HELP!!!! In the middle of daystar install...

[OHP]

I need some help. I'm installing my daystar 2.5/1.5 on my 04 sport. I completed the left front successfully by dropping the lower control arm. Piece of cake. Now I'm on the right front and have a big issue. The rear cam bolt will NOT budge, therefore I can't get the LCA to drop, thus I can't get the strut out to install the spacer. I don't want to disconnect the tie rod or the upper ball joint because I don't have the tools or knowledge. Any way to unsieze a frozen cam bolt or another method to get this strut out?

If I can't get the right side done I'll have to take the left side spacer back out so I can drive the truck to a shop.

Please help.

 

[alex56]

Try heating it up, or using a lubricant like WD-40 or Tri-flow.. I've done both with success

 

[STAYGOLD]

PB blaster. it is a mechanics best fried. also, heat (torch), breaker bar or impact gun. let the PB set on it for a half hour or so.

separating the tie rod end is less stressful than the ball joint, IMO. the ends are cheap and not much labor, ball joints are a bit more involved.

p.s. using a torch will probably ruin your bushing, just a heads up.

if all else fails, pound it out with a BFH and start looking for a new bolt as you'll probably ruin the threads.

 

[OHP]

So far I have used WD40, breaker bar, BFH, and cursing. Hasn't budged. Torch is a good idea. I'll try that. Thanks.

What is the process for separating the tie rod end if I have to go that route?

 

[sonerick]

You could probably pry the LCA down to give yourself enough room to wiggle the strut out... see this thread here for the methodology:

OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

I did this when installing my 5100's, and I didn't loosen the cam bolts. You an really torque on the LCA, probably not too good for the bushings but I havent had any problems yet.

 

[OHP]

You could probably pry the LCA down to give yourself enough room to wiggle the strut out... see this thread here for the methodology:

OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

I did this when installing my 5100's, and I didn't loosen the cam bolts. You an really torque on the LCA, probably not too good for the bushings but I havent had any problems yet.

Thanks a ton for the link! Worked like a charm. Glad I didn't have to heat it and ruin the bushing. I think the cam broke loose too when I pried it down. Made a loud pop.

 

[sonerick]

No problem, glad to help. Post some pics once the install is done.

Nice trail rig btw, currently saving up for something similar. I have a hardtail 29er right now and love it.

 

[OHP]

No problem, glad to help. Post some pics once the install is done.

Nice trail rig btw, currently saving up for something similar. I have a hardtail 29er right now and love it.

Thanks. I love my HiFi. Unfortunately I don't get to ride it near as much as I would like to.

 

[STAYGOLD]

+1 on the 29er hardtail! building up a niner air 9 (scandium). well not really building yet, but the frame is in my possesion. ive owned a 29er for a few years and will never go back to 26.

glad you sorted out the install issue.

party on wayne.

 

[mrrab]

It's always something when wrenching on your car.

Believe that bolt is torqued to 100lbs. Weird that you were able to get one side, but not the other.

I have no other advice than what's already been given.

 

[jdkilroy]

Glad things worked out; you should know that no "special" tools are required to separate the UCA or tie rod ends. I just did this and the only special tool I used was a 3# maul. there is a flat spot on all the castings that receive these fittings. three taps with the maul had the tie rod end dropping free as well the UCA.

Here's a link that made my day a lot easier: The Easy Best Way to Separate a Ball Joint Tie Rod End How to - YouTube

 

[OHP]

Guys, thanks a lot for all of the advice. I finally got it done this afternoon. Looks great.

 

[deedst4r]

Pics or it didn't happen!

 

[OHP]

Here they are:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/116704-another-daystar-lift-complete.html