Installing a 3" lift, need help

Juicebox228

New member
I just purchased ToyTec 96-02 4Runner 3" Kit w/ Spacers and Rear OME Coils. I was wondering if I needed a diff drop kit and if anyone knows where i can find a good set of instructions for the lift? this is my first lift and i'd like for the instructions to be pretty detailed. I was suppose to have a set sent with the lift kit but for some reason there wasn't a set in the box. I'd like to get the lift done this Saturday (9/24/2011), so the sooner the help the better. Thanks guys!
 
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Have searched? There are threads on this, it might not be your specific part numbers, but the install is generally straight forward. Get a second set of hands, and put out a request thread for people in the Missouri are that can help you install that might have some prior knowledge.
 
Well you're going to need a spring compressor for the front. (External kind). You can usually just rent them at any autoparts store.

I can't believe I'd actually write this out, but I'm bored:

Front:
1) Jack up front, support frame on jackstands, let suspension droop. I just do 1 side at a time.
2) remove top nut on swaybar, to allow more suspension droop.
3) loosen upper a-arm nut/bolt
4) loosten top 3 strut nuts...NOT THE BIG ONE IN THE CENTER
5) Grab your bottle jack from inside the truck, wedge it upside-down on top of the castle nut and the upper, inside wheel well. Crank it using your hand to push down the suspention, this will give you more room to add in your new coilover.
6) as you jack the suspension down, you'll notice the top 3 studs starting to move down, as soon as there is no more tension, take out your bottom mount bolt that runs parallel with the truck, it should be easy to take off. If its not, you probably need to jack down the suspension a bit so all the tension is off of it.

7) With external compressors, put on the spring, use impact wrench and compress those suckers down pretty far, making sure you go back and forth so its equal. once tension is off of top mounting plate, take off the center nut.

8) Put in spacer between top of coil and top-plate. You'll probably need to compress the springs even further. Once you can get the top plate back on, put on the center nut and tighten the sucker down. REmove tension from spring compressors, and pound them out with a hammer (they'll get stuck inbetween the coil wraps).

9) Re-install new strut assembly. You'll probably have to jack down the suspension further with the bottle jack to allow the longer strut to go in. (Or is it even going to be longer? I doubt it...)

REAR:

Jack up, support with jacks on the frame.

2) Undo swaybar end link nuts, and bottom shock mounts. Loosen your control arm bolts just a tad.

3) Drop axle down, and your springs will literally fall out. Put in new springs.

4) Top mount for shocks are hard sometimes. I just use a deep socket 14mm on a 3/8" drive ratchet, wedge it against the frame/body, and twist the top shock body either with a pair of channel locks or vise grips. If you aren't replacing the shocks, then dont do that.. just let them stay connected up on the top mount :)
 
Thanks alot Baja! This is going to help out alot! I really do appreciate it. I did try to search the forum but no one really gives a set of instructions like this. I should be starting a Build Thread once i get the rest of my stuff in tomorrow! Can't wait to get my 3rd Gen up to par with the rest of you guys.. Thanks again
 

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