I replaced my rear coils yesterday, and thought I'd pass on a tip.... I'm sure many of you know this, but for those who don't I hope it helps....

After you remove the tire, put the spring compressor on the coil before lowering the axle away from the frame (you need to support the frame with a jack stand). Then, when you start lowering the axle, the coil will be held compressed -- otherwise, it takes a long time to compress a fully extended coil to the point of being able to remove it.

When installing the new coil, compress it with the coil compressors and get it into place, and then start raising the axle up to the frame. When the coil makes contact at the top and bottom, you will only have to make a few turns with a wrench to get the compressor removed.

I learned this AFTER doing one side..... The second side took an hour less time

 

Awesome! I'm going to be doing this soon in a gravel driveway so any tips are helpful. Thank you

 

any advice on a good compressor? i'm weary of getting some chinese pos and yet don't have the bucks for sk/proto/mac

thanks.

 

There are a few local auto parts stores here that loan tools out (with a deposit of course) and they are usually of good quality. Maybe check into that? It's helped me not have to buy tools when I didn't have the money or knew the chances of me using them again would be very far and few between.

 

Autozone and other will loan tools for free, with a deposit of course.

 

Never used a coil compressor removing or installing rear coils. No need to use them for rear coils on a Toyota.

:wabbit2:

 

My one-time experience mirrors Wabbit's endless verification. You do not need a spring compressor for these trucks. Unbolt the shocks, sway bar, brake line (not uncouple just un-bolt the hardline to get more slack)... then you can push one side of the axel down, swap the coils by hand, and then do the other side. Second side might be a little harder, especially with lift coils, but you still don't need a spring compressor. Use your triceps a bit.

 

After unbolting the shocks, etc., if your triceps aren't strong enough, that little screw jack that Toyota includes under your rear seat (remember it) for changing tires is the perfect tool for pushing the axle down that last little bit so the spring will go in. Just chuck a big spade bit into your cordless drill, insert it in the slot of the jack, put the jack in between the axle and frame, and crank it until the spring will slide out/in. Just be careful you don't push too hard with the jack, and watch those brake lines.

Ron