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Self-Install 5100's?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by NumNutz, Nov 20, 2008.

?

Install the 5100's on my own or pay a shop?

  1. Install with a friend

    79.2%
  2. No, you are mechanically retarded (won't be offended)

    20.8%
  1. Nov 20, 2008 at 8:51 AM
    #1
    NumNutz

    NumNutz [OP] One of the original 7928

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    Lots.
    I am debating whether when I order my 5100's to install them myself. I want to but I really don't want to screw up. Just convince me one way or the other. I have done a few things on my own like debadge the truck and halo lights but I still don't know if I am ready to take this on. Answer the question as if it was your truck please.
     
  2. Nov 20, 2008 at 8:53 AM
    #2
    Dark Knight

    Dark Knight Well-Known Member

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    A few bolts are different.
    Get the springs mounted on the shock by a local shop and do the rest yourself. Its not bad, just depends on how wrench savvy you are. but In the end I always want to do installs myself.
     
  3. Nov 20, 2008 at 9:01 AM
    #3
    LonghornTaco

    LonghornTaco Can you pass the bailout please?

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    +1! Don't try to compress the springs yourself. Take it to a shop - minimal cost (cost me $40). But, the rest you can do yourself. It's super simple!

    You just need a way to get to/from the shop to get your springs compressed since you won't be able to drive without your front suspension... :eek::)
     
  4. Nov 20, 2008 at 9:01 AM
    #4
    SocalMan22

    SocalMan22 Well-Known Member

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    What Mods!
    Didnt have tools or time to install so thats why i had someone install for me
     
  5. Nov 20, 2008 at 9:09 AM
    #5
    LonghornTaco

    LonghornTaco Can you pass the bailout please?

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    That could be a barrier, although you don't really need any specialty tools. I had to get a couple of things, but from memory, you need:

    torque bar to break loose some torqued components
    torque wrench to re-tourque everything when reassembled
    19MM socket for the bottom nut of the strut
    21MM socket for the bottom bolt of the strut
    14MM socket for the three nuts on the top of the shock tower
    12MM socket for the skid plate removal
    14MM socket for the swaybar brackets

    I think this is all I used. You might need more sizes if you decide to remove/replace the UCAs, but I think these are all I needed. There might have been a 23MM socket needed too, but don't remember...
     
  6. Nov 20, 2008 at 9:27 AM
    #6
    hsc001

    hsc001 Well-Known Member

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    dude i put on my toytec lift kit with a freind and it was a pain. If you dont have an impact gun then dont try it. I went a got the rent a tool from advanced to compress the coil springs and it was not a good time.
     
  7. Nov 20, 2008 at 9:27 AM
    #7
    SocalMan22

    SocalMan22 Well-Known Member

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    What Mods!
    true but i live in an apartment i would get shit if i worked on my truck putting my light bar on raised eyebrows
     
  8. Nov 20, 2008 at 9:35 AM
    #8
    LonghornTaco

    LonghornTaco Can you pass the bailout please?

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    I guess each person's experience is different. Mine wasn't hard, it just took a long time. About 8 hours, but we goofed off a bit... However, that 8 hours was worth the $200-$300 I saved by having someone else install it (if it could be done that cheap). I also got a set of spring compressors and tried to do that myself, but gave up after about 5 minutes and when the bolts started to bend :eek:. So, that I took somewhere to have done.

    I also live in an apartment with an underground garage. Luckily, they haven't said anything to me yet - knock on wood.... When I installed my lift, I asked the guy parked next to me if he would park outside that night so I could use both spots. But, the hard (somewhat messy) stuff is done. All I have left to do in my truck is all inside stuff now.
     
  9. Nov 20, 2008 at 2:44 PM
    #9
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    install them yourself........rear are easy. for the fronts....take the coil assy. out and take it to a shop and get them to swap the shocks out for ya. it'll save you some $$$!
     
  10. Nov 20, 2008 at 3:01 PM
    #10
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner Are these black helicopters for me?

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    oil change...
    install the rear yourself, have shop do the front!
     
  11. Nov 20, 2008 at 4:42 PM
    #11
    Evil Monkey

    Evil Monkey There's an evil monkey in my truck

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    Can you use Miramar's Auto Hobby Shop?
     
  12. Nov 20, 2008 at 4:45 PM
    #12
    SocalMan22

    SocalMan22 Well-Known Member

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    What Mods!
    I could of but it was timing was going to ocotillo that weekend school and work kept me busy.
     
  13. Nov 20, 2008 at 4:48 PM
    #13
    M2M

    M2M Well-Known Member

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    my shop did it for 150, including greasing the front and rotating my tires -
    I drive 25 - 30 K a year and for me, it's not worth it
    to do anything even oil changes myself
     
  14. Nov 20, 2008 at 4:59 PM
    #14
    grivera

    grivera Well-Known Member

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    I asked a similar question in a different thread. As of right now, I'm gonna ask the dealer to install the front shocks (5100s) when they do the rear leaf spring TSB- Mine is a non TRD and the TSB calls for replacing all four shocks. I called and the service manager at Annapolis Toyota and he said it should not be a problem. Hopefully the tech that does the TSB will set the fronts at 1.75" like I want. I would also like to get the 4 Blisteins they provide with the TSB as extras for future use (or ebay)- I wonder if they'd give them to me.

    If you haven't had the rear TSB done, you may want to ask the dealer as above. Plus you get a free alignment out of it...
     
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  15. Nov 20, 2008 at 5:46 PM
    #15
    jolayiv

    jolayiv Carolina Alliance

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    I say do it yourself. You have to get your hands dirty to call her yours.
     
  16. Nov 20, 2008 at 5:49 PM
    #16
    LonghornTaco

    LonghornTaco Can you pass the bailout please?

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    +1... I feel so much more attached to mine now... :)
     
  17. Nov 20, 2008 at 5:53 PM
    #17
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    AGREED!
    Do it your self. It will give you confidance, and you will be encouraged to tackle other things down the line, saveing you money, and allowing you to do more mods. :D
     
  18. Nov 20, 2008 at 5:56 PM
    #18
    LonghornTaco

    LonghornTaco Can you pass the bailout please?

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    As I said in another thread, now that I've done the suspension, I want to start tearing apart a motor, learn how it works and put it back together...

    It's addicting!

    So, if you don't have a lot of money, then maybe you SHOULD have someone else do it... Probably cheaper than therapy. :D
     
  19. Nov 20, 2008 at 6:03 PM
    #19
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Thats how I learned. :D
    Hint: Dont tear apart the motor which is going to be needed to get you to work the next day. :eek:
     
  20. Jul 2, 2009 at 8:34 AM
    #20
    Veccster

    Veccster bass turds

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    I'll be doing this myself as well (actually with a brother-in-law who is a mechanic).

    How do we know the specs of what to torque everything back down to? Or do you just put a little muscle in to it?
     

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