Installing Daystar on my '97 tomorrow

[uluafishing]

I'm installing the Daystar 2.5" kit on my 97 Runner tomorrow.

I've done a buddy's Tundra, my old Sequoia, and two 4Runners, and everytime has been a b!@#$...I'll post pics and a step-by-step.

Wish me luck!

 

[Sloan]

good luck to you and can't wait for the pictures

 

[uluafishing]

Okay...here we go. I figured an easier way to do it, so it didn't take as long, and it was MUCH easier.

Step 1...install spring compressors with the vehicle still on the ground.

 

[uluafishing]

Next loosen the 4 bolts that attach the spindle to the LCA ball joint

 

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Remove the sway bar nuts

 

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Next, raise the vehicle. Support with jackstands, then place a floor jack under the LCA.

 

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Remove the 3 nuts that attach the strut to the strut mount (I also removed the upper strut nut, but DO NOT do this if you don't have the spring compressors in place.)

 

[uluafishing]

Remove the 4 bolts connecting the spindle to the LCA ball joint. (This will allow the LCA to fully lower out of the way...be sure to support the front cv shaft with wire or something).

lower the LCA (supported by the floor jack) and loosen, then remove the lower strut bolt.

 

[uluafishing]

Here's a pic of the empty strut bucket

 

[uluafishing]

remove the upper spring perch from the strut, compress the springs about another 1.5" to allow clearance for the new spacer.

 

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Remove the old upper strut mount studs by placing the stud over a deep socket and pouding them out with a BFH.

 

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install the new longer upper strut mount studs by using the BFH and deep socket

 

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reinstall the new coil spacer and upper spring perch

 

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ensure the coil spring is seated properly in the strut (this is where some people run astray, and their lifts heights between driver & passenger are different).

 

[uluafishing]

install the new strut spacer and upper strut mount nuts

 

[uluafishing]

It takes some fiddling, (I used a long pry bar to force the LCA lower, then a steel bar through the lower strut mount to get the lower strut eye to align with the strut mount) it's easier if you have two people...unfortunately I was flying solo today.

 

[uluafishing]

place the floor jack under the LCA, raise the LCA and reattach the LCA balljoint to the spindle (4 bolts)

 

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Repeat for the other side.

On the Rear...step 1 remove the sway bar nut

 

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Remove the lower shock mount bolt

 

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Remove the panhard bar bolt