Help Wanted: FJ Coil/Spring Swap - Dallas/Ft Worth Area

[Samsonite]

I know this is a long shot but was curious if anyone out there in the dallas area was willing to help me remove my xreas (just going to disconnect at links - not entire system) and install FJ coils and bilstein 5100's.

I have some basic knowledge, basic tools and some $$ and beer if you're interested.

Any Takers? eace:

 

[Milam]

I wish I could help...I just went by 4wheel parts and they wouldn't touch the XREAS. Let me know how it goes and post some pictures. When you're done with yours then you can help me.:biggrin2:

 

[S p a r k y]

Wish I could come help you guys. Could always use some extra beer and $$ ;-)

I have done this 3 times now, its getting quicker and easier..

Removing the XREAS is very simple, only problem is you will get fluid everywhere and need to clean up. Also if your disconnecting you might as well putt it all out, just a coupld more bolts and twisting the lines out. You might pick up 14mpg with the weight reduction ;-) J/K

 

[Samsonite]

HA! Who doesnt like $$ and beer :beer:

Most places wont touch the xreas but if you're removing it and going back in with something different, I dont see the issue?

I found a local owned shop that quoted me $300.00 for labor and alignment. Not too bad considering I get the alignment done for that cost and at the same time!!

If i dont find anyone looks like ill be going that route. My main concern is doing the front. I think the rear are pretty easy but if I get stuck on the front then Im S.O.L...ya know.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

It isn't that bad to do yourself, but I'd definitely recommend a second set of hands (experienced or not) to help with the install. If I was local I'd definitely help out. XREAS has certain points that it can be disconnected at (and should be disconnected at). If you use on of these points, there should not be any loss of fluid. There are other connections that aren't valved and yes, you'll spill fluid if you unhook there.

 

[harper7]

HA! Who doesnt like $$ and beer :beer:

Most places wont touch the xreas but if you're removing it and going back in with something different, I dont see the issue?

I found a local owned shop that quoted me $300.00 for labor and alignment. Not too bad considering I get the alignment done for that cost and at the same time!!

If i dont find anyone looks like ill be going that route. My main concern is doing the front. I think the rear are pretty easy but if I get stuck on the front then Im S.O.L...ya know.

If you disconnect at the check valves,not the shocks, with all 4 wheels in the air you won't lose but a drop of fluid and can even put the Xreas shocks back on later.You will need your top plate from the Xreas if you don't have another one so best to take your Xreas front CO's someplace with a wall spring compressor to reuse your top plates.

I'm busy working 12 hour days and for the next couple of weekends or you could come over and I'd show you how as I've done several.Not that hard unless you have rusted/frozen bolts.Easier to put penetrant like WD40 or Kroil before hand and let it soak in.
I like $$$ and Vodka though......lol

$300 with alignment is actually a great price though. Which shop does it that cheap around here?

 

[Mellow77]

I know this is a long shot but was curious if anyone out there in the dallas area was willing to help me remove my xreas (just going to disconnect at links - not entire system) and install FJ coils and bilstein 5100's.

I have some basic knowledge, basic tools and some $$ and beer if you're interested.

Any Takers? eace:

I'm willing to help (once the weather let's up) but I have never worked on XREAS before. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and will be doing my own coils and Bilstein's soon though and would love some experience going into it.

 

[Samsonite]

No worries on the xreas part. I am removing it so all that has to be done is an easy disconnect at the check valves.

ARK has some great notes on how to do the install. Click on his link "FJC Springs and 1" toytec". He has 4 links that reference install details.

THe hardest part for me is doing the fronts. Not sure if I should take the spring/shocks to a shop since I am re-using the top plates or just rent a spring compressor from autozone or similar.

Also concerned because several write ups have stated difficulty removing the nut on the top of the rear shock. I will def hit it with some PB Blaster (unless there is something better) the night before.

Also concerned (because of my limited knowledge) with separating the ball joints and being careful not to damage the cv boot and axle joint.

Mellow - where are you located? Im in carrollton. I would def be interested in doing this with you. I have the springs and the shocks will be here around Monday.

 

[Samsonite]

If you disconnect at the check valves,not the shocks, with all 4 wheels in the air you won't lose but a drop of fluid and can even put the Xreas shocks back on later.You will need your top plate from the Xreas if you don't have another one so best to take your Xreas front CO's someplace with a wall spring compressor to reuse your top plates.

I'm busy working 12 hour days and for the next couple of weekends or you could come over and I'd show you how as I've done several.Not that hard unless you have rusted/frozen bolts.Easier to put penetrant like WD40 or Kroil before hand and let it soak in.
I like $$$ and Vodka though......lol

$300 with alignment is actually a great price though. Which shop does it that cheap around here?

Its a small shop in lewisville. Jerry's something or other. Really nice guy and they have done several alignments for me (and to be honest best alignment ive had). They seem very capable and trustworthy.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Link to my writeup (which contains links I found useful) is in my sig. It's not too bad. Me and another member tackled mine, I had no experience and he had some, just not with XREAS. We knocked it out easily, and honestly getting the ball joints separated was the hardest part (which still wasn't bad). I would recommend getting the portable compressor (if you have a air compressor big enough to push it), it isn't that bad. OR, you can order a top plate kit that contains everything you need from Toytec for $20 (although I'm not sure if that includes to do both sides or just one). That would make the install easier since you don't have to disassemble the OEM strut.

 

[S p a r k y]

THe hardest part for me is doing the fronts. Not sure if I should take the spring/shocks to a shop since I am re-using the top plates or just rent a spring compressor from autozone or similar.

Also concerned (because of my limited knowledge) with separating the ball joints and being careful not to damage the cv boot and axle joint.

.

Just rent the spring compressors make sure you are using the right ones.

I have done this a few times and never separated the ball joint. Underneath the Rotor are 2 (21mm) bolts, atleast I think thats right from memory. take those out lift up on rotor and caliper shift the rotor assembly towards back of ride, use a block or something to hold it up. Press down on lower control arm and VOILA. Assembly will drop right out if bolts on top are loose.

When you shift the rotor assembly and caliper back, go easy, the axel is attached as well, but you dont have to have alot of room.

P.S. before all of that take the front sway bar off, gives you room to work

 

[Mellow77]

Mellow - where are you located? Im in carrollton. I would def be interested in doing this with you. I have the springs and the shocks will be here around Monday.

I'm in Las Colinas (Irving) right off 114 & 161 (PGB Tollway)

 

[Samsonite]

Link to my writeup (which contains links I found useful) is in my sig. It's not too bad. Me and another member tackled mine, I had no experience and he had some, just not with XREAS. We knocked it out easily, and honestly getting the ball joints separated was the hardest part (which still wasn't bad). I would recommend getting the portable compressor (if you have a air compressor big enough to push it), it isn't that bad. OR, you can order a top plate kit that contains everything you need from Toytec for $20 (although I'm not sure if that includes to do both sides or just one). That would make the install easier since you don't have to disassemble the OEM strut.

Just called toytec and they dont sell the top plate. Only spacers. Said that is a toyota part.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I was going off memory, I looked it up and what I was thinking about is something else. This is what I was thinking of, but that doesn't help you out.

 

[Samsonite]

I'm in Las Colinas (Irving) right off 114 & 161 (PGB Tollway)

Mellow if you are willing/interested to help, I will def take you up on the offer. I only have basic tools so not sure what you have? I dont have but can aquire floor jack, jack stands, torque wrench. Thoughts? Ill PM you my number and we can chat about it whenever you are available?

 

[BobbyZee]

@Mellow/Samsonite...I live in Plano, work in Las Colinas Blvd and I will also be doing the FJ swap. I have springs and shocks from 07 4x4 FJ which I got from a dude in lewisville and have DS2.5/1.5 kit as well. But recently I had a change of heart to go for 4WD T4R so waiting on the lift. I interested to be there, though not to mechanically inclined, but another pair of hands wouldn't hurt, would it? :cheers:

 

[Mellow77]

Mellow if you are willing/interested to help, I will def take you up on the offer. I only have basic tools so not sure what you have? I dont have but can aquire floor jack, jack stands, torque wrench. Thoughts? Ill PM you my number and we can chat about it whenever you are available?

Sounds good. The weather is starting to cooperate as it's supposed to warm up! I'm out of town this weekend but we can figure out a time and make it happen. I will have to look at what tools I have available as I'm afraid my jack and stands will be in storage. I've got my hand tools and socket sets within grabbing distance. See what you can borrow and I'll see if I can fill in the gaps.

@Mellow/Samsonite...I live in Plano, work in Las Colinas Blvd and I will also be doing the FJ swap. I have springs and shocks from 07 4x4 FJ which I got from a dude in lewisville and have DS2.5/1.5 kit as well. But recently I had a change of heart to go for 4WD T4R so waiting on the lift. I interested to be there, though not to mechanically inclined, but another pair of hands wouldn't hurt, would it? :cheers:

Doesn't bother me but I'll have to defer to the host (and chief beer buyer) on this one.

 

[3TonMike]

Id volunteer, but i bring nothing to the table with the xreas system. I installed the daystar 2.5/1.5 on mine, but my runner doesnt have the xreas system. I have no clue on that set up. Least the weather is getting better. My work has been erratic with the "snow days". Been told we may have to make up some work on a few saturdays, so i cant commit any weekends, till that passes. I do have a good pry-bar, if our schedules line up. Let me know, I reside a little north of Plano.

 

[S p a r k y]

Id volunteer, but i bring nothing to the table with the xreas system. I installed the daystar 2.5/1.5 on mine, but my runner doesnt have the xreas system. I have no clue on that set up. Least the weather is getting better. My work has been erratic with the "snow days". Been told we may have to make up some work on a few saturdays, so i cant commit any weekends, till that passes. I do have a good pry-bar, if our schedules line up. Let me know, I reside a little north of Plano.

I would suggest getting Mike there, especially if he has done it. Mike only real difference is dissconecting 4 lines, one off each shock. Then anyone can cut and pull em out.

 

[Samsonite]

Sounds good. The weather is starting to cooperate as it's supposed to warm up! I'm out of town this weekend but we can figure out a time and make it happen. I will have to look at what tools I have available as I'm afraid my jack and stands will be in storage. I've got my hand tools and socket sets within grabbing distance. See what you can borrow and I'll see if I can fill in the gaps.



Doesn't bother me but I'll have to defer to the host (and chief beer buyer) on this one.

Sounds good mellow. Just got the shocks in today (after a nice delay at ups because of the weather). Went through the shock boxes individually only to find that one of the rear is missing the install kit. Great! Already contacted the seller and the install kit should be on the way. I see you're out of town this weekend (do you mean the one we just had (12-13th)? and Im out the weekend of the 25th. What about this coming up weekend (19th)? Assuming I have the install kit by then.

If not,no worries, Im still entertaining taking it to the shop and having them do the install and alignment for $300. Dont really want to wait 2-3 weeks to do this. Its just too hard seeing those parts sitting in my house..haha!

Im good with whoever wants to be there. The more minds the better!!