ooja3k said:
Im looking to get the tokico trekmasters for my 97 4runner, but i was wondering how difficult they would be to install myself...
i love working on my car and i think i could easily do it barring any special tools required, (spring compressor).
I responded to the other thread you were in, but I'll copy it in here.
Having just put in all new springs, struts, and shocks two weeks ago on my 4runner I think I can shime in here. As far as installation if you have basic mechanical skills and a decent toolbox, jackstands, and a good jack you should not have a problem. For the rear it should be a cake walk, only issue if your old stuff is really rusty...use some PB blaster a day or two before the install and that should not be a problem. The hardest part is the front, not that hard if your keeping your OEM springs. you can do one of two things, rent spring compressors it will be about an hour for each side. Or you can take it to an auto shop and they can do it for you. But since your not upgrading springs you should do it yourself.
In addition to that, remember what everything looked like when the pieces came off as far as orientation of the bushings and washers. A couple of other things to remember:
1. If the new shocks do not come with new bushings and washers you should probably buy a new set, but I think the rears come with all new stuff.
2. Make sure the springs are compressed enough to where everything is lose when dissembling and assembling the front setups.
3. The only other issues is the orientation of the front assembly...here is a good link with some good info on that..
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/bils.html .....what I mean is that make sure when your putting the front shock/springs assembly together make sure that its orientation is correct where the top mount fits (three bolts on top) and the lower shock bushing aligns with the lower mounting (one big bolt) ....make sure the orientation is correct before decompressing the spring.
Here is a good link on a guy who replaced springs and shocks all around...this is what I used as reference, since your only doing the shocks should not be a problem.
http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/4runner/4runnerlift/4runnerlift.htm
Good luck.