DIY: Rear shocks and Sway Bar Links

[46runner]

About 136K miles with original shocks/struts. Finally had some time to do this project. I like doing these projects but by no means am I qualified (that's my disclaimer). I made some assumptions as you'll see in the comments below. Hope this helps others who might want to tackle this project.

Bilstein 4600 Series Shocks Rear Part Number: 24-186049, from 4wheelparts.com. I got the front struts too but the rears took longer than expected, so the fronts will have to wait for another day. I also got the Energy Suspension Poly 8.5136G 17mm rear sway bar bushings from 4wheelparts. But it turns out I need 21mm, not 17mm, so these will have to be replaced later.

















I hit my picture limit so this will be continued below.

 

[46runner]

DIY Shocks and End Links continued...

Since I couldn't get a torque wrench in there, I tightened until the rubber started to squeeze.
Also, there were only two retainers. The OEM shock had three.





These were a PITA to get off:

 

[Drunner97]

Just got done installing 5100s in the rear today and I had to cut off the shocks too. There isn't a whole lot of room to install the new nut on top so I just tightened them down until I had some threads showing on top and the bushing started to squeeze.

 

[strathcona]

I installed 4600's and I squeezed the rubber a bit more than you have in your picture.

I didn't have a crow's foot available during the install to use a torque wrench so I just went off how much the OEM shock bushing was compressed.

 

[fdbyrne]

I don't have anything constructive to add other than to say that this is the best, most detailed writeup that I've seen in a long time. Thank you.

 

[strathcona]

fdbyrne is right. This is a very well done post with good pics and explanations. As a non-mechanic I rely on good posts and pics to keep me on the right path.

 

[46runner]

Hey drunner97 and strathcona. Did your shock also come with just two discs, to sandwich the two rubber pieces? I'm asking because the OEM shock had three of these metal discs. Thanks.

 

[46runner]

I don't have anything constructive to add other than to say that this is the best, most detailed writeup that I've seen in a long time. Thank you.

Thanks!

 

[Drunner97]

Hey drunner97 and strathcona. Did your shock also come with just two discs, to sandwich the two rubber pieces? I'm asking because the OEM shock had three of these metal discs. Thanks.

One washer for the bottom, and one for the top.

 

[nugsfan]

Thanks!

Awesome write up man. Appreciate the time you took. I just did my rears yesterday as well but I didn't torque anything to spec. Is that a huge deal?

 

[heiser]

While I didn't really need this guide, this is still an amazing guide I wish I had the first time. Same with your front install. Both are some of the best I've seen.

 

[Morphyne]

One piece of equipment that makes this process easier is a set of these.


http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin_prod_925970912?hei=444&wid=444&op_sharpen=1

Ratcheting end wrenches are awesome for the top nut.

 

[NinjaOne]

One piece of equipment that makes this process easier is a set of these.


http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin_prod_925970912?hei=444&wid=444&op_sharpen=1

Ratcheting end wrenches are awesome for the top nut.

That is flipp'n brilliant. I need a set now. That would've made it easier for sure.