BJ Spacer questions? I Know I know...
02-13-2009, 04:45 AM
#1
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BJ Spacer questions? I Know I know...
I know there are 1000 threads about bjs but I cant use the search feature at work(stupid websense crap) So please no flaming LOL
I just ordered my 1.5bjs and want to know if there is anything special I need to do when installing or any other parts I should be prepared for.
I just had the s50 recall done plus tie rod assem, idler arm, and align(I love working at the dealer) and the tech is going to re-align after the spacers.
I just ordered my 1.5bjs and want to know if there is anything special I need to do when installing or any other parts I should be prepared for.
I just had the s50 recall done plus tie rod assem, idler arm, and align(I love working at the dealer) and the tech is going to re-align after the spacers.
02-13-2009, 05:49 AM
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Hi, would this help?...
http://toyotasurf.asn.au/techsite/suspension.htm
http://toyotasurf.asn.au/techsite/suspension.htm
02-13-2009, 05:50 AM
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i don't think that there are any other parts unless you want to go with a steering stabilizer. you do have to do a bit of grinding and cutting to get them in, and mess with the torsion bars to get it leveled out. other than that, bolt em up, do an alignment, and GO.
02-13-2009, 08:34 AM
#4
You need shocks that are long enough to take advantage of the new travel. I think they have to be 10" long compressed and 15" extended (but check first online). if you're relaxing the torsion bars, you need at least one spare adjuster bolt as they often break. Also, a idler arm brace (Downey Idler arm truss) is advisable (especially if you don't lower the ride height back down after the BJS install).
02-13-2009, 12:08 PM
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Per SDORI, http://sdori.com/SDORI_4WD_Spacer_Install.html (more at link)
1.Place truck on jackstands and remove wheels.
2.Remove the original ball joint hardware. Knock the studs out of the joint with a small hammer.
This is done most easily if the joint is pressed against the arm with a floor jack.
3.Unbolt the upper shock hardware.
4.Trim the lip as depicted in the above picture. An angle grinder or 4" cuttoff wheel is highly recommended.
5.Put the spacer in place, NOTCH FACING DOWNWARD and, using a floor jack to control arm height, align the ball joint and install the hardware.
6.Tighten ball joint hardware to 30 fl*lb or 40 N*m.
7.Extend the shock to see if it needs shimming. it likely will) Place the appropriate number of washers to ensure the shock does not limit down travel.
8.Tighten shock hardware.
9.Repeat for other side.
10.Re-install the wheels.
11.Put the vehicle back on the ground.
12.For low pro bumpstops only: Shim them .5" with some washers or use stock bumpstops. Failure to do so could result in damage to CV joints, shocks, or other components.
...
2.Remove the original ball joint hardware. Knock the studs out of the joint with a small hammer.
This is done most easily if the joint is pressed against the arm with a floor jack.
3.Unbolt the upper shock hardware.
4.Trim the lip as depicted in the above picture. An angle grinder or 4" cuttoff wheel is highly recommended.
5.Put the spacer in place, NOTCH FACING DOWNWARD and, using a floor jack to control arm height, align the ball joint and install the hardware.
6.Tighten ball joint hardware to 30 fl*lb or 40 N*m.
7.Extend the shock to see if it needs shimming. it likely will) Place the appropriate number of washers to ensure the shock does not limit down travel.
8.Tighten shock hardware.
9.Repeat for other side.
10.Re-install the wheels.
11.Put the vehicle back on the ground.
12.For low pro bumpstops only: Shim them .5" with some washers or use stock bumpstops. Failure to do so could result in damage to CV joints, shocks, or other components.
...
02-17-2009, 03:55 PM
#7
Hmm, there is a recall on the idler arm??
If so, can I still get that?
Mine needs to be replaced or it needs new bushings. I was wondering if it would be better to replace the entire thing or would it be good enough to rebuild it with a bushing kit???????????
Thanks
Smod
If so, can I still get that?
Mine needs to be replaced or it needs new bushings. I was wondering if it would be better to replace the entire thing or would it be good enough to rebuild it with a bushing kit???????????
Thanks
Smod
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02-17-2009, 03:59 PM
#8
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Scott, If you have never gotten anything in the mail about it, call a dealership and they'll run your vin. I got one for that recall 2 weeks after I totalled my truck 
02-17-2009, 04:01 PM
#9
Anyway, yeah I think I will give my local dealership a call and see what they can do!
Thanks Scuba!
02-17-2009, 04:18 PM
#14
Ok, I got it now! lol. If I have to put the spacers on 1st then I have to drive with the bad idler arm for a while longer. Like a week probably to give me enough time to do the BJ's and I wanted to crank the T-bars 1/2 inch and I still dunno how to crank the T-bars. lol.
Do you think the dealership would give me a rain check for the alignment?
Do you think the dealership would give me a rain check for the alignment?
02-17-2009, 04:22 PM
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If you can get an alignment after insalling spacers, why not?
Yeah, it might mean driving with bad parts for a little bit (relay rod for instance)... does that negate their responsibility?
Yeah, it might mean driving with bad parts for a little bit (relay rod for instance)... does that negate their responsibility?
02-17-2009, 04:33 PM
#17
My mechanic said the idler arm is on the verge of snapping while I'm driving and I don't want that!
Anyway. Would repairing the idler arm with the bushing kit be good? Because I can do that for $6 and in 30 minutes taking my time and save the hassle of going to the dealership that is 30 minutes away from where I live.
Anyway. Would repairing the idler arm with the bushing kit be good? Because I can do that for $6 and in 30 minutes taking my time and save the hassle of going to the dealership that is 30 minutes away from where I live.
02-17-2009, 08:06 PM
#19
Well, we looked at it and when you turn the steering wheel we watched the idler arm and it looks as if it may come apart. I bought the 5$ bushing that goes there and I'm going to replace it and see if that fixes it, if not I'm going to contact the dealer and probably put on the BJ spacers and crank the torsion bars before I bring it in.
How do I tighten the torsion bars??? Anyone have a good link? I can't seem to find much on it.
Thanks
How do I tighten the torsion bars??? Anyone have a good link? I can't seem to find much on it.
Thanks
02-18-2009, 03:34 AM
#20
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CLARIFICATION!!
The recall is for the steering relay rod not the idler arm!!
best case scenario is they also replace the tie rod assemblys
When I had mine done I had them replace the idler(on my dime) but I work at the dealer so I only paid for the part.
The recall is for the steering relay rod not the idler arm!!
best case scenario is they also replace the tie rod assemblys
When I had mine done I had them replace the idler(on my dime) but I work at the dealer so I only paid for the part.
