95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

Weekend Project (PICS)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 10:58 AM
  #1  
cbr900boy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA.
Weekend Project (PICS)

I'm going to install the shocks and coils this weekend...all by myself. Has anybody used the AutoZone coil compressor on the PP coils yet? The last thing I want to do is take it to a shop and have them do it, I don't trust anyone, I'm very anal.
Attached Thumbnails Weekend Project (PICS)-all.jpg   Weekend Project (PICS)-wheels.jpg   Weekend Project (PICS)-shocks.jpg  
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 11:14 AM
  #2  
JHRRLD's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa
Originally Posted by cbr900boy
I'm going to install the shocks and coils this weekend...all by myself. Has anybody used the AutoZone coil compressor on the PP coils yet? The last thing I want to do is take it to a shop and have them do it, I don't trust anyone, I'm very anal.
They work, but the wire on the front springs is almost too thick. I was able to do it but scratched some of that pretty yellow paint off in the process.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 11:22 AM
  #3  
pkt1213's Avatar
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
Might call around and see how much it is if you brought in the 4 strut assembelys and have the springs swapped out.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 11:24 AM
  #4  
cbr900boy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA.
Originally Posted by JHRRLD
They work, but the wire on the front springs is almost too thick. I was able to do it but scratched some of that pretty yellow paint off in the process.
JHRRLD, so even with the taller PP coils, you were able to compress it enough to get the top plate on? You have any pics of your rig?
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 11:27 AM
  #5  
toy_tek's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
I rented two sets of coil spring compressors and used all four on one spring. I can't believe how bowed they were. Be careful. Use eye protection, gloves, and don't position that spring so either end is pointing toward your body.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 12:21 PM
  #6  
pkt1213's Avatar
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 111db
I rented two sets of coil spring compressors and used all four on one spring. I can't believe how bowed they were. Be careful. Use eye protection, gloves, and don't position that spring so either end is pointing toward your body.
+1 Word.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 12:34 PM
  #7  
HairyTheWombat's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Centerville, Utah
Originally Posted by pkt1213
+1 Word.
x2(+1x³) word ↑

put up some pics of the process. would be a good resource.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 01:37 PM
  #8  
mudnsnow's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Menasha, WI
I tried using the autozone compressors, but they scared me! they were so bowed and didn't really get the compression you need. i took them in and got it done for $40 for the fronts
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2007 | 01:46 PM
  #9  
toy_tek's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
Thats why you need 4
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2007 | 10:51 AM
  #10  
cbr900boy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA.
I'll be sure to post up before and after pics.
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2007 | 02:51 PM
  #11  
Greedy's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 495
Likes: 2
From: Woodinville, WA
I used the rental spring compressors on the OME springs which are just as if not stiffer than the pp ones. And yeah, they bowed like crazy. If you have an impact wrench it will save you alot of cranking on the compressors - also, be sure to tighten them evenly - one side a little bit and then the other.
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2007 | 07:42 PM
  #12  
Mr.Dabadina's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington, IN
I started compressing my fronts to take off the 881s and about 20 minutes in (the springs hadn't even moved) so I said screw it. First guy offered to do it for $55, I just laughed and said thanks but no thanks. Second shop said $20, when I got there I talked to him about how horrible of a 20 minutes it was, and when he was done only charged me $10. He probably pocketed it, but who cares, worked out for both of us.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2007 | 04:45 AM
  #13  
pkt1213's Avatar
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
Good job.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2007 | 12:16 AM
  #14  
cbr900boy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA.
Well, part 1 of the weekend project is done.



Here she is on stands.



PP 1" coils with Tokico Shocks (Front).



PP 1" coils with Tokico Shocks (Rear). I also used OME 10mm trim packers, so it sits a little higher in the rear.



Here is the final product. It took me about 6 hours since I did it by myself. I also removed the runningboards.



I wanted a mild lift since my rig is a 2WD, mainly for aesthetic reasons. The Performance Products Coils were the perfect solution. Based on the research I did on this forum, I also installed OME 10mm trim packers in the rear since most of the members stated that their rigs sat slightly lower in the rear. The combination was perfect as you can see. The ride almost feels like stock and I don’t have any issues with vibrations on the freeway due to the extension of the 2WD shaft. After the lift I did notice positive camber in the front, but I hope an alignment will take care of that. I am also debating if I need to adjust the panhard bar because the difference is minute.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2007 | 01:37 AM
  #15  
One_96TR4's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 439
Likes: 1
From: Brampton, Ontario
Truck looks great. As far as the panhard is concerned I wouldn't worry about it. It should be fine with such a mild lift.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2007 | 02:32 AM
  #16  
dropzone's Avatar
Fossilized
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 19,771
Likes: 456
From: PNW
Nice, subtle improvement. It is always satisfying get the work done yourself. IMO it will look good with the new wheels.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2007 | 06:06 AM
  #17  
Skrillah's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington,Indiana
How'd you like the Tokico?

Also, any troubles with install?
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2007 | 07:06 AM
  #18  
Sloan's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
i defiantly think i might consider doing this lift to mine later on. i really like the level stance it gave your 2WD.
would it have sit even more level though w/o the 10mm OME in the back?

looks great by the way!

Last edited by Sloan; Dec 23, 2007 at 07:09 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2007 | 07:36 AM
  #19  
BajaRunner's Avatar
Contributing Member
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,122
Likes: 6
From: 5th Gen San Diegan, California
Nice job. I bet the Tokicos and PP springs will greatly improve the ride/handling of the rig.

Its interesting to note that the front PP springs touch at the upper wraps. I would think that they would be close, but, not actually touching. I wonder what the benefit is of doing this.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2007 | 08:19 AM
  #20  
cbr900boy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA.
Originally Posted by Skrillah
How'd you like the Tokico?

Also, any troubles with install?
Skrillah, the only trouble I had was compressing the springs, it was a pain in the arse. Tokicos ride smooth, almost like stock, not harsh at all.
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:55 AM.