Coilovers/Diff Drop install

Duhockey

Duhockey

Senior Member
So, looks like Im finally going to get my Toytec adjustable coilovers and diff drop installed this coming weekend, either Fri or Sat.

Trying to enlist the help of Sn0wrunner, already have a hosting arrangement with Ron Helmuth on Sat am.

I talked a bit with LINY4runner on the install and decided rather than get a coil compressor, I should just go buy some top plates from the Auto parts store and put the coilovers together first that way its just a simple swap in and out. rather than reusing the old top plates.

My first stop this am was at Napa, who usually are the more knowledgeable shop in my area. LINY inf me he got a pair of top plates for 30$... Napa quoted me 60$ for the pair. I reiterated that I just want the top plate, and he said, yeah, 60$ a pair and looked at me like I was dumb. Didnt turn the screen to me to verify what I needed, so I told him LINY got his for 30$ a pair and I was told the Toyota ones were prob around 100$ for the pair and hes trying to charge me 120$ for the pair?? no way,

Went over to Checker/O'Reilly and after pointing out what I needed, the guy there found them for 18$ each or 40$ for the pair after tax! They will be in on Tues and I will put the coilovers together then.


So, a few things,

1: any advice or instructions on the Diff drop? Have no clue but heard its simple
2: Anyone else in the Denver Area want to help/hang out/watch to learn??

again, I have all day friday at my buddies in Highlands Ranch, and Sat am up til noon at Ron's place... benefit of Rons place is a floor jack and Hi-lift, just worried about time limit, Im gonna try and take a few hrs off so I dont have to be into work til 2p-3p on Sat though... Just in case

Ron? what time can we show up on Sat?

any help/input would be appreciated!

Photos will precede and follow the installation!
 
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anytime is fine

yes you are planning ahead nicely.

Once your fronts are pre-built it should not be too difficult to drop the old setup and insert the new.

Have a write up or two pre-printed out with pics for a good visual.

Anytime Saturday is fine -I am up crack of dawn. Just like a work day but a heck of a lot more fun... doesn't pay as well....:fro:
 
Yeah man just pre-assemble everything on friday so saturday it's a simple swap! take loads of pics...and don't forget a tape measure to get before and after shots!
 
LINY4Runner said:
Yeah man just pre-assemble everything on friday so saturday it's a simple swap! take loads of pics...and don't forget a tape measure to get before and after shots!
Click to expand...

Yep!! did you see the thing about Napa?!? 120$??? that couldnt have been the right part, but he wouldn't show me the screen!

Have to pull off my Roof Rack too,

was actually gonna take some of the Pre-install shots today, but forgot my camera.

Im about to put together a cool "build" or "photo" thread like you, so everyone can follow my not as cool, nameless runner. (actually, I think I named her years ago, but forgot what I named her) but shes a new rig now, so I need a new name!
 
Duhockey said:
1: any advice or instructions on the Diff drop? Have no clue but heard its simple
Click to expand...
I just did mine, the link to the thread with pics and advice is in my signature. "SS diff drop"

Good luck to ya! the coil swap is really not that hard.

To save time, I used a recipricating saw (sawz-all) and just cut the shaft of the stock strut(shock). This way it all just fell apart and I didn't have to screw with the stuck nut at the top of the shocks. Quick, but you won't be selling your old shocks on craigslist... You have to use coil compressors for this of course.
 
CSL said:
I just did mine, the link to the thread with pics and advice is in my signature. "SS diff drop"

Good luck to ya! the coil swap is really not that hard.

To save time, I used a recipricating saw (sawz-all) and just cut the shaft of the stock strut(shock). This way it all just fell apart and I didn't have to screw with the stuck nut at the top of the shocks. Quick, but you won't be selling your old shocks on craigslist... You have to use coil compressors for this of course.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I plan on selling my shocks (Procomp es9000 only 7mo old for 2" lift application Pro Comp Suspension Systems 921513 - Pro Comp ES9000 Shocks - Overview - SummitRacing.com )
and the 2.5" Skyjacker coil spacers (sold to FoneRunner), so i will have to take the old stuff apart. That will be a Sunday thing, Sat will be the Coilover replacement and the diff drop...

the coil springs are crap, Ill toss them unless someone wants them.
 
i'll come by and give you a hand on saturday. i'm gonna need to do mine soon so it would be good to see how its done...plus i haven't met anyone from around here yet
 
thegreenmonster said:
i'll come by and give you a hand on saturday. i'm gonna need to do mine soon so it would be good to see how its done...plus i haven't met anyone from around here yet
Click to expand...

Awesome!! so looks like

Me, Sn0wrunner, Thegreenmonster, and of course Ron!!

Right on!!

looking forward to it.

We are gonna start bright and Early at 7am on Sat! you up for it??
 
thegreenmonster said:
sounds good. pm me where you live so i know where i'm going haha
Click to expand...

big thanks to Ron Helmuth who is hosting this event!!
he told me I could post this...

7761 Ladore St, Commerce City, CO 80022

Im gonna be there around 7am for those who wants to join us... Sn0wrunner said hed be there closer to 8, so if you are a little later no prob
 
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call if lost 303-722-0991

It's not the easiest place to find the first time so Google map it out.

you get lost call on the cell phone and we'll guide you in.
 
extra set of jack stands if you have em

Extra set of Jack stands if you have them available-I tied up mine under the MR2 this week.

otherwise we should be all set
 
Ron Helmuth said:
Extra set of Jack stands if you have them available-I tied up mine under the MR2 this week.

otherwise we should be all set
Click to expand...

I got a 1 ton floor jack and some mid size floor jacks in the back of my Runner...

then again, with the lift, not sure how high can get the 4runner off the ground, full size jackstands probably would be better...
 
Lift and diff drop

Hey, so how did it go? I'm just about to get into a Lift on my 01 4runner. I liked the idea of buying the top plates and putting the coilovers together before the build to save time.. I dont have a spring compresor either.

I'm about to order my lift, diff drop, and probably a 1 inch body lift very soon.
I'm trying to learn as much as i can before i try to tackle this.. I have Zero experience with lifts... I think im going with the OME heavy setup. I plan on installing a bumper and winch also.

Hope your build went well, cant wait to see your pics..
 
pleasure meeting you guys

We were at it from 7:15 or so until 2:15

We ended up having to cut off one top screw on each side. Thank goodness my ex was letting me borrow the reciprocating saw...

one run to get longer saw blades. Otherwise parts wise we were all set.

Things good to have on hand-

a solid length of pipe-came in handy for the spanner wrenches to adjust upward the shock bodies to increase the lift.

strut compressors-came in handy to shift around the top nut orientation to match the vehicle

a long narrow point pry bar would have come in handy-we struggled but got by with the jack handle.

Never got to the diff drop-those 2 massive nuts up front need air power.
 
Ron Helmuth said:
We were at it from 7:15 or so until 2:15

We ended up having to cut off one top screw on each side. Thank goodness my ex was letting me borrow the reciprocating saw...

one run to get longer saw blades. Otherwise parts wise we were all set.

Things good to have on hand-

a solid length of pipe-came in handy for the spanner wrenches to adjust upward the shock bodies to increase the lift.

strut compressors-came in handy to shift around the top nut orientation to match the vehicle

a long narrow point pry bar would have come in handy-we struggled but got by with the jack handle.

Never got to the diff drop-those 2 massive nuts up front need air power.
Click to expand...

I definitely think we can do it faster and better the next time... even the passenger side didnt take as long as that first side...

I say if you have completely prepped coilovers we could do it in 3 hrs this time.. if we had the same crew!! :D
 
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