Best tips from this forum...

[ShooterMcGavin]

This forum is a wealth of knowledge. There are so many tricks and tips that have saved us so much hassle and expense. What are some of the tips and tricks you have learned that have made a big price savings or just a time savings for you? Or ideas that have been simple and made a huge change for you?

*Edit: Just an idea... When removing the rear shocks, use a 14" plumbers wrench to grab and turn the shock body, rather than pliers. Works like a charm.

 

[Yoter]

I spent all day today wrestling with installing the lift on my new 4Runner.
In the front, Tundra 5100's with Tundra TRD springs on the 3rd notch (what a pita to get aligned) After having the bottle jack slip out and land on my ankle I came up with a really good trick to use the bottle jack safely:
--I took a C-Clamp and clamped it down really tightly, with the threads up and near the castle nut on the UCA and then positioned the bottle jack right behind the C Clamp and next to the castle nut. I felt really safe cranking the bottle jack as far as it would go using this method, it is much much safer! And super easy! This is the only way I will swap struts from now on!

 

[Yoter]

Just an idea... When removing the rear shocks, use a 14" plumbers wrench to grab and turn the shock body, rather than pliers. Works like a charm.

Any tricks for tightening the top nut on new rear shocks?
Its times like these I wish I had a body lift!

 

[thegipper]

Any tricks for tightening the top nut on new rear shocks?
Its times like these I wish I had a body lift!

I just used a pivoting head ratchet with a deep socket, it wasn't too bad once you feel around and get the socket in place. There still isn't nearly enough room and you can only turn the nut like 1/8 a turn.

 

[AntleredRuin]

Being a complete smarta$$...
When doing an oil change, the way to NOT get oil everywhere...is to remove the skidplate. It really isn't that hard...and adds less than 5 minutes to the total project.

Edit* I guess this might only apply to the factory skid plate, but still.

 

[AZBub]

1.) Wear clean underwear whenever possible.

2.) Put aluminum foil under your oil filter and kind of form it into a catch so when you take the filter off less oil spills on all your trucks kibbles and bits. When you remove the filter you can also leave the aluminum under the filter and wrap around it when you remove it. I do my oil filter change one handed, no mess.




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[LookAtThatDog]

2.) Put aluminum foil under your oil filter and kind of form it into a catch so when you take the filter off less oil spills on all your trucks kibbles and bits. When you remove the filter you can also leave the aluminum under the filter and wrap around it when you remove it. I do my oil filter change one handed, no mess.

I consider the spilled oil to be rust proofing

 

[absalom]

I spent all day today wrestling with installing the lift on my new 4Runner.
In the front, Tundra 5100's with Tundra TRD springs on the 3rd notch (what a pita to get aligned) After having the bottle jack slip out and land on my ankle I came up with a really good trick to use the bottle jack safely:
--I took a C-Clamp and clamped it down really tightly, with the threads up and near the castle nut on the UCA and then positioned the bottle jack right behind the C Clamp and next to the castle nut. I felt really safe cranking the bottle jack as far as it would go using this method, it is much much safer! And super easy! This is the only way I will swap struts from now on!

There's an even easier method (approx 9.42 times easier) that I suggest next time. It involves loosening your LCA cams, and using your floor jack as the spring compressor. Message me for the full write-up when the time comes!

 

[giovannie23]

There's an even easier method (approx 9.42 times easier) that I suggest next time. It involves loosening your LCA cams, and using your floor jack as the spring compressor. Message me for the full write-up when the time comes!

I would be interested in a write up as well
I had a bottle jack fling out at me too

 

[absalom]

I would be interested in a write up as well
I had a bottle jack fling out at me too

Copied from an earlier post of mine.


Absalom's Super Wacky Crazy Strut/Coil Removal Technique (patent pending)

1. Jack up front end
2. Safely support wth jack stands
3. Raise LCA 1" with floor jack
4. Remove 4 LBJ bolts
5. Remove center strut nut from top of strut
6. Remove all but 1 strut mounting nuts
7. Detach lower sway bar from LCA
8. Mark with whiteout, the LCA cam's positions
9. Loosen LCA cams
10. Lower floor jack that is supporting LCA
11. LCA falls to floor revealing a non-compressed spring
12. Remove final strut bolt from body
13. Remove lower strut mount bolt and remove assembly

Disclaimer: It goes without saying that I know nothing about cars and the systems contained within. By following the above advice, you hold me harmless in the event of injury or accident.

 

[SLO_Rob]

best advice

The best advice in this forum I have ever received is to search the bejesus out of whatever question you have before you post anything at all! :grouphug:

 

[DeKalbOffroad]

1.) Wear clean underwear whenever possible.

2.) Put aluminum foil under your oil filter and kind of form it into a catch so when you take the filter off less oil spills on all your trucks kibbles and bits. When you remove the filter you can also leave the aluminum under the filter and wrap around it when you remove it. I do my oil filter change one handed, no mess.




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I agree with the clean underwear :snacker: