Daystar Easy Install 2.5/1/5 lift?

[wtn11]

I'm thinking about getting this lift because it seems to be the most economical and I like the results. I've seen write-ups for older lifts that seem a lot more technically involved, but I've read people say that the newer Easy Install lift is, as the name says, easier.

I've never done much mechanical work myself. I'd like to, and really the only way to learn how is to do it, but I'm wondering if doing this lift myself is too much for a novice. Anyone who has done this, how would you rate the difficulty?

Also, how long would you think it would take me to do by myself with my own wits?

If you think it's within the realm of my abilities, were there any tools outside of the normal socket wrench you'd expect to find in a garage that are necessary or recommended?

This all may be in a write-up already, but I've been looking through several forums and I haven't found exactly the answers I need yet.

Thanks!

 

[Co.Ag.2005]

here's a good writeup:
2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Lift

Note this:

Follow Up: I have had this lift installed for 5 years now. Nothing negative to report and I do still like it very much. No noticeable sag, or spacer compression. The thing to note is that Daystar's Comfort Ride Suspension Lift Kit part #KT09115BK has been changed significantly and is now marketed as what they call an "Easy Install" kit. They have eliminated the preload spacer and the topout spacer was made larger to accomplish the same front end lift. The ride quality should remain virtually unchanged from factory as there is no preloading of the coil spring. Overall installation is easier as you do not need to compress the coil spring and remove the top plate as stud extensions are included thet fit over the factory bolts rather than using longer studs which would require the compression and opening of the coil pack. I am sure this marketing strategy will attract more buyers as it is a simpler install, but if this was the way they made them when I made my decision to purchase I would have decided differently. Like I mentioned above I prefer having some preload, while minimal to reduce ride harshness, but still enough to reduce the topout size and the potential for overextension of the suspension system. While the original (preload and topout style) DS #KT09115BK has been officially discontinued by Daystar, they will specially make the discontinued old style kit for retailers on a one off basis that place a special order for them in bulk. Wheeler's Offroad in Oregon, says they are comitted to selling both the new and old stlye DS kits.

Also, another great thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

 

[wtn11]

There's a ton of fun information on that page. Thanks for the link.

 

[810moto]

It's pretty straight forward with even the basic tools.
The biggest PITA is the back bolt on top of the strut because u have
Limited access to it.

Other than that, a good ole bud to push the LCA down would be about the only spot u need an extra person in.

 

[Dougtoms01]

The front LCA is not a problem. I used the method of loosening the LCA bolts at the frame and just drop it out of the way.
My biggest problem came getting the Pan Hard Bar back into place.
I couldn't get the springs in without disconnecting one end.

You can do it yourself, but the Wifey will come in handy working a bottle jack at times, again on the rear I had to jack the spindle down to get spring in. It was real close on the brake lines being tight, so an extra hand here really helps so you don't damage brake lines.

If you go to my profile and look at my posts, you'll find a complete write up for Newbies.

It took me about 12 hours to do the whole lift.

Some wizzards on here seem to be able to do it in 3-4 hrs, but they are much more talented than me.

If you get stuck, jump on here and someone will get you through it asap.

My lift was an economical approach. I did a 1.5" rear spacers and a 1" (2") lift in the front. Totla cost $79. It does have the old style where you have to push out old studs and press in new, but all you need is a vise. No biggy.

Borrow a spring compressor from Autozone, just try to get the one with the safety pins. Note that you'll have to cheat the pins on the driver side backwards because the spring is thicker than passenger side.

Best regards,
Doug

 

[superman3043]

I did the "easy" kit and it's very straight forward. The directions that come in the kit are very sufficient. Between my dad and I we knocked it out our first time in under 4 hours. If we had to do it again, we could probably do it in about 2 and half. Granted we're both fairly mechanically inclined and dad's shop is pretty well equipped. I'd rate the install easy to moderate. I would not recommend doing it without an extra set of hands. I wouldn't really ever recommend working under the vehicle alone.

You should be fine, just get in there and do. Like you said, it's the only way to learn. Aside from wrenches, sockets and a floor jack, there isn't really any special tools that you need. You're bottle jack from inside the truck will come in handy like somebody mentioned. I wedged mine between the rear axle and bump stop to get the coils in and out. A spring compressor is not necessary with this kit, nor is a vise or press, because it should come with stud extensions. I did not disconnect my LCA's, just pushed them down. I also did not disconnect my panhard or end links. I'm pretty sure I unbolted my front sway bar though. Biggest thing is be caution with the ABS sensor and brake lines. The first thing I did was disconnect the front ABS sensors and get them safely out of the way.

Just go for it and have fun. Good luck!

 

[wtn11]

I'm going to give it a try here soon. The more I read about the Easy kit, the more I'm convinced that it actually is pretty easy. I really want to level the truck out and give it a little height. It's been noted before that this generation is pretty low, and it honestly is. My favorite body style by far though and with a little lift, things will be perfect.