DIY for installing a lift aka shocks/coils???

[Rapter]

So I've tried using the obvious search phrases but haven't come up with anything good. To be honest, I haven't come up with anything for a 3rd gen. Just got my coils and shocks and was looking for a DIY on how to install them. Found one for a 4th gen, but not sure if it works the same for a 3rd gen.

I've installed plenty of coilovers and spring and strut combo on my previous cars, but never on truck/SUV. For the people who have done the installs themselves, what DIY have you used?

 

[JohnsD90]

Really no different, Struts in the front are 3 bolts on the top one on the bottom, rear shocks are one on the top and one on the bottom, i haven't done rear coils yet.

 

[steezemcqueen]

for the rears, disconnect the sway bar. remove the shocks. jack up one side of the axle which will pivot the other side down enough for you to pull out the spring. then do the same for the other side

 

[Elton H]

rear is super easy front is not bad http://www.4rnr.net/suspension.html

 

[Rapter]

for the rears, disconnect the sway bar. remove the shocks. jack up one side of the axle which will pivot the other side down enough for you to pull out the spring. then do the same for the other side

So I know a spring flying out at you can really mess up your day so let me double check the steps.

1. Jack up the rear end.
2. Uninstall old shocks and sway bar
3. Jack up opposite end of axel and the pull the spring out of the other side.
:::: Here is where I would clarification. Should you have a spring compressor mounted on the spring so it doesn't come flying out????? ::::

4. Mount new spring
5. Install new shock and then hook the sway bar back on.

Does anyone know the torque setting for these bolts???

 

[techno]

For the rear, other than removing the rear shock top nut, you'll be surprised just how easy it all is.
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL...pdf/02rmsour/2002/024runne/sa/csarsa/remo.pdf
Installation is the reverse.

 

[topdown4runner]

Once you have disconnected the shock & swaybar, there is not much pressure left from the spring.

When I did mine, I disconnected them one side at a time, and I also did them with the tires still on the ground, holding most of the weight of the truck.

When you jack the truck up, the disconnected side will droop some more. Then when you jack up on the still connected side, it will push down on the side you want to remove the spring from. It should just about fall out with little to no pressure on it.

I did not remove my sway bar, so I needed to use spring compressors. This is before I read about removing the sway bar. Made my job harder. You get to learn from my mistake

 

[Rapter]

how do I access the top nut on the rear shocks? I got the lower bolt out, but the shock just spins when I turn it.

 

[kellogg]

This tech article is from the Sonoran Steel website, I have been using it as well.

"Disconnect lower shock mount bolt and support the axle with a floor jack. If you need to remove the rear shocks to replace them, here are some helpful hints. First off, the stock Toyota rear shocks use an all metal upper lock nut. Breaking it loose is no easy task. Aftermarket shocks are easy to remove, it's just the original set that comes with the truck that is difficult. What I have found to be the easiest way to remove them is to put a 14mm Deep socket on the top nut with a standard 3/8" drive wrench. Then grab the top metal dust cover of the shock under the frame rail, the cover is welded to the shaft, and twist the dust cover to break the nut loose. The socket/wrench will find a spot to hold it up above the mount. Of your truck is from or is in the "rust belt" a Saws-All or Plasma Cutter my be your solution."

Rear Cornbred Spacer, Downey Coil & Old Man Emu Coil Install

 

[brian2sun]

I found an angle grinder works better than a swasall to get in the tight spots.

 

[Rapter]

My buddy and I were at a loss and I've started to call around and get quotes lol... Best I got was $280 everything installed with alignment. I have to be some where by 5pm so it didn't give much time to attempt the fronts. Maybe I'll try the fronts early sat, but I'll probably just drop off and be done with it.

 

[twitchee2]

Reach up there with a wrench or socket if it will fit, then with channel locks, just spin the shock off.

 

[nyc4runnin]

im changing my rear shocks only, do i need a 4 wheel alignment as well ?

 

[Patsawasy]

Reach up there with a wrench or socket if it will fit, then with channel locks, just spin the shock off.

Thats exactly what I did friday. I found the most comfortable position to do all this, is to sit cross legged in the wheel well facing forward, almost hugging the rear drums, then reach with your inner arm (right on drivers side, left on passenger) up into that little cup to find the top nut.

It keeps the blood in your arms, and minimizes bashed knuckles. They are still going to hurt though.

 

[brian2sun]

im changing my rear shocks only, do i need a 4 wheel alignment as well ?

There aren't any adjustments to make on the rear so you only need a 2-wheel alignment. If they charge you for a 4-wheel, they're taking your $$.