Daystar installation question. I know, I know...

Prime

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I've read almost this entire forum and don't remember this issue being mentioned, which would of course be my luck.

I bought a 2.5/1.5 lift (KT09115BK) and took it to a shop to have them install it. They installed the fronts, but per the installation instructions that were in the box, they "disconnect(ed) the ABS and brake lines from the upper a-arm and spindle" and then once the spacer was installed, couldn't reconnect them. So the two lines both still begin and end where they should, but where they should be secured halfway up, the bracket that secures the lines no longer lines up with the holes for the 10mm bolts.

I crawled underneath and took a look, and things seem to be lined up better now that it's not on the lift, but if something wasn't done right, I don't want to bolt it together and then have those lines get stretched out the next time it goes up on a lift. Curiously, the installation instructions from Daystar's website do not say to "disconnect the ABS and brake lines", but the instructions that came with the lift kit do.

Daystar of course says that the shop did something wrong, which I have always assumed. I just don't know what it is.

Anyone have any ideas?
 
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No ideas, but I just bought the same lift, so I'm curious. When you say two lines, are you referring to left and right? It sort of sounds like you're saying there are two lines on each side. Where are you located and which shop did you go to?
 
I haven't been able to find the names of any of the parts I need to describe in the repair manual, so pardon the lack of proper terminology.

If you crawl under the vehicle and look at the back/inboard side of either front wheel, there are two lines going into the brake assembly. I assume these are the ABS and brake lines mentioned in the instructions. One is a soft rubber hose, with plenty of slack. The other is rubber expect for the the six inches or so on the end that attaches to the brake which is a metal tube. This is the line that was preventing the mounting bracket which holds the two lines from returning to it's original position. The metal tube is bent, and could be straightened to give it the extra length it needs. But risking crimping the tube sounds like something that I would have heard about before.

I'm in Arlington, VA. If any locals want to know the name of the shop, I'll IM it.
 
I'm in Arlington, VA. If any locals want to know the name of the shop, I'll IM it.

I am out in Leesburg, but had my work done at a shop in Chantilly. They installed my Daystar with no issues (I do not have XREAS). If you want their name, PM me. There's a good chance they can diagnose the problem as well.
 
It sounds like a bunch of BS. I put my lift on myself. NO issues getting any of the lines to go back to the tie down points. Just gently push or pull the line where you need it to line the hole back up. If you do it gently you will not kink the brake line. I have X-Reas and had no problems.
 
I agree with the rest of the statements above. I did the install myself and did not have this issue at all. I think the shop messed up...
 
So I crawled under it today and one brake tube is straighter than the other. The shop guys stretched them out. If those tubes crimp while bending them back, this will get interesting. Thanks for the help.

Those of you considering the Daystar, I imagine this could potentially happen with any spacer lift, and I'd suggest spending a little extra time finding a shop that knows suspension rather than running straight to the guy who does your oil.

Thanks again for the help, and I'll get some pictures up when I get this all sorted out.
 
something doesnt sound right. there isnt a need to remove the brake lines, and even if you did they should be able to hook back up with no issues. I put on my OME lift, didnt have to remove any lines, and even after the lift there is plenty of slack. they screwed something up IMO
 
I'm confused by this install. A lot of people here, along with the Daystar web site, say that this is something that can be installed in a driveway in an afternoon with regular tools. Then there's this guy: 2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Lift
He needed a spring compressor, ball joint remover, blahblahblah....
Can anybody shed some light on this for me? I'm very interested in gaining a little height for the trails, and love the idea of being able to do it inexpensively like this (and not paying for an install!).
Thanks.
 
I'm confused by this install. A lot of people here, along with the Daystar web site, say that this is something that can be installed in a driveway in an afternoon with regular tools. Then there's this guy: 2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Lift
He needed a spring compressor, ball joint remover, blahblahblah....
Can anybody shed some light on this for me? I'm very interested in gaining a little height for the trails, and love the idea of being able to do it inexpensively like this (and not paying for an install!).
Thanks.

just what chaz said, but i will also add you dont need a ball joint remover. you will just need to remove two bolts on the bottom of the lower control arm, which enables you to pull the front wheel assembly towards you to gain more room to slide the shock assembly out if need be. dont mess with the ball joints, its a waste of time. just be careful when you do pull on the front wheel assembly as you could potentially pull it too far out and screw up the CV joint.
 
I'm confused by this install. A lot of people here, along with the Daystar web site, say that this is something that can be installed in a driveway in an afternoon with regular tools. Then there's this guy: 2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Lift
He needed a spring compressor, ball joint remover, blahblahblah....
Can anybody shed some light on this for me? I'm very interested in gaining a little height for the trails, and love the idea of being able to do it inexpensively like this (and not paying for an install!).
Thanks.

Daystar has two kits. The new kit is a top-out only spacer. The older kit, like in the link has both a top-out and preload spacer. You'll need a spring compressor in order to remove the spring from the strut to install the preload spacer.
 
I'm confused by this install. A lot of people here, along with the Daystar web site, say that this is something that can be installed in a driveway in an afternoon with regular tools. Then there's this guy: 2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Lift
He needed a spring compressor, ball joint remover, blahblahblah....
Can anybody shed some light on this for me? I'm very interested in gaining a little height for the trails, and love the idea of being able to do it inexpensively like this (and not paying for an install!).
Thanks.

You WILL NOT need a spring compressor. At the bottom of that guys post, he describes the difference of the NEW DAYSTAR kit. Here's what he says:

Follow Up:
I have had this lift installed for over one year now. Nothing negative to report and I do like it very much. No sag, or spacer compression. The thing that you should note is that Daystar's Comfort Ride Suspension Lift Kit part #KT09115BK has been changed significantly and is now an "Easy Install" Kit. What that means is that there is no preload spacer and the topout spacer is larger to accomplish the same 2.5" lift. The ride quality will remain virtually unchanged from factory as there is no preloading of the coil spring. And the overall installation is therefore easier as you do not need to compress the coil and remove the top plate. Stud extensions are included rather than simply longer studs which again would require the compression and opening of the coil pack. I am sure this marketing strategy will attract more buyers, but if this was the way they made them when I made my decision to purchase I would have decided differently. I prefer having some preload, while minimal to reduce ride harshness, but still enough to reduce the topout size some and the potential for overextension of the suspension system. While the original (preload and topout style) DS #KT09115BK has been oficially discontinued by Daystar, DS 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, at least for now, says they are comitted to selling both the new and old stlye DS kits.
 

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