Icon lift do it yourself?

[Vegas]

So can anyone recommend a thread or place online that gives good directions for a newb attempting to do suspension for the first time?

Also maybe a spot to explain the components and functions...

I think I learned a lot from the thread about "post your lifted pics here"... I know nothing about suspension I was looking at the Icon Stage 2 mainly cause it's a set so someone else did the hard work for me making sure all the pieces work together... but I noticed some people go with different rear shocks and some also go for the light racing arms and some for the new tubular arms...

((((((ybrick:I know this topic has been beat to death just looking for a place to educate myself on how to do it to myself to save some $$$ and to make sure I get the right components)))))))

 

[limamike]

So can anyone recommend a thread or place online that gives good directions for a newb attempting to do suspension for the first time?

Also maybe a spot to explain the components and functions...

I think I learned a lot from the thread about "post your lifted pics here"... I know nothing about suspension I was looking at the Icon Stage 2 mainly cause it's a set so someone else did the hard work for me making sure all the pieces work together... but I noticed some people go with different rear shocks and some also go for the light racing arms and some for the new tubular arms...

((((((ybrick:I know this topic has been beat to death just looking for a place to educate myself on how to do it to myself to save some $$$ and to make sure I get the right components)))))))

I would do a LOT of reading on the Internet about suspensions and how they work in general before attempting to install one on your own. The FJ Forums have a couple of walkthroughs that I've seen.

As far as what to get: I was going to go for a Stage 1 with Light Racing Upper Control Arms (UCAs), but I ended-up with remote reservoir front coilovers instead of the standard Stage 1 coilovers which ends-up being a mix between Stage 1 and Stage 5 components, and I couldn't be happier. Here's my thread looking for pricing and part numbers: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/109294-best-icon-stage-1-pricing.html

I would highly recommend Metal Tech as a source because they stand behind everything they sell, have excellent customer service, and have built-up a bunch of Toyota's (to include a 5th Gen 4Runner) as company trucks. If you still have questions about what to get just give them a call and they'll set you up.

 

[STLDAVE]

So can anyone recommend a thread or place online that gives good directions for a newb attempting to do suspension for the first time?

Also maybe a spot to explain the components and functions...

I think I learned a lot from the thread about "post your lifted pics here"... I know nothing about suspension I was looking at the Icon Stage 2 mainly cause it's a set so someone else did the hard work for me making sure all the pieces work together... but I noticed some people go with different rear shocks and some also go for the light racing arms and some for the new tubular arms...

((((((ybrick:I know this topic has been beat to death just looking for a place to educate myself on how to do it to myself to save some $$$ and to make sure I get the right components)))))))

I agree with Limamike. Do lots of research to make sure the setup you decide on will meet your needs.

Also, depending on your mechanical ability and tool availability, you might want to find a good shop to do the install since you have KDSS. It does pose some unique problems during the install of a lift. Just something to think about since this is your first lift.

 

[Jesse1983]

If you're familiar with loosening and tightening bolts I say go ahead and DIY. Save a ton of money and get better acquainted with your truck in the process. Everything is remove and replace - it's very easy.

 

[Stifler]

If you're familiar with loosening and tightening bolts I say go ahead and DIY. Save a ton of money and get better acquainted with your truck in the process. Everything is remove and replace - it's very easy.

X a billion

 

[SOcalTRAIL]

X a billion

X a trillion :wink2:

Best way to learn is to get your hands dirty. You honestly cannot break anything that couldn't be repaired. Biggest thing in my opinion - take your time, take pics of the suspension in stock form to help you put things back together if you need it, and think about what your doing, eg. "if I un-bolt this, that is going to come off / spring out / move, etc.

Also, make sure to torque everything down properly. An Icon stage 1/2 install is as plane Jane of an install as there is, its a great opportunity to dive into your rig, save some money, and have the personal satisfaction of "doing it yourself" which means a lot to some people, myself and many forum members included.

Have fun and be safe, we are all here to help if you need it. As LimaMike said, the FJ forums have great walkthrough's for this suspension install. Icon has good customer support as well.

Post pics when your done!

 

[Jtraskell]

I am going to be really basic here. You are going to be under your vehicle for a long time. You will be using a lot of force taking off and putting on suspension parts. Hence, make sure you have a level work area and a good set of HD jack stands. Set the ER Brake, block the rear tires etc. Safety first!

 

[Jesse1983]

I am going to be really basic here. You are going to be under your vehicle for a long time. You will be using a lot of force taking off and putting on suspension parts. Hence, make sure you have a level work area and a good set of HD jack stands. Set the ER Brake, block the rear tires etc. Safety first!

All very good points. I will add that the parts should come off pretty easy. I know they did on my 2010 in 2010.

 

[Jtraskell]

Easy is a relative term oh mighty mechanically inclined one... Notwithstanding the relative ease or difficulty taking off or putting on bolts or parts, I think my advice is still valid, yes?

 

[Jesse1983]

Easy is a relative term oh mighty mechanically inclined one... Notwithstanding the relative ease or difficulty taking off or putting on bolts or parts, I think my advice is still valid, yes?

very valid - yes. I edited my post.

 

[ArcticEd]

If you've done any auto work in the past (oil changes, alternator, starters, hoses, etc) I'd recommend doing it yourself after doing lots of research. I was very nervous about it - especially since I was doing it in a post-divorce apartment parking lot instead of my garage - but it only took me part of the day and I know a hell of a lot more about my truck now. I didn't install the ICON lift (did the OW 2.5"), but it's not a completely different concept. I'm very glad I took the time to do it myself.

 

[Vegas]

Thanks for all the advice... I really appreciate the input, it really amazes me how helpful people are on this site.

Speaking of helpful,*who is going to be a pal and take apart their icon suspension piece by piece and take video of it then put it all back on and send me the video? I mean it will be a great chance to get in there and lube it up and clean the components? Plus, I mean, once you have done it once should be no prob right?

But serious thanks.... Think I'm going to start getting together all the tools and place the order in the next week. If there are any tips or tricks that I need to know please send my way...especially if it's anything I need to know regarding the KDSS or special tools that I'll wish I would have had.:withstupid:

 

[jbstrd]

I have lifted two FJ's in the past couple of months and I will be lifting my '13 Trail when it arrives. I don't have experience with the KDSS system yet, but I have read plenty about it.

Some things that you should have:

-Ball Joint separater (Amazon.com: Powerbuilt 648692 Small Tie Rod Puller: Home Improvement) FYI- get a decent one because the cheap ones will break
-Rubber Mallet
-basic mechanics tools
-If you are getting Light Racing UCA's, you will need a 1 1/4" socket for the top nut
-decent jacks
-vice grips for the top stud on the rear shocks
-ratchet combo wrenches are worth their weight in gold

There are probably some things I am missing, but as everyone else has mentioned this is a very do-able project. Extra hands obviously help, but you can do it on your own. It will get you familiar with your vehicle and it can be satisfying when you are finished.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Jason

 

[GrantK]

-vice grips for the top stud on the rear shocks

Go to a bike shop and get two 19mm pedal wrenches. They are very thin.

 

[Mick1]

did you see this page I put up?

http://rhino4runnersuspension.shutterfly.com/pictures/596/1

I used literally all the tools in this photo:
http://rhino4runnersuspension.shutterfly.com/pictures/193

Interesting, the ratcheting head one one of my gear wrenches (12mm I recall) was out of spec. I discovered it when trying to do one of the back bolts. I was going nuts because it was not working, so I pulled a nut and, sure enough, it was not even close to spec. I eventually mic'd it and it was off by a lot. I had to return the whole set to amazon and have not got around to ordering another metric set.

 

[Vegas]

Step 1: Gotta Get the right Tools

Thanks for all the great information guys.

I started getting the tools together for this future project this past week and I am so proud of the prep work that I had to share it...

So I used my friends garage to help me install my Bud Slider and where there was no room to use a socket he had "ratcheting wrenches" probably the coolest invention I have seen in a long time. So I had to go get some for this future project...after getting them I realized that I didn't have place for them in my small prefabricated tool box...so looks like I have to get a new bigger tool box. a friend was upgrading his tool box so nothing is better than free... So I got the new tool box and decided to black it out. this was a great opportunity to practice my spry painting skill before I try to spry something on my truck. So the finished product is below I'm very happy with it..also notice the new jack and jack stands in preparation and you will also notice an electric saw that I had to go buy when trying to do the Borla exhaust..(I couldn't break the bolts lose so it was a great excuse to get a new power tool)

at some point ill put my TRD, BudBuilt,Borla Stickers on it but right now its too pretty.

I will add the suggest tools to the box.. Thanks :cheers:

 

[Vegas]

Icon Stage 2 ordered...

Happy Cyber Monday!!! :reddance:

Placed the order this AM Metal Tech was having a sale.

Can't wait to get it and install it... Thanks again for all the great info on installation and which setup to go with.


Please stand by for questions like:

1. I can't get the front sway bar back on.
2. I bled the KDSS lines, even though I shouldn't have, should I kill myself now?
3. Is this upper control arm on the correct side?
4. Think i Stretch the ABS line now my Dash light is on.
5. Didn't compress the spring right now it is sticking in my chest and I am bleeding out,help?

But to avoid too many stupid questions :withstupid: I'll reread all the threads on instal and problems others have had to try to limit them!

Thanks!

 

[FactoryRide]

As a suggestion from personal experience on the KDSS, get all 4 wheels off the ground. That will alleviate some of the pressure on the system. Something that helped with getting it back was to ratchet strap the sway bar to towards the rear of the truck (can't remember where exactly I used) and that will pull the bar close to the LCA, and then I used the floor jack to push the bar up just enough to get it to realign. Once you get past the KDSS it wasn't all that difficult and pretty straight forward.

DO NOT BLEED KDSS haha. That will be one expensive mistake.

 

[jbstrd]

Yep, as mentioned above, ratchet straps are your friend when getting the KDSS Swaybar back on. Take your time and try to have all of the tools you will need before hand.

Good luck, Jason.

 

[Vegas]

Last few questions I promise

I read some great instal write-ups on the fj site... But I still have a billion more questions... I definitely don't want to have a Baggie of spacers and washers left over afterwards not know where there go...

So far I have not seen anyone go into any details on the common sense stuff that most mechanically inclined folks probably already know...

Here is off the top of my head...
Do I lube any of the components besides the UCA ball joint (hope that's the right name).
What does everything get torqued back to? Where to find each torque spec info?
When bolting the long control arm bolt if I can't fit my torque wrench on the nut due to lack of room should I buy/rent a torque wrench that is like a crescent style torque wrench?
Does anything get loctight installed for saftey?

The install shouldn't be too crazy if I can attempt to tackle the front sway bar with a ratchet tow strap to secure it before unbolting as suggested... Seems like that is has been the biggest issue people have had

I know I am over thinking this but very smart people built and engineered my truck I don't want to miss anything that might comprise the safety while driving it to myself or others on the road.

until metal tech delivers my icon stage 2 I have way too much time on my hands...