Ok after many dissapointments and conflicts, I finally got fed up and decided to get my lift proffessionally installed. Had to drive 4 hours to Chicago to a mechanic I knew, but I believe it was well worth it. I'm very satisfied with the height achieved, now all I need to do is install my diff drop. Is that really easy guys?

Well on to the pics:

Here the fronts are getting done



Here he's cutting off the rear shock because it was even impossible using a strap wrench



Here's the finished project at a rest stop:







I took a look at the cv angles, but I don't know what exactly is bad, but it doesn't look that bad I think. The fins are almost touching when the wheel is straight. Plan on getting alignment done on Monday.

Right now I think I'm too exhausted to be excited. 8 hrs of driving in one day is a lot

 

b/c of my experience, i would wait about 500 miles before getting an alignment so you give your new suspension time to fully settle.

 

I think the 300 mile drive back let it settle a little

 

Rob,

It is looking good! I bet the view is better from "up there" now! Who was it that helped you?

Brian

 

awww the little rav4 that could is all grown up! congrats!

 

That looks great! All you need now is an ARB or a TJM

 

Glad you're happy with it Rob, looks great. Yes the diff drop is pretty easy.

 

Looks awesome man! Congrats on the new height..take it on the trail and take some pics for us man!

Fink

 

Good job man! I'm sorry it didn't go well for you trying it yourself. What were the problems?

Chris

 

Thanks guys, I don't think I'm gonna get an arb or tjm, I'm just not that hardcore to ever need one.

I got it installed by a mechanic that was introduced to me by another yt member.

Some of the problems were just previous plans getting canceled at the last minute, then trying to find a different place to work, and needing to get totally new tools, but after buying them I would have no place to put them. Also I didn't have an extra helping hand... bla bla bla. So a bunch of stuff.

But it's finally done! And the height difference is amazing! While driving it doesn't feel much different, going over bumps and potholes in the road feel better. But getting in and out is the part where you notice the most difference.

 

Glad to hear it all worked out for you Rob!

Chris

 

Where in Michigan are you located?

 

well I just finished putting the diff drop in. Only I can turn a 30 min. job into a 2 hour job

Surprisingly the skid plate came off rather easily, I've been told the bolts are sorta hard to undo. But then came our first problem, the p-side bolt of the diff wouldn't budge, we tried kicking, pulling, PB blaster. So finally after 15 minutes of trying to use brute strength, we went to Lowes to get a breaker bar. And once we got back, it worked on the first tug.

Our next problem was getting the old washers off the old bolts, but that was totally impossible. So we had to take ANOTHER drive to Lowes for new washers, but to get those we had to go to the bank (which is 15 min. away) for money. Finally when we get back it's getting pretty dark, and try to finish everything up. Got the spacers in, and the front bolts for the front skid, rear bolts for the rear skid, but couldn't get the middle ones in, the ones that connect the front with the rear skid. I guess I"m supposed to e-longate the rear hole or somethin Ah well.

So my last question to all y'all, is there supposed to be some noticeable difference with my cv's? Cuz I don't notice any difference at all. Actually right now parked, with the wheel straight, the ribs on the boot are touching each other. I'm gonna take a picture of my cv's tommorrow and show you guys. I'm sure it's not a problem cuz I didn't get an insane lift. But I just wanna be on the safe side

edit: I'm in Ann Arbor

 

I drive past Ann Arbor once every 2 months on business trips to Port Clinton, OH. I've had a suspension lift on my truck for about 5 years at least and have never had a problem with the CV boots wearing down. Although I don't know if the characteristics of the 3rd gen's and 2nd gen's are the same. I still check them every 3 months to make sure.

 

Interesting. I guess I should have mentioned getting a breaker bar. Oh well, live and learn!

I also had problems getting the two skid bolts in that you mention. I just leave them out.

I'd like to see pics of the boots too. Keep in mind that they will settle out over the next few weeks. I'm sure you're OK with 881's but just keep an eye out for grease spatter.

 

hey billybop how far are you from Ann Arbor? We should meet up, I"m trying to organize a Michigan meet and greet, but it's kinda hard with everyone so spread out. There's a couple guys by detroit that would meet up, there's a guy out near kalamazoo with a supercharged 3rd Gen, and he just dropped in an ACT clutch a few weeks ago.

We should go wheelin!

 

I live in Grand Haven Township. That would be awesome to hook up with some fellow runners, if your planning a meet I'm definately in.

Oh by the way I'm about 2 1/2 hours away from you.

 

I sent you a pm.

if you have aim, IM me on azdragon09

 

PM back at ya, be nice to round up some other runners in the Michigan area.

 

you guys keep speaking of 'diff drops' would this be the same diff drops that would be needed for a oil pan gasket change? what is involved. sorry, not tryin to change topic. thanks, ~KyLe