Shock replacement with another oem one

[GX4X4]

Hi I am getting ready to do the shock replacement on my Gx which is same as 4runners and the factory manual is almost the same.

I was just wondering how much prying is done when the replacement is same one no lift or anything. I have seen the bottle Jack upside down etc, would that be all I need to push things down a little more?

By the way I am not doing the no spring compressor method, I bought a hydraulic floor mount spring compressor so got that covered.

The factory manual just says to remove the sway bar but I am skeptical it won't be a big fight to get it in or out. I have seen some video for the tundra and just need to mildly pry down and scoot the shock in there.

 

[MACT4R]

Hi I am getting ready to do the shock replacement on my Gx which is same as 4runners and the factory manual is almost the same.

I was just wondering how much prying is done when the replacement is same one no lift or anything. I have seen the bottle Jack upside down etc, would that be all I need to push things down a little more?

By the way I am not doing the no spring compressor method, I bought a hydraulic floor mount spring compressor so got that covered.

The factory manual just says to remove the sway bar but I am skeptical it won't be a big fight to get it in or out. I have seen some video for the tundra and just need to mildly pry down and scoot the shock in there.

It's fairly easy. After removing the wheels, remove sway bar links from spindle, remove sway bar, remove 3 bolts on top mount and remove bottom strut bolt. Use pry bar between strut/LCA and push down so you can easily slide the strut forward/out. I used spring compressor rented from autozone. Just make sure torque everything to spec and your good to go.

 

[Powder_Hound]

Hi I am getting ready to do the shock replacement on my Gx which is same as 4runners and the factory manual is almost the same.

I was just wondering how much prying is done when the replacement is same one no lift or anything. I have seen the bottle Jack upside down etc, would that be all I need to push things down a little more?

By the way I am not doing the no spring compressor method, I bought a hydraulic floor mount spring compressor so got that covered.

The factory manual just says to remove the sway bar but I am skeptical it won't be a big fight to get it in or out. I have seen some video for the tundra and just need to mildly pry down and scoot the shock in there.

If your not going with a longer spring it should be fairly straightforward. Just let the sus go to full droop, paying attention to ABS wires, and go for it. I didn't battle too much and I did increase lift.

 

[GX4X4]

Thanks. I was thinking to put a wood block between the bumpstop and control arm before removing the shock, that way I could pry minimal distance while I insert the shock. In fact I may pry down and insert a door shim and then it might drop right in

 

[GX4X4]

I am working on it now. Doesn't seem too bad yet. I jammed the wood there so it won't rebound all the way up

 

[GX4X4]

Here showing the compressor I got from eBay. I checked the cast pieces and no cracks. Dressed like defusing a bomb (helmet and full face shield) and went to use it. Just a few pumps and the bottom seat was up, the top was stuck so that makes the alignment easier. Just remove and insert from bottom and then tighten the nut. Release and go.

 

[GX4X4]

There was no slippage or strange noises at all. I cleaned the spring of all dirt and grease before using