Suspension Overhaul; special tools helpful ?

[jdkilroy]

I'm getting ready to change out my suspension front and rear. I've done my research (tons of info here &120) but I'm wondering if you guys have any tricks or special tools that you use to make the job go a little smoother.

Such as: Spring compressor: make the job easier or really not needed ? (I can borrow one from local auto parts store)

Tie rod puller: I don't want to trash the boots or should I just get new ones and have 'em on hand? (I think I can borrow one of these as well)

I've got the hand tools, torque wrenches, first aid kit, duct tape, etc; and I've done loads of basic maintenance projects (brakes, rebuilt VW engine and such) I've just never done a suspension job.

I've also recorded all my base line measurements for stock/unloaded condition.

Thanks for any tips.

Here's before... after to follow:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Nothing special needed. I just used a couple good blows with a hammer to separate the ball joint for the ucas (after spending 30 minutes trying to separate it with a tie rod puller). Spring compressor really isn't required, but may help on the rear. A set of ratcheting wrenches is a big help for the front. Good luck with the install!

 

[settytb]

I would get a 2x4 about 6 feet long to pry the Lower control arm down...but other than that just standard wrenches and stuff...

 

[marcus6867]

i would get a buddy to help you, there was a few times I needed an extra hand or another set of eyes to help. Have Fun!

 

[jdkilroy]

I got the penetrating oil today; treating every nut, bolt and screw that appears even remotely related to the suspension. I'm hoping this PB Blaster stuff is as good as I've heard.

Should I try to borrow an impact wrench or is that not really needed. (I have air)

My understanding is that the V8's came with poly sway bar bushings so there really isn't any point in changing those out while everything is apart ? (I am looking into getting heavy duty links)

I appreciate the tips, thanks

 

[emelianenkov]

I got the penetrating oil today; treating every nut, bolt and screw that appears even remotely related to the suspension. I'm hoping this PB Blaster stuff is as good as I've heard.

Should I try to borrow an impact wrench or is that not really needed. (I have air)

My understanding is that the V8's came with poly sway bar bushings so there really isn't any point in changing those out while everything is apart ? (I am looking into getting heavy duty links)

I appreciate the tips, thanks

PB blaster is a lifesaver!

Impact wrenches work if your nuts and bolts aren't too rusty. I broke my finger when mine got away from me, and I'm no weakling haha. Everything is rusted to hell for me though.

A long pipe or a breaker bar would really help!

 

[liqourish]

air tools will help break open sway bar nuts, mines were stuck. pull out air rachet and out it goes in a few seconds. also works all over

 

[jdkilroy]

emelianenkov: You and I have the same corrosion issues; my only advantage is that my Runner has less than 25k miles on it so I'm cautiously optimistic.

Sounds like air tools (impact wrench) may be handy to have available.

 

[emelianenkov]

emelianenkov: You and I have the same corrosion issues; my only advantage is that my Runner has less than 25k miles on it so I'm cautiously optimistic.

Sounds like air tools (impact wrench) may be handy to have available.

Really? What year do you have?

I'm trashing my xreas because I'm getting a lean to the driver's side now and because of this

These look way better :bigok:

 

[jdkilroy]

@ emelianenkov: I have a 2008 (originally bought in 2007) but the guy that owned it is a Commander of a State Police Bomb Squad Unit so he spent most of his time in a big bomb squad truck. He traded it in to get a pick-up to haul a big camper. The rig was spotless when I got it with a little less than 21K mi. I guess anyone who's worried about whether to cut the red wire or the blue wire first is probably pretty meticulous.

Those new Bilsteins look sweet. Are you going to leave the boots on them? I was told by one of the guys at OW that the boots could actually cause more harm that good in wet environments and that they are really intended for frequent exposure to sand/dust or abrasive environments. Not sure if that applies to the Bilsteins but it made sense.

 

[emelianenkov]

@ emelianenkov: I have a 2008 (originally bought in 2007) but the guy that owned it is a Commander of a State Police Bomb Squad Unit so he spent most of his time in a big bomb squad truck. He traded it in to get a pick-up to haul a big camper. The rig was spotless when I got it with a little less than 21K mi. I guess anyone who's worried about whether to cut the red wire or the blue wire first is probably pretty meticulous.

Those new Bilsteins look sweet. Are you going to leave the boots on them? I was told by one of the guys at OW that the boots could actually cause more harm that good in wet environments and that they are really intended for frequent exposure to sand/dust or abrasive environments. Not sure if that applies to the Bilsteins but it made sense.

I picked up my 2005 in October of 2010 with 20k on it.... Let that sink in for a second.... HOW are the miles so low!?!? I'm still convinced the first owner was the mythical "little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays".

Judging by all the rain and puddles I go through with all this ****ty MA weather of late, I might not run the boots. I like how they look though. I dunno... Aren't they sealed when they get installed?

I love the zinc plating on these bilsteins! Makes me all giddy because they're shiny and I have ADD! Woooo

 

[jdkilroy]

The boots can be sealed with a hose clamp or wire tie at installation but if even a small hole is created during use then they tend to retain any moisture that gets in there and accelerate corrosion. Especially salty moisture like we have.

We should get together and do the install; I'm only about 50 minutes north of you.

 

[mrrab]

Used an air chisel today to separate the passenger side shock assembly from the shock assembly housing. Damn thing wouldn't separate. Think some rust forged to the two pieces together. Probably wasted an 1 hour trying to figure out how to get the two separate.

Driver's side on the other hand fell right out. First time the suspension had work on it in 8 years.

 

[emelianenkov]

Used an air chisel today to separate the passenger side shock assembly from the shock assembly housing. Damn thing wouldn't separate. Think some rust forged to the two pieces together. Probably wasted an 1 hour trying to figure out how to get the two separate.

Driver's side on the other hand fell right out. First time the suspension had work on it in 8 years.

What my right hand would have given for an air chisel or oxygen torch.

I'm glad you could use em! I've had them in my trunk for about 5 months.

 

[emelianenkov]

The boots can be sealed with a hose clamp or wire tie at installation but if even a small hole is created during use then they tend to retain any moisture that gets in there and accelerate corrosion. Especially salty moisture like we have.

We should get together and do the install; I'm only about 50 minutes north of you.

You don't say! PM sent.