Cornfed 2/1

[simple]

Hey,

I finally got my kit. Tomorrow is the big day, I'm really nervous about installing it as it took me 2 hours to change my damn serpentine belt (by myself). I'm also really nervous about the end result. I'm kinda having a little bit of buyer's remorse, but figure might as well try it first before I put the kit up in the classifieds.

Anyway, this is going to be the basic before and after thread with pics of the install ( i hope) as well to maybe help guide those who come after me. Which brings me to my next point, cornfed installers and savy 4runner operators... keep a vigilant eye on this thread tomorrow as this will be my 'aw ****... I need some help' thread.

 

[Falls]

Doing it yourself ? Good luck with it.

 

[josh220]

Good luck, it's a pain in the ass. :bigok:

 

[simple]

problem #1: Anybody got any tips on how to remove lower shock mount nut? That ****er is freakiin TIGHT.

I'm using a gear ratchet on the bolt and my dad is using a closed end wrench on the nut.

 

[josh220]

Rubber mallet and a wrench. Give it a few good HARD solid pounds, should get it loose.

 

[keylay31]

Keep in mind, I used a 3 foot wrench on some things, and when that didn't work, I would put a pipe around the wrench to lengthen it and increase the torque. Plan on it.

 

[07T4R]

Good luck man...I'll be doing the same in about a month. Let us know how it goes!

 

[Falls]

I dont have much to contribute , but wondered how it's going , hope all it well.

 

[simple]

All is going well so far. I've made about 6 trips to autozone so far though. I just removed the 3 coilover bolts and am about to remove the coilover, but just googling some pictures before I actually do it just to make sure I get it.

 

[simple]

Alright I'm working on the back...and it seems impossible. i have the jack stands on the frame right in front of the wheels, and I have the jack lifting up the rear differential dead center. I've removed the lower shock nut on the shock...but the directions don't mention anything about removing the lower end of the shock. Also how high do I jack up the rear dif...it doesn't seem to be drooping all?

Edit- I decided to remove the shock from the bottom... and well, the last 4mm of the shock that refuses to be removed. Any tips on removing the lower shock mount?

 

[J.A.]

You have supported the frame, jacked the diff, and removed the lower shock nut. Now pry off the shock with a pry bar and then slowly let the jack down lowering the diff. Then pry out the spring, or if you are lucky it will fall out.

 

[josh220]

Yeah, the coil should almost fall out on it's own, you just need to get the bottom of the shock off or it will never sag. It takes a little bit of force to get them off, and some force to get them back on. After you lower it, a second hand to push down on the axle will make it a bit easier to get the coil out, and back in after you add the spacer on top of it.

 

[simple]

Finished. Thoughts, pics, and tips for future self installers to come tonight.

 

[Falls]

Congrats !!!! :bigok:

 

[keylay31]

Congrats !!!! :bigok:

ditto.

 

[josh220]

Where are the pictures?

 

[simple]

Alright, finally got a minute.

My lift took me approx 14hours to complete. Yes, I

 

[J.A.]

Looks much better. You didnt pop the ball joint? Wow, it was hard enough doing so.

 

[simple]

Looks much better. You didnt pop the ball joint? Wow, it was hard enough doing so.

Thanks!

Maneuvering the shock assembly was a bas**** and a half... but, No I never touched the ball joint... do you think that is going to be a safety issue?

 

[keylay31]

Thanks!

Maneuvering the shock assembly was a bas**** and a half... but, No I never touched the ball joint... do you think that is going to be a safety issue?

Congrats, sounds like you had the same issues and times as me!

I never touched the ball joint either. IMHO, this is a good thing. It just made it a ***** to pull the shock out of the the front.