Just finished installing Icon springs I got from Toytec. Some observations for those of you that are considering it but not as confident in your skills as many of the members here are (and thank God they are!):
It was not difficult, not really at all. I did not use the spring compressors I got from Autozone. I used the bottle jack on the axle method. The shock and the sway bar only took a few minutes to remove, and with the bottle jack I really didn't even have to fight it. I did not remove the brake line as it never got tight. Keeping a floor jack under the differential worked well as a pivot point. This was the first time I've done this, though I did the fronts a couple of weeks ago.
I also put on (at least on the rear) 1" wheel spacers I found online. The reason I went with these instead of ST is because I already have wheels that are -12mm offset. But they still were not enough for me. The were just flush. The 1" spacers make it look just right to me. Not enough to give it the "jeep" look, but it does look tougher. And believe, me, I have read every post I could on spacers here. But I do not do any offroading. Occasionally dirt roads at slow speeds.
Tomorrow I will put on the front spacers.
Then I only have two things left to do. One is to put in the Toytec 1/2" top spacer that I forgot to put in when I installed the springs. I know I could just bump up the bottom flange to the next higher setting, but someone here said that it puts more stress on the system than adding a top spacer, and since I already have the spacers, I figure it will not go to waste.
Lastly, I have a new set of Falken 285/70R17 that I am going to put on in place of the 275 KO2s. I may have to do a BMC, put I feel pretty confident about that if it comes to it.
Well, now that I think about it, I do want a new head unit. Something that gives me the bells and whistles but looks reasonably factory. My buddy has a 2012 Tundra and his unit looks pretty sweet, so I may look for one like that. More to follow on this.
I really, REALLY want to stress how much this forum and all of you have helped me, even people that don't know me nor that I have ever contacted. Your threads and discussions are what gave me the confidence and knowledge to be able to tackle these things. You have all saved me a ton of money. so...THANKS!!!!!!
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I'm open to any suggestions from you experienced folks on the POR-15.:lookout:
Did my 80K oil change today with Castrol semi-syn 5w-30, OEM oil filter.
Pulled all skid plates off, washed them with simple green, scrub brush, and pressure washer.
Washed the under carriage of the runner really well in preparation for a serious session with POR-15 rust inhibitor/black paint tomorrow.
Also gave the engine bay a bath.
I'm open to any suggestions from you experienced folks on the POR-15.:lookout:



Fellow Chatt resident here, any advice for someone thinking about checking out those trails? How rough/difficult were they?Yesterday, ran some fun trails in the Prentice Cooper State Forest near Chattanooga on the way home from a road trip. Definitely recommend it.
Today, changed the oil & filter and the air filter then used a few paper towels, some Simple Green, and less than 10 minutes to clean up the engine bay. Posting pic from the new Imgur account I will eventually use to replace all the broken PhotoBucket links in my threads. Really can't overstate my contempt for those lowlifes.
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Last Thursday, I performed further minor mods and maintenance:Today, I did some more minor mods and maintenance:
Still missing are the rear diff breather extension and maybe a 1" front spacer lift.
- sprayed Deoxit on battery terminals
- installed Lev-o-gage clinometers
- installed HooToo WiFi travel router as off-the-grid media and storage server
- installed HIR fog lights and high beams (in the hope of avoiding the need for a light bar)
- reattached loose moulding inside front bumper just above fog lights
- performed JA's independent fog light mod
- performed JA's full-time 12V/115V mod
[*]replace about 10 missing or defective clips on plastic liner around radiator
Had the 'ole girl inspected today. Failed for my HID fog lights (kinda expected that) and for this terribly dangerous wiper blade.
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"They both need to be replaced to pass, but this one was the ripped one"
Hilariously enough, they ignored my LED low beams, nonworking parking brake and very obvious exhaust leak...
Yeaaa that's what I'm figuring.Maybe wanting a quick commission on wiper blade salesGosh, you never know with shops.
Good luck.
derekdevasia said:I always replace the wiper blades before inspection. The dealer always tries to get you on that, I've had them tell me I needed new wiper blades (only 54 bucks and they'll install them) I showed them the receipt for the wiper blades I had purchased myself just the day before and asked them to show me why they failed. They apologized and I didn't pay a cent for my state inspection