installing new shocks and springs
02-19-2007, 10:55 PM
#1
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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
Last edited by Elton; 02-19-2007 at 10:57 PM.
02-19-2007, 11:32 PM
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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...
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...
Last edited by grimpy; 02-19-2007 at 11:34 PM.
02-20-2007, 12:19 AM
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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
02-20-2007, 12:28 AM
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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...
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...
02-20-2007, 12:33 AM
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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...AUTO&ihtoken=1 You definately don't want to skimp out on this...
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...AUTO&ihtoken=1 You definately don't want to skimp out on this...
02-20-2007, 04:51 AM
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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
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
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02-20-2007, 10:24 AM
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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
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
GOOD LUCK
02-20-2007, 12:03 PM
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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.
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, 12:18 PM
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[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.
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.
02-20-2007, 02:44 PM
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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
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
02-20-2007, 05:21 PM
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