Brilliant]

Expand your search to tacomas. They are set up the same and there are more DIY. Unless you buy the assembly you're going to have to work with coil compressors to swap out the dampers. In that case, you will want to know what you're doing. Its not very difficult, but you'll want to consider your safety when dealing with a compressed coil. If you've done the fronts on a tacoma, its the same job.

edit: i assume you're talking the fronts as the rears are straightforward.

 

[UTEP]

. If you've done the fronts on a tacoma, its the same job.

Thanks,

My 2000 SR5 Tacoma was super easy…the shocks unbolted and dropped right out. No spring compression needed. This was 2wd though…

If I chicken out any suggestions on various places to have it done? Here in El Paso I have not found a good shop but perhaps even Goodyear etc could pull this one off. I understand I'll need an alignment after fronts anyway. What's the wisdom of dropping the whole $300 on just the front and the rears a few months down the road?

Thanks,

U

 

[TheDurk]

Expand your search to tacomas. They are set up the same and there are more DIY. Unless you buy the assembly you're going to have to work with coil compressors to swap out the dampers. In that case, you will want to know what you're doing. Its not very difficult, but you'll want to consider your safety when dealing with a compressed coil. If you've done the fronts on a tacoma, its the same job.

I had a shop swap the front springs but I did the rest of the job. I tried those spring compressors and it scared the crap out of me. The FSM 1996 to 2002 Toyota 4Runner OEM Repair and Wiring Manualshas all you need. I have never seen a real write-up, but there are plenty of threads discussing the 'rear shock mount top nut'(use this as your search term--I'm sure you'll find them). That's a real beyotch, but fixes exist. Either cut it off or bust it off.

Swapping a front assembly is easy. A GearWrench is helpful for that third top nut in back which can be a pain to wrench on. I suggest you see if you can crack that nut. If you can, the rest is a breeze--if a shop swaps the springs.