Printable View
I"m mulling over getting a lift kit for my 3rd gen 4Runner. I know I can do the work myself and save a few hundred in labor. I would have to compress the springs for the front struts and the rear springs.
I've done quite a bit of reading and watching videos on compressing these springs but I'm still hesitant to do the work myself.
One the rear, can you not just lower the axle on each side enough to fit the springs? Once you disconnect the sway bars and the struts, there shouldn't be anything preventing you from dropping the axle, one side at a time, low enough to remove and replace the spring without compression. Unless of course some component hits the gas tank or something.
No advice on the front, since my vehicle doesn't have front coil springs.
I did it on my Tacoma, and helped a buddy with his Ford. I think I still have a couple spring compressors if you want to use them. (Like Irving said, I only had to compress the front coils). Lots of horror stories about injuries to DIYers, but it didn’t seem sketchy to me, just go slow and careful. But I just might be too dumb to know when to be scared.
I have only done two wheel drive chevy trucks. Like others have mentioned, go slow and be real careful. Pic below specifies what tool to use. Having the correct tool is critical.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...4runner-2.html
Attachment 75440
I've used them in the past doing a lift kit on my TJ Wrangler. I was 16 at the time and didn't think too much of it other than treating it like a loaded gun. Don't drop it, handle with care and don't look directly on top of it. Go very slow and make sure both sides are even when compressing.
Story of my life.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fentonite
I caught my Amigo on fire when I did the suspension. If you can avoid that, you'll be doing alright.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BushMasterBoy
Every vehicle will be different as far as what other components will allow you to do it with or without extra tools. I've used both the compression tool, and by way of vehicle weight and slow/easy with a jack, if you can get away with using vehicle weight I recommend that method, as you are not handling a compressed spring outside the confines of the mounting location. That being said, I never had any issues with the spring compressors.
I gotta know how.Quote:
Originally Posted by Irving
That looks much easier than a Chevy Truck. The Chevy you have to do it with the coil installed on the truck.Then remove the lower control arm. Reassembled, the coil only fits one way. Effing nerve wracking to do as the compressors have to go on the coil in exactly the right places.Make sure the coils are clean and grease free, so they can't slip. The trick is to turn one turn on the compressor, then do the other side one turn.Symmetrical compression. If the coils don't compress easily, something is wrong. The threads on the compressors have to be damage free. You can rent the tool for free from Autozone, just make sure it is serviceable. If it is abused, go find one from another store. Hope this helps.
We were heating a shock tower bolt that had probably never been turned since it first left the factory and caught the rubber bushings on fire. Probably not a big deal in retrospect, but when it's something you don't do everyday, and don't expect it felt like a big deal at the time. No one should use a torch and not expect a fire though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fentonite
Have your husband do it.....
Large springs freak me out and I'll monkey with just about anything.
I was using an OTC strut spring compressor once (a bench mounted tool which basically contains and compresses the spring with the strut assembly out of the vehicle) and had the tool fly apart while I was compressing the spring. Fortunately I was unharmed but it did take a large half inch ratchet and rip it out of my hand and send it flying to the roof of the shop.
Guess my only advice is take it slow and be really careful. Definitely stay out of the line of fire.
Quoted for truth.Quote:
Originally Posted by Irving
I'm usually more surprised if a torch doesn't make a fire.Quote:
Originally Posted by Irving
[LOL]Quote:
Originally Posted by BPTactical
Yes I could just disco all those parts and move the axle enough to get the old springs out and new springs in.
Thank you for the responses, now I just have to figure out the suspension to use.
I could get Icon or Fox or OME is inexpensive in comparison.
Sometimes you can purchase new shock/strut assemblies complete with springs (not knowing how the Toyota is configured).
I've done spring compression/installation on several vehicles over the years. Have owned, used, tossed a few different devices. It's not too difficult, just realize you have a lot of stored energy and need to treat it like a gun (mentioned above). When compressing the spring for install, I always placed it on a bench (horizontally) either end pointing in a safe direction (typically towards the neighbor's barking dog).
During the install, getting the spring lined up correctly with the existing rubber/plastic mounting parts is important prior to releasing spring tension. Slow and steady. The compression tools (discussed above) will do the trick. I use an air wrench to speed up the compression, but you need to watch out for the compressors 'walking' along the coil. They need to be kept 180-degrees opposite of each other.
Probably budget an afternoon, and make sure you share any stories with us (starting fires, yelping dogs, etc..)
Thanks. I didn't realize that. I was putting off replacing the front struts on my truck because I didn't feel like swapping the springs over. Just looked and it appears I have quite a few options for "drop in" units complete with springs, upper mount, etc. I can even get replacement units that will pick the front end of my truck 2" to level it out. Looks like I'll be upgrading my shocks and struts sooner than later.Quote:
Originally Posted by Duman
OME seems to be a pretty popular staple in the off-road (but on trail) community, especially with imports.Quote:
Originally Posted by roberth
Searching on an off-road forum (I assume you already are) or even a Toyota board will be useful for reviews and making sure you're paying $3,000 for only $500 worth in components.
I have a set of the rental compressors that I just bought and kept that I've used a few times on strut replacements.
You're welcome to use it. If you're really skittish, use three on the coil.
PM me if you need my number.
I have the tools, probably a bit farther than you'd want to drive to do the work.
OME is very popular, the pricing is much lower than Fox, King, or Icon. I've always been a proponent of "buy the best you can afford" and "don't cheap out because you'll always be disappointed".Quote:
Originally Posted by Irving
Yeah, I've read up on all the options in 4Runner, IH8mu, and Yotatech forums and the Mud forum. My hang-up is if I'm going to keep the 4Runner AND have a 2020 Wrangler Rubicon or just the Rubicon. Don't want to spend money on a truck I might sell later.