Lift myself or pay a shop to do it???

[schneidermj]

Hello all,

I just purchased a 3" Revtek lift for my 4Runner. Should I do this myself or pay a local 4x4 shop $350 to do this?

 

[boston_kevin]

wrench work

One thing to keep in mind... If you have a garage do the lift, they are held liable if the lift or install fails for any reason. If you do the lift, you assume responsibility.

The work itself is not that difficult. Read the instructions carefully, work slowly and deliberately, and double check once you are done everything you touched. Any tools that you don't have can either be purchased or rented, but make sure you have all of the tools before you start and that they are in good condition. Also, as a precaution, do not do the work alone... Being trapped under a car is not the best way to spend your weekend (had a friend do this). Even if your buddy isn't helping you, at least they should be checking on you periodically.

 

[schneidermj]

Thanks for the input! I feel I could do this, but am concerned about compressing the springs. Any issues with this? How did it go?

 

[schneidermj]

Thanks ToyotaDoodz! I have an appt set up for next Tuesday, but may end up doing it myself after all.

Did you ever get rid of your Dunlaps for the KO's? 265/70-17 will give you almost another inch of clearance. I went with the Nitto's and couldn't be happier.

 

[schneidermj]

Thanks for the pointers. I've been reading up far too much on the lift here and at yotatech. Good information...thanks again!

 

[Faeylyn]

Remember to re-torque after 500-1000 miles - whether you do it or have someone do it.

 

[Good Times]

man give me 350 and i'll do it for ya

it's relatively easy to do and if you're close to other yota members or any 4x4 members, setup a wrenchathon and they'll flock to help ya out.

great grubbin will always bring everyone together. definitely one way to meet people and learn more about your 4runner.

the best part is the satisfaction that you've done something you didn't think was possible.

good luck

 

[schneidermj]

Anyone in Colorado Springs, CO? I haven't seen any lifted 4th gens here.

 

[schneidermj]

Ok guys, I'm going for it! The kit comes in on Monday so I'll take my time on Sunday taking the front struts apart. Hopefully I'll have the lift completed Monday night. Thanks for the encouragement!

 

[schneidermj]

Doodz-I've been tracking the shipment every hour . So far it'll be here on Monday and if I'm lucky, tomorrow. The wife has a car so if I'm down a few days or need some tools, it's available. I have it covered. :. Problem is I can't contain myself! I'm STOKED!!!

One question, is it recommended to use locktight (blue) when putting it all back together? It can't hurt...

Thanks again ToyotaDoodz and Goodtimes! I'll post some pictures next week. I'm already planning a 4x4 trip for next weekend.

 

[Biff]

man give me 350 and i'll do it for ya

it's relatively easy to do and if you're close to other yota members or any 4x4 members, setup a wrenchathon and they'll flock to help ya out.

great grubbin will always bring everyone together. definitely one way to meet people and learn more about your 4runner.

the best part is the satisfaction that you've done something you didn't think was possible.

good luck

I'll do it for $250

 

[4route]

i'd do it for free!!

 

[schneidermj]

The arms are a little sore, but not to bad. I can't believe I was going to pay someone to do this! It's been very easy and straight forward so far. I took apart the front struts last night and was able to complete the install for the front left. I figure one should take a break from the spring compressors... That has been the most difficult part of the job. Other than that is has been a piece of cake thanks to all the info on the forum. Thanks! Pics will follow later this week.

 

[schneidermj]

Question...when I was turning the shock obsorber nut, the top half of the shock obsorber was turning until I grabed the spindle above the nut and finally removed it. That didn't do anything bad to it did it? Did I twist something in the shock??? I just thought I would ask...

I also have a question about placing the shock back into the vehicle. Other than the lower bolt and the upper 3 bolts, is there a correct/wrong way to put the shock in (red and blue paint on the coil)?

 

[schneidermj]

Doodz,

The front springs are seated properly on the bottom as is everything else. One side has paint facing forward and on the other facing backward. A little paint will solve all that...

The install is complete and the testosterone levels are extremely high! My neighbors heard a few man grunts coming from the garage. I damaged a boot on the rear sway bar, but othere than that it went fine. I felt like a seasoned pro working on the front, but had some fun musceling the rear coils into place.

Can someone please tell me where the hell the rear brake line extension goes?!?! Pic's would help. The directions are a joke! I'm taking it in for an alignment and boot replacement and may have them do the brake line extension as well.

The new improved ride is sweet! Much more responsive stiffer ride. It's not the lumbering soccer mom SUV anymore (no offense-it simply rides that much better). I'll get some pics posted after this weekend. Going 4 wheeling and we're getting snow today through the weekend!

Thanks again to all!

 

[schneidermj]

Remember after installing the kit you had two small tubes, washer, and hex screw left over? That's the brake line extension. There's a bracket on the rear frame tube that is supposed to come off. Place the removed bracket over the screw, then the 2 tubes and washer. Attach to the original hole where the bracket was. Brake line extension... At least that's what the directions say.

 

[schneidermj]

Doodz you may want to give Revtek a call and see if they could send the parts to you. It wouldn't hurt. I've heard the brake lines can be stressed (streched) while wheeling or that there is no need as there is enough brake line excess in the rear to compensate for extreme articulation. Take it or leave it...

 

[schneidermj]

Doodz,

I just had the alignment done. All is ok. I did check with a mechanic about the brake line extension. He said he would "advise" the mod if you plan on doing any offroading. I would contact Revtek and have them send you the parts as the kit is suposed to come with it. Good luck! Back to my cube...

 

[AK602]

hey guys i have been thinking about a lift for a while, i have xreas and air suspension, don't want to go crazy. Any Ideas?
There is a grey runner I see at the Freehold Mall in NJ every week when I see my daughter that is sitting up sweet. Any input is appreciated, by the way this is my daily driver, would love to get her on the trails but hard to find in Staten Island.

 

[Good Times]

you can go w/ any spacer lift for the front since you have xreas.

as for the rear, can't you just the rear height w/ the air to keep it lifted 24x7? Hard to say what would work in the rear since you have the air suspension but I'd say if you can lift the rear using the air suspension, I'd just call it a day w/ that. If that is not an option, then you're next best is spacer for the rear but I don't know what works though as far as I know, I don't know anyone that has a lift w/ the air suspension.

good luck