installing new shocks and springs

Elton · 02-19-2007, 11:55 PM

just how hard would it be to replace both front and rear shocks and springs do i need to get a spring compressor or can i just take the weight off the axles and drop the spring out that way ? i dont have clue on how to do it i would like to do it myself to save some money as i dont have any freinds around here to lend a hand

grimpy · 02-20-2007, 12:32 AM

I did my install myself... A helper would have made it three times easier!

Only the rears would drop out... The fronts will need a spring compressor. Air tools make the work alot easier.

First time I did the suspension on the 4Runner, it was a pita w/o air tools... Second time... I had air tools and had the springs off the shocks in about 15 minutes.

With no prev. experience, no help, and no air tools... I would strongly recommend having it professionally done unless you are ready for a good 4-8 hours of misery...

Elton · 02-20-2007, 01:06 AM

well i guess i may as well have a shop do it just not sure where to go not alot of places around here

Elton · 02-20-2007, 01:19 AM

what if i where to get this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95310 and this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=3980

grimpy · 02-20-2007, 01:28 AM

It's actually very do-able though... Just a pita if it's your first time... If there aren't many places around you... they might charge you an arm and a leg... :X

I've done over 15 suspension installs from BMW's, Acura's, Honda's, and Toyota's... I would say the 4Runner is one of the easiest simply because almost everything is right in front of you.

All you need are the proper sized tools... a 3lb sledge hammer, fitted gloves, a 2+ ton floor jack would be nice, jack stands, PB Blaster, and spring compressor.

With this said... I wouldn't pay more than $200 to have it done professionally, heck at $150... I probably wouldn't either...

grimpy · 02-20-2007, 01:33 AM

The impact wrench requires an air compressor... If you have air tools... It would be alot easier!

As far as the spring compressor goes... I would recommend getting a more expensive set... I have the craftsman http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ... UTO&ihtoken=1 You definately don't want to skimp out on this...

gpcollen1 · 02-20-2007, 05:51 AM

Doing the rears is relatively easy.

Doing the fronts - I recommend taking the units out complete. That means only removing the top 3 nuts and the bottom bolt. Bring them to a shop and have them swap the components.

I was having a bear of a time with my spring compressor -- think i was stripping a nut. So I brought them to my buddy's shop - Subaru . Used their machine and it took all of 10 minutes for both - SAFE and easy!

G

FUZION · 02-20-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpcollen1

Doing the rears is relatively easy.

Doing the fronts - I recommend taking the units out complete. That means only removing the top 3 nuts and the bottom bolt. Bring them to a shop and have them swap the components.

I was having a bear of a time with my spring compressor -- think i was stripping a nut. So I brought them to my buddy's shop - Subaru . Used their machine and it took all of 10 minutes for both - SAFE and easy!

G

:bigclap:

GOOD LUCK

Elton · 02-20-2007, 11:32 AM

im going to get some prices qoutes just you wait to hear what they charge here on the cost

frodin1 · 02-20-2007, 12:52 PM

I found that you need to have jack stands tall enough to make it possible to drop the axle down far enough.

Localmotion · 02-20-2007, 01:03 PM

do not use that impact gun on the spring compressor...if you do, you will break it. I used it and it broke.

ALso, invest in some nicer ones or again, they will break.

If you have never done it before or anyone with you have not done it, i wouldnt suggest you doing it on your own. You will also need to install the diff drop. Ask for help, maybe locals will be able to help.

gpcollen1 · 02-20-2007, 01:18 PM

[quote=Localmotion;50439658]do not use that impact gun on the spring compressor...if you do, you will break it. I used it and it broke.

ALso, invest in some nicer ones or again, they will break.

QUOTE]

I did see a set in Sears the other day that looked a bit beefier than the ones I have.

Elton · 02-20-2007, 03:32 PM

alright i got a quote for 200 bucks and the local import shop

seanz0rz · 02-20-2007, 03:44 PM

dont get the harbor frieght compressors, i blew the nuts off of them with my impact gun. horrible product

rent them from autozone or kragen/checkers/schucks. actually, rent two pair, it makes it so much easier!!!!!! you can use an impact gun on these. they are 43 bucks, get all your money back when you return them, even if you break them

Elton · 02-20-2007, 03:47 PM

lol im not going to do it just wish i lived else where so i would have someone that could help me

seanz0rz · 02-20-2007, 04:04 PM

if you wait till the summer... where exactly are you in oregon? off the 101 or 5?

huskres · 02-20-2007, 05:37 PM

if you do a 3 inch lift on a runner do you still have to do a diff drop?

Elton · 02-20-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanz0rz

if you wait till the summer... where exactly are you in oregon? off the 101 or 5?

about a 2+ hour drive from I 5

Elton · 02-20-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huskres

if you do a 3 inch lift on a runner do you still have to do a diff drop?

i would there cheap

02-19-2007, 11:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toledo,Oregon Posts: 9,144	installing new shocks and springs just how hard would it be to replace both front and rear shocks and springs do i need to get a spring compressor or can i just take the weight off the axles and drop the spring out that way ? i dont have clue on how to do it i would like to do it myself to save some money as i dont have any freinds around here to lend a hand __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto mom 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck Last edited by Elton : 02-19-2007 at 11:57 PM.

02-20-2007, 12:32 AM	#2 (permalink)
grimpy Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SoCal Posts: 668	I did my install myself... A helper would have made it three times easier! Only the rears would drop out... The fronts will need a spring compressor. Air tools make the work alot easier. First time I did the suspension on the 4Runner, it was a pita w/o air tools... Second time... I had air tools and had the springs off the shocks in about 15 minutes. With no prev. experience, no help, and no air tools... I would strongly recommend having it professionally done unless you are ready for a good 4-8 hours of misery... __________________ 2007 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 TRD Sport 6speed Pro Comp 6" - Bilstein 5100 front 18x9 Moto Metal 951B - 325/60/18 NTG Pro Comp Skid - Lund Grill Cover 17x10 Weld EVO Velociti 6 soon Last edited by grimpy : 02-20-2007 at 12:34 AM.*

02-20-2007, 01:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toledo,Oregon Posts: 9,144	well i guess i may as well have a shop do it just not sure where to go not alot of places around here __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto mom 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

02-20-2007, 01:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toledo,Oregon Posts: 9,144	what if i where to get this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95310 and this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=3980 __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto mom 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

02-20-2007, 01:28 AM	#5 (permalink)
grimpy Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SoCal Posts: 668	It's actually very do-able though... Just a pita if it's your first time... If there aren't many places around you... they might charge you an arm and a leg... :X I've done over 15 suspension installs from BMW's, Acura's, Honda's, and Toyota's... I would say the 4Runner is one of the easiest simply because almost everything is right in front of you. All you need are the proper sized tools... a 3lb sledge hammer, fitted gloves, a 2+ ton floor jack would be nice, jack stands, PB Blaster, and spring compressor. With this said... I wouldn't pay more than $200 to have it done professionally, heck at $150... I probably wouldn't either... __________________ 2007 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 TRD Sport 6speed Pro Comp 6" - Bilstein 5100 front 18x9 Moto Metal 951B - 325/60/18 NTG Pro Comp Skid - Lund Grill Cover 17x10 Weld EVO Velociti 6 *soon

02-20-2007, 01:33 AM	#6 (permalink)
grimpy Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SoCal Posts: 668	The impact wrench requires an air compressor... If you have air tools... It would be alot easier! As far as the spring compressor goes... I would recommend getting a more expensive set... I have the craftsman http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ... UTO&ihtoken=1 You definately don't want to skimp out on this... __________________ 2007 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 TRD Sport 6speed Pro Comp 6" - Bilstein 5100 front 18x9 Moto Metal 951B - 325/60/18 NTG Pro Comp Skid - Lund Grill Cover 17x10 Weld EVO Velociti 6 *soon

02-20-2007, 05:51 AM	#7 (permalink)
gpcollen1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Connecticut (NY State of Mind) Posts: 360	Doing the rears is relatively easy. Doing the fronts - I recommend taking the units out complete. That means only removing the top 3 nuts and the bottom bolt. Bring them to a shop and have them swap the components. I was having a bear of a time with my spring compressor -- think i was stripping a nut. So I brought them to my buddy's shop - Subaru . Used their machine and it took all of 10 minutes for both - SAFE and easy! G __________________ '99 SR5 Sport - Desert Dune: AirRaid MIT, OEM Air Filter, Toyo 265/75/16 ATs, Deckplate, PP Springs and Bilsteins, Cheapo nerf bars, Injector replacement impending

02-20-2007, 11:32 AM	#9 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toledo,Oregon Posts: 9,144	im going to get some prices qoutes just you wait to hear what they charge here on the cost __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto mom 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

02-20-2007, 12:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
frodin1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NOW, Havasu! Posts: 1,071	I found that you need to have jack stands tall enough to make it possible to drop the axle down far enough.

02-20-2007, 01:03 PM	#11 (permalink)
Localmotion Banned Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 7	do not use that impact gun on the spring compressor...if you do, you will break it. I used it and it broke. ALso, invest in some nicer ones or again, they will break. If you have never done it before or anyone with you have not done it, i wouldnt suggest you doing it on your own. You will also need to install the diff drop. Ask for help, maybe locals will be able to help.

02-20-2007, 01:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
gpcollen1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Connecticut (NY State of Mind) Posts: 360	[quote=Localmotion;50439658]do not use that impact gun on the spring compressor...if you do, you will break it. I used it and it broke. ALso, invest in some nicer ones or again, they will break. QUOTE] I did see a set in Sears the other day that looked a bit beefier than the ones I have. __________________ '99 SR5 Sport - Desert Dune: AirRaid MIT, OEM Air Filter, Toyo 265/75/16 ATs, Deckplate, PP Springs and Bilsteins, Cheapo nerf bars, Injector replacement impending

02-20-2007, 03:32 PM	#13 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toledo,Oregon Posts: 9,144	alright i got a quote for 200 bucks and the local import shop __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto mom 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

02-20-2007, 03:44 PM	#14 (permalink)
seanz0rz Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cal Poly Pomona or Redlands, CA Posts: 1,291	dont get the harbor frieght compressors, i blew the nuts off of them with my impact gun. horrible product rent them from autozone or kragen/checkers/schucks. actually, rent two pair, it makes it so much easier!!!!!! you can use an impact gun on these. they are 43 bucks, get all your money back when you return them, even if you break them __________________ 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 4x4 in Evergreen Pearl Metallic, Sonoran Steel #1, 285/75R16 BFG A/T, Elocker retrofit, Tundra calipers, brembo blanks, hawk lts pads, CarPC in custom center console with molded Indash touchscreen, KC daylighters mounted on Surco Safari rack, Custom sound system, 4xinnovation sliders, sleeping platform, Shrockworks front bumper, 1" 4crawler body lift, etc. Pictures Photobucket is being updated, if a picture i posted no longer works, please PM me.

02-20-2007, 03:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toledo,Oregon Posts: 9,144	lol im not going to do it just wish i lived else where so i would have someone that could help me __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto mom 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

02-20-2007, 04:04 PM	#16 (permalink)
seanz0rz Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cal Poly Pomona or Redlands, CA Posts: 1,291	if you wait till the summer... where exactly are you in oregon? off the 101 or 5? __________________ 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 4x4 in Evergreen Pearl Metallic, Sonoran Steel #1, 285/75R16 BFG A/T, Elocker retrofit, Tundra calipers, brembo blanks, hawk lts pads, CarPC in custom center console with molded Indash touchscreen, KC daylighters mounted on Surco Safari rack, Custom sound system, 4xinnovation sliders, sleeping platform, Shrockworks front bumper, 1" 4crawler body lift, etc. Pictures Photobucket is being updated, if a picture i posted no longer works, please PM me.

02-20-2007, 05:37 PM	#17 (permalink)
huskres Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 71	if you do a 3 inch lift on a runner do you still have to do a diff drop?