Lift install question-tools needed?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

After several setbacks, I should finally have time to install my lift (1/2" spacer and FJ Cruiser springs for the front) next weekend (20th). I've read all the writeups and such, so I've got a pretty good idea of what to do. However, I've read mixed things on how to get the ball joints separated. Some say use a fork like ball joint separator, others a tie rod end puller. Also, what type of spring compressor is best? They show a coil spring compressor and a strut spring compressor. Any tips? Thanks!

 

[12guns]

What, no faith??? Breaking the tie rod ends and ball joints is no big deal. I've learned a few tricks over the years. If you can bring a puller just in case, that would be good. I have an impact wrench that will make our lives MUCH easier. I also will go ahead and lay all the sockets out that we will need. I say 4 hrs and we can have both sides done!!! Famous last words.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Haha! It's not the lack of faith, I just want to make sure I bring the right tools for us to get the job done. I know we can get them separated, just not sure which tool we need to get it done. I went by Advance and they weren't too much help, I'm gonna head over to AutoZone and see if they can hook me up with the compressor and puller.

 

[Jed]

You can use either on the ball joints. I didn't use a puller when I did my spacer lift. You'll really only need some basic hand tools for most of the job. And as for the spring compressor, since I don't own one I just went to Autozone and "rented" as basic set from them. Cranking down on the spring compressors is probably the hardest part of the job, especially when your compressor breaks down and you have to do it with a ratchet!

If there's one tip I can give you, it's to MAKE SURE that the spring is seated properly when you install it. It is very easy to not have the end seated in the correct position on the spring perch. But overall it is a fairly easy job. I did mine (and I have XREAS) in my garage by myself without any help from anyone. So you shouldn't have any problems with yours (which is non-XREAS, right?)

 

[Jed]

This is right before I started the job:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Mine does have XREAS. It still shouldn't be too bad. I've read enough on the forums to know what's going on, and 12guns will be helping me with the install. As I said, I just want to make sure I get the right tools for the job. We've got everything but the ball joint separator/tie rod end puller and spring compressor, which are the two items I wanna make sure I have right.

 

[12guns]

Both Swamprider and my 4runner have Xreas, however the way we're intalling the front lift we won't have to break the system. We'll tear the coil apart with it still hooked up. I wouldn't mind breaking the system at the appropriate spot, but as expensive as they are sure would feel better leaving the hydraulics hooked up.
Here's a question...Since we are only doing the front, will there be any issues w/ the rear still on the ground? The thought just crossed my head that the front shocks may be full of more fluid if they are lifted...does the system pump electronically? Or just by pressure? We can jack up the rear if we have to, but if we don't disconnect the front shocks we won't need to...right??

 

[Jed]

Both Swamprider and my 4runner have Xreas, however the way we're intalling the front lift we won't have to break the system. We'll tear the coil apart with it still hooked up. I wouldn't mind breaking the system at the appropriate spot, but as expensive as they are sure would feel better leaving the hydraulics hooked up.
Here's a question...Since we are only doing the front, will there be any issues w/ the rear still on the ground? The thought just crossed my head that the front shocks may be full of more fluid if they are lifted...does the system pump electronically? Or just by pressure? We can jack up the rear if we have to, but if we don't disconnect the front shocks we won't need to...right??

I didn't disconnect my XREAS. As you can see in the pic, the front shocks were at full extension (both sides on jackstands) when I removed them. The back was sitting on the ground under full weight. I just unbolted them one side at a time and had no issues whatsoever. I used a small milk crate to support the shock without putting any stress on the hydraulic line. Be forewarned----you do not have a lot of room to move the shock. Once it is free, you can pretty much only lay it down (on a milk crate, for example) because the hydraulic line isn't very long. But it can be done without a problem as long as you having something the appropriate height to support it.

 

[12guns]

Sounds good. Thanks. Shouldn't be to bad, I've done much more difficult repairs, but always a little hesitant jumping into something new, but heck, that's how I've learned what little I know! By the way, how long did it take you?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Yep, the XREAS is really the only thing I'm concerned about. It'll be fine without disconnecting the line, but still the one thing that could slow us down. As long as I get the right puller, I'm sure we'll be able to knock it out. From what I've read, you're about right, 2 hours per side (just taking it easy).

 

[Jed]

Sounds good. Thanks. Shouldn't be to bad, I've done much more difficult repairs, but always a little hesitant jumping into something new, but heck, that's how I've learned what little I know! By the way, how long did it take you?

The first side took me about 1 1/2 hours start to finish. The second side was done in less than an hour. I could have done it much faster if I didn't have to crank the damn spring compressors by hand.

 

[12guns]

The first side took me about 1 1/2 hours start to finish. The second side was done in less than an hour. I could have done it much faster if I didn't have to crank the damn spring compressors by hand.

Good deal, with my compressor and all the sockets laid out, I'm hoping it won't take long.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

If you can get away with it, dont remove the ball joints. On the lower control arm there are 2 (17mm I think) nuts on the bottom. Take those 2 off, and you can then slide the whole disc break assembly out and it will give you room to play. Its much easier than removing the ball joints. I dont have a pic, but if you just put your head under the disc brake you will see what im talking about. Just watch that you dont pull it out too far as its connected to the cv joint.

 

[rodneyk]

I just installed a 1" cornfed spacer on my 04 Limited last Sunday w/x-reas. It's not too bad considering I was by myself and I've never done anything more than change a tire or light bulb. I had air tools and a spring compressor though and undid the 2 bolts where the control arm meets the spindle to avoid separating the ball joint.

I found that in order to wiggle the shock out i had to undo the sway bar (both sides so you can kind of turn it towards the front of the truck). You'll also need to push the upper a-arm as high as possible (almost parallel to the shock mount), and push the lower control arm down in order for the very top of the shock to clear. Watch out for your CV angles when you're lifting the spindle and your ball joint boot when you're prying the LCA down.

I would say with xreas lines, it seems to barely make it out so be very careful not too put too much pressure on them.

It took me about 3 hours for the first side cuz didn't really know what I was doing, but the 2nd side only took me about half the time.

this was the type of spring compressor I used. Cost me $30.

The worst part was undoing the 3 nuts at the shock mount. There isn't really enough space to get a rachet in there (especially the one in the back) so I bought a set of racheting wrenches and that saved a ton of time.

Good luck and remember to post pics!!

 

[kylebacc]

Cranking down on the spring compressors is probably the hardest part of the job, especially when your compressor breaks down and you have to do it with a ratchet!

Ya I don't have a compressor so my buddy and I did it with a ratchet and it sucked. If you can get a compressor and impact wrench, do so.

so I bought a set of racheting wrenches and that saved a ton of time.

Good luck and remember to post pics!!

Definitely do both of these. I did it with a regular socket and it SUCKED. I should have thought of getting racheting wrenches. I will do that next time for sure. And of course post pics!! Don't get too excited and forget the "before" shots!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've got plenty of shots of my 4runner, but will try to clean it up and get some better ones. I'm doing the lift on Saturday (not this coming one, but the next), then going to get tires Monday. I'll try to get shots after lift/before tires and after lift/after tires. I'll have a thread posted when complete. Thanks for the tips, we should be good to go.