OME Install questions

[KZN-185]

I've done quite a bit of reading on the OME/Toytec installs, and have a pretty good idea what I'm up against to put in an 881/890 with diff drop kit. I still had a few questions that the search function hasn't cleared up. I'm installing on a Hilux Surf so I hope there's no differences. I need to get all my parts and tools together while I'm on vacation in the US and ship it out Japan, so I want to cover all my bases. I'd kill for an AutoZone, the places out here, Yellow Hat and Autobacs are mostly for garbage accessories like neon led stick on flames.

- lower control arm - I know not to remove the ball joint. Some threads have referred to 4 bolts being removed, I've only seen two bolts on the control arm, what am I missing? Pics?

- rear OME shocks - If ordered from Toytec, will they come with the bushings installed or will I need to reuse the stock ones. If so will I need a press to get them in?

I was planning to have Toytec assemble the kit to save time and my patience on putting it together. With that said are there any specialized tools that I'll need; to make the job easier. I have a pretty standard mechanics kit, jack, jack stands and a bit of lumber to hold up the rotor.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Elton H]

for the front once you take the wheel off you will see these 4 bolts when reinstalling them don't forget a dab of blue thread lock ... and for the rear is should come with all new bushings and hardware ... basic hand tools will be fine for this job

 

[BADGATE]

I can't speak to the Hilux differences, but I'd bet from all I've read on here that there is no difference for this install. Some Hilux owners on here can verify for you.

I recently installed the same OME kit in my runner, purchased from Toytec...I am no mechanic and had a mechanic friend help out, took a few hours. If you purchase the fronts pre-assembled, it will save you a lot of time. Well worth the $$ IMO. If I remember correctly, everything you need comes in the pkg from Toytec. I think we only needed to reuse the bottom bolts for the shocks.

One thing that helped ease the install was disconnecting the sway bars. I was replacing my original sway bar bushings with polyurethane bushings at the same time,so it made sense for me anyhow. This was a cheap improvement well worth the $$.

I believe the most difficult part was the top bolts on the rear shocks. They were difficult to get to. We wound up holding the top bolt still and turning the shock with a pipe wrench to get off. Of course I'm on the east coast and in snow areas that I have some rust to deal with...not terrible though.

One tool that really helped get the rear springs in was a set of coil compressors. My friend owned them, I'm sure they are a little pricey for a one time use, but maybe you can rent them from a shop.

Good luck! Remember post some pics.

 

[KZN-185]

One thing that helped ease the install was disconnecting the sway bars. I was replacing my original sway bar bushings with polyurethane bushings at the same time,so it made sense for me anyhow. This was a cheap improvement well worth the $$.

I believe the most difficult part was the top bolts on the rear shocks. They were difficult to get to. We wound up holding the top bolt still and turning the shock with a pipe wrench to get off. Of course I'm on the east coast and in snow areas that I have some rust to deal with...not terrible though.

One tool that really helped get the rear springs in was a set of coil compressors. My friend owned them, I'm sure they are a little pricey for a one time use, but maybe you can rent them from a shop.

This is why I love this site! I think I'll grab a set of compressors just in case to make it easier.

I see the bolts you're talking about, just above the ball joint. Thanks for clarifying that for me.

I can't wait to post the build pics as well as get back to the U.S.A. for a bit!

 

[Patsawasy]

I just used my 250lb brother to stand on the axle to articulate it enough to get the springs in without the compressor. It was easy. The removal of the sway is a good idea.

 

[techno]

On the rear axle I got extra room for the spring by raising the opposite side. This actually lowers the side you are working on. Disconnect the swaybar and the panhard bar too.

If you have an underslung spare tire then take it out for extra room to work. However, if you have the swing-out tire carrier on the back, then completely remove the entire frame, mounting brakets and rear door panels and ship them all to me immediately. Please.

 

[Spish]

Wow, I've been through that area of Japan, I was at Misawa AB for 5 years. Just left 2 years ago, I want to go back everyday! I really miss snowboarding at Hakkoda and camping at Yagen.

 

[GoFaSSter]

On the rear axle I got extra room for the spring by raising the opposite side. This actually lowers the side you are working on. Disconnect the swaybar and the panhard bar too.

If you have an underslung spare tire then take it out for extra room to work. However, if you have the swing-out tire carrier on the back, then completely remove the enter frame, mounting brakets and rear door panels and ship them all to me immediately. Please.

I did exactly what Techno did on his. Also, if your spare is underneath you will definitely want the room of it being out.

 

[KZN-185]

On the rear axle I got extra room for the spring by raising the opposite side. This actually lowers the side you are working on. Disconnect the swaybar and the panhard bar too.

If you have an underslung spare tire then take it out for extra room to work. However, if you have the swing-out tire carrier on the back, then completely remove the entire frame, mounting brakets and rear door panels and ship them all to me immediately. Please.

Thanks for the concern, but I don't think I'll need to move the tire
I've wondered how much that rear gate would fetch on Ebay!
I suppose that if the frame is on jack stands it wouldn't be hard to lift up one side with the jack. I did find some strut spring compressors for $35 though. I'll post what I end up doing. Thanks guys!

Spish, I love it out here, on the other side of the island from Misawa though. I have to go there for my fast food fix every once in a while. I did all my snowboarding this year at Mt. Iwaki but I'm planning on Hakkoda next season.

 

[techno]

Thanks for the concern, but I don't think I'll need to move the tire
I've wondered how much that rear gate would fetch on Ebay!

Hehe, well if you ever try to sell it or find another thats available, you have a guaranteed buyer right here.

 

[brian2sun]

I did find some strut spring compressors for $35 though.

Beware of cheap spring compressors. I used some harbor freight ones years ago and used 3 where 2 should have done it and bent all 3 of them. It was scary and I would not do that again. I used some heavy-duty ratchet straps along with the cheap compressors just because it looked like they were going to snap and send broken pieces about 300 mph towards my face.

 

[Spish]

Spish, I love it out here, on the other side of the island from Misawa though. I have to go there for my fast food fix every once in a while. I did all my snowboarding this year at Mt. Iwaki but I'm planning on Hakkoda next season.

Yeah I figured you were up north when I saw the snow. We used to go to Hakkoda the most, Appi sometimes and then the smaller ones around Misawa. I see you are American (Y-plate), are you a teacher out there? We used to go down the coast on 4 July weekends and stop off to surf, then camp at Sendai, good times I really miss Japan, American's are not the nicest people. Here is a pic of my Surf I had while I was there, its why I just bought my 97 here.

 

[KZN-185]

Beware of cheap spring compressors. I used some harbor freight ones years ago and used 3 where 2 should have done it and bent all 3 of them. It was scary and I would not do that again. I used some heavy-duty ratchet straps along with the cheap compressors just because it looked like they were going to snap and send broken pieces about 300 mph towards my face.

Yeah, there seems to be quite a bit of disparity in the cost, they're either $50 and below or $250+. I think I'll just angle the rear axle as suggested above, springs are nothing to take lightly.

Spish, I'm a DoD contractor, prior Air Force at Eglin AFB. I know what you mean on wanting to stay here, it's been a year since being home and I'm just prepping myself for the frustration. There is no better customer service in the world than in Japan. I always though this model 4Runner would be a good truck, so when I had the chance out here, I bought a good one.

 

[KZN-185]

Hehe, well if you ever try to sell it or find another thats available, you have a guaranteed buyer right here.

There's always junkyards, but I couldn't imagine what shipping would be!:jaw drop: