Front Strut Removal During Lift **Method**

[bsdoig]

So I've seen a couple different ways to remove the front struts while installing a lift. I've currently got TRD/5100 in the front and would like to move from the 1st to 2nd perch on the 5100. I had a buddy who is a ASE tech at Toyota help with the first install, however he would be able to help this go around.

Has anyone used the method for removing and installing the front struts?
http://youtu.be/vkVLBOnAifc
They disassemble the top nut and place a jack under the lower control arm. Then lower it to decompress the strut. Then reverse for reassembly. Has anyone successfully attempted this on a 4runner? Or is the bottle jack method on the upper control arm the best method to remove the strut? Then use a spring compressor to pull the strut assembly apart?

 

[giovannie23]

Not really related but i had a question
At Full droop when wheeling do you have contact with anything hitting the front coils?
Just debating if i should go.with the trds or the 99talls
Thanks bro

 

[jreask]

I have done it both ways. The jack under the control arm way is easier but you have got to be super careful. I was never able to find a good set of spring compressors to remove the tension on the front springs. I used a set from O'reilly's and it was a little hairy to say the least. The spring compressors were bent after compressing the spring and looked pretty ominous. I did get it done though.
Here is another link that might interest you:

OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[mphudak]

I've put coils on/off mine a few times, most recently with Tundra/5100 coils/struts. i found it much simpler to unbolt the 4 bolts on lower ball joint to swap out strut assy. I think it took me around 30-35mins a side when I swapped them this way.

The side i was working on i put the frame on a jackstand, put a floor jack under the lower and raised enough to take tension off the balljoint (but no where near enough to compromise the frame on the jackstand), unbolted lowered and poped out w/ease. Took minimal pressure to push the lower down to installed the tundra/5100. I never felt safe the 3x's i did the bottle jack on the upper.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Spring compressors don't really work because of the design. They need to be 180 degrees opposite from each other otherwise they will bend and possible pop off. I could not find a way to get it on more than 3 to 4 wraps, which didn't do any good.

To take the old one out, just take off the three top nuts and disconnect the lower ball joint from the wheel hub but keep it on the control arm. Then loosen the lower strut bolt. Use the curved part of the jack stand handle and find a way to secure it under the lower control arm and on top of the ball joint (like in the link above, but a bit different since that's a 4th Gen). Then apply some pressure and take the lower strut bolt out and the whole thing will just fall out. Installation is in reverse, but use the prybar end of the lug nut tool to wiggle the shock into position to line up the holes. Then just slip the bolt lower bolt in and it's secure.