Simple Daystar Lift. Didn't think it would be this difficult.

[Stone5_T4R]

So I'm back in another 4runner after a couple SUVs and a truck later. Decided to go with a 4th Generation this time around. I wanted to go with the 5th generation but I really couldn't justify the cost with already having 3 other vehicles. Anyway, I bought a '06 Sport Edition 3 weeks ago and I'm pretty happy with it. Decided it was already time to start modding. However, I've had the worst luck with just trying to get a daystar lift installed. I had a shop set up to do it last week. He kept it all day and then I had to call him at the end of the day to see if it was done. His response "Oh yeah....we pulled it in and the bolts weren't budging. We were scared to break anything so we gave up after an hour". WTF??? And I call you at 4pm after you said it would probably be ready at noon? Then he tried to charge me $40 for them "attempting". He also said it was "un-liftable"? Needless to say...he didn't get jack from me and I will not be using him for any future work. Pretty disappointed seeming that I have wheels/tires purchased and ready to go on as soon as the lift is done and it was right at Labor Day weekend. I've called other shops and they want $400 -$600 but they say it depends on if they have to remove the control arms to do it. Based on the instructions online and having my 3rd generation lifted w/revtek spacers...I don't recall control arms being removed at all. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm taking it to another 4X4 shop later today so they can take a look at it. I made an appointment for next week but then they called me and asked for me to bring it by today so they can check to see if the control arms bolts are seized? If so, they can't do it. Has anyone else had this much difficulty? My only concern is the hydraulic lines for the XREAS so I have to make sure they are aware of that. Hopefully that doesn't add to it and scare them off completely. I would attempt to tackle this job on my own, but I really don't have the time right now. Sorry for the rant. Just a little frustrated at this point.

 

[andrew90lx]

There is no need to remove the control arms to install shocks. You do have to disconnect the ball joint, but thats about its. Are they having trouble with the 3 top hat nuts? Those nuts should not have very much torque. With some pb blaster and time they should come off pretty easily. Anyone that gives up that quick and doesn't know a remedy should not be a mechanic.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

They're making this way too hard. No need to remove the control arms, or even disconnect the ball joints. I've used this guide for numerous installs and it's the quickest/easiest I've found. I've never had to loosen the LCA bolts, but it does give you some extra room.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/77183-leveled-her-weekend.html

 

[tysauce]

I have a very similar story actually. Took mine to a couple 4x4 specialist/custom suspension shops and one was too afraid to touch XREAS and the other wanted way to much money to even try - even though it was just a simple spacer lift. Ended up going to a small, family owned automotive shop and they did it without complaints in just a couple of hours time. Spent less than $300 with alignment included.

 

[Stone5_T4R]

I have a very similar story actually. Took mine to a couple 4x4 specialist/custom suspension shops and one was too afraid to touch XREAS and the other wanted way to much money to even try - even though it was just a simple spacer lift. Ended up going to a small, family owned automotive shop and they did it without complaints in just a couple of hours time. Spent less than $300 with alignment included.

Wish your story was local to me. I've actually gone to 4 custom truck shops in Northern Va and none of them will touch it. They all say it can't be done even though I show them the instructions and write up from Daystar.

**Taking it to another shop this Friday. They said they could lift anything. I'll post an update and the shop name so others in my area will know if they experience the same.

 

[LobstaMobsta]

A spacer lift is no easier to install than if you were changing the whole coilover, maybe even more of a pain in the a$$...I own a shop and even with a lift its not fun. I can see why someone wouldn't want to do this job for you guyseecially if they haven't done them a lot before. these guys have to make money, so if they spend time on your project and can't get the job done they are wasting their own time and yours. Who would want to take this on before Labor Day weekend? Regardless you're all right, it can be done simply though its not "easy"

 

[RadicalTactical]

I was all set to do my 05 sport 4x4, but my bro in law said, take it to Kaufman Tire, he's a DM for them. They quoted me 150$ to install the spacers, 65 for alignment. I would try any suspension shop, look for the shops with lifted trucks out front. I also have the XREAS. It will be coming out this fall for a ToyTec lift. Good luck.

 

[Stone5_T4R]

LobstaMobsta - I understand what you are saying. A spacer lift can be more of a pain in the rear, but a shop that takes on the job and tells me when to bring it in(I didn't choose the Friday before labor day), keeps the vehicle ALL day and then says it can't be done just isn't right. Especially when I notice that my truck never moved from where I parked it. Even the lug nut key was still in the same exact spot on the console. There's a little more to the story but I won't even go into it because I'm over it now.
I found a shop that installed my lift with absolutely NO problem. Just needed to keep shopping around for a place that was familiar with it. Extremely pleased with it. I'll start a new "build thread" instead of posting pics here. Also, if anyone needs a recommendation to a shop in NoVa PM me. Might save you some time and $$$.