TE w/KDSS lift install questions

[STX4Runner]

I have done a lot of searching on the site to try to find answers and have read some good posts. I have a 2010 TE w/KDSS. Bilsteins for the front and a rear 1.5" spacer are on the way from Toytec. I have several questions about the install.

Can I use the same method Antman/Sp8ball used to install the spacer on the front, or will I need to use a spring compressor to put together the front Bilsteins set at 1.75" with the factory coils?
Numerous members (Jesse1983) mentioned putting lifts larger than what I am doing w/o disconnecting the KDSS sway bars. Any additional details about the installs are appreciated.

As for the rear. I am putting on a 1.5" spacer. Is a spring compressor necessary, or can the rear axle be dropped low enough to get the coil out and then back in with the additional height of the spacer w/o disconnecting anything else besides the rear shocks?

I have done lots of basic work on vehicles before, and I installed a suspension lift on an old solid axle Suburban by myself a few years ago, so I'm not worried about my ability, just some of the particulars of this vehicle.

Sorry for the long post, but I know this forum is the best place for answers and lots of us have done amazing things to our vehicles.
Thanks for any help.

 

[MT4X4]

You will have to disconnect the sway bars both front and rear to allow the suspension to droop beyond the sway bar limits to pull the suspension components out.

 

[STX4Runner]

Thanks. Do you disconnect at the brackets on the axle for the rear and at the A arms on the front?

 

[MT4X4]

That's correct. After you are done installing the suspension you will need to put your 4Runner back on the ground before attempting to install the sway bars. They will not line up at full droop.

 

[jbstrd]

I can not give any advice regarding the front Bilstein setup since I installed Icon CO's. As far as the KDSS sway bar, I would just remove them front an rear. When I installed my lift, I chose to disconnect it so I would not have the added resistance they would create when connected.

For the front, I disconnected the two bolts for the sway bar on each LCA while the vehicle was still on the ground. The sway bar will fully extend at this point, but that is okay. Once the sway bar is detached, install the front lift as you normally would. Once you have the lift installed on the front, I was able to use a combination of jacks under the control arm and the hydraulic KDSS piston in addition to ratchet straps to persuade the sway bar links back into place. You will also notice there is a hole in the bracket mount on the LCA and a corresponding cutout on the sway bar attachment piece which allows you to use a screwdriver to align the bolt holes. You will see what I am talking about once you get under there.

For the rear, you should have no problem getting your spacers installed in there without a spring compressor. You can attempt to install them without disconnecting the rear sway bar, but you may end up having to disconnect it. The rear sway bar is easier to deal with than the front, however. Remember, you can use a jack under the KDSS piston to move the sway bar up and down.

Installing my lift was a great way to learn about my vehicle. You have the right idea about researching how to do everything before you crawl under there to do it, but some of it you just have to see what works as you go.

Good luck and you can always post up questions as you go.

Jason

 

[STX4Runner]

Thanks for the advice. From other posts I have read some people held the bar in place and with ratchet straps before removing the bolts. I guess you had no ill effects from using the jack to compress the KDSS piston back to reattach the sway bar. I think if I tak emy time and think about each step I should be just fine.

 

[jbstrd]

Thanks for the advice. From other posts I have read some people held the bar in place and with ratchet straps before removing the bolts. I guess you had no ill effects from using the jack to compress the KDSS piston back to reattach the sway bar. I think if I tak emy time and think about each step I should be just fine.

Nope, no negative effects and I have read numerous posts where others compress the piston with no issues. Definitely take your time.

Good luck.

 

[Gabex35]

Subd

 

[Jesse1983]

Subd

you realize this thread hasn't had a post in a year?

 

[Antman]

[MENTION=77370]Gabex35[/MENTION]

Check here instead.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/154230-how-lift-installation-kdss-equipped-vehicles.html

 

[Gabex35]

you realize this thread hasn't had a post in a year?

yeah, just bookmarking for my install this weekend.

thanks ANTman

 

[oscarr]

installing my lift next weekend. Thanks to all for the great info on installation with KDSS !

 

[DRICHEY]

Remember to take your Roids' if your reinstalling the KDSS w/out a extra set of hands or ratchet straps. Did mine yesterday and I think I gave myself a hernia.

Curious about any info on those who removed their KDSs