UPS drops are complete - I have the Sonoran Steel Econo front kit, and OME 890s, N86s, 10mm trim packers, and the SS adjustable trac bar.
Local shop wants $250 just to swap front end parts and align.
So, I want to tackle this myself, but what should I look out for on a 3rd gen 4Runner?
I hear the rear shocks are a pain to remove, how about getting new ones in?
Anything on the front end to look out for? Should I replace anything while I have it all apart?
Should I extend the rear brake lines with the 890 coils and 10mm spacers?
I plan on doing this job over a few days, back end first, then front end.

So what did you guys see/do on your 3rd gen runners that you can offer up as advice for this type of project?
Thanks in advance


Oh- and if anyone with experience in the Portland OR, VAncouver WA area wants to help me out, I have Coors and BBQ brisket...

 

Before you start anything, go out and give all the nuts and bolts a good soak in PB blaster. That way, they can be loosening up while you're planning your attack.

 

The rear shocks absolutely suck to remove, there's simply no room to get to the top bolts. Expect to get pissy. If the front coils/struts are not pre-assembled, you'll have to compress the springs to get them together (or take them to a shop to have it done). That's the worst part about the front. The install for the fronts is pretty easy, just remove the 4 bolts that hold the lower ball joints on and then you can then get the old strut assemblies out and the new ones in.

Note: You don't have to separate the lower BJs (as in press them out/in), just undo the bolts and let it hang, put the struts in and bolt back up. Do yourself a favor and don't touch the upper ball joints at all.

Also, when you put the fronts on, make sure that the threads on the lower shock bolts are facing away from the CVs otherwise you could snag them.

Mmmmm... Coors and BBQ brisket. I wish I was up there!

 

OK cool. Thanks.
Any locktite on the Ball joint bolts on install?

 

When i did the rear shocks I used a chain wrench, and twisted them so the shaft snapped at the bolt, so easy, then just grabbed to bolt off and went, if you wont reuse them id recommend trying this

 

wont that warp the metal the shock bolts to?

 

I didn't use loctite, but I don't think it's a bad idea if you just use a tiny bit.

 

i too didnt plan on doing anything with the rear shocks so i just grabbed a wheel grinder and cut em off. much easier to deal with this way

x2 on PB blaster and locktite