Old Man Emu: Questions, Answers & Pictures

Anyone have good directions on assembling the shocks and struts? I just want to make sure I do it the right way, I have an assembly tool. Just cant seem to find any directions

 

Just canceled the UCA's, really thought I had this figured out.

Now it seems like if I put everything on but the top spacers I'd have even more rake than stock, whereas i was under the impression I would have slightly less rake than stock but have about 2" lift all around hopefully without the lean.

 

I have a sport, stock is 265/65/17. I was under the impression as is I could go up to 265/70/17 without any concerns stock.

My overall goal would be to lift it 1 1/2 - 2" all around but be level. Sounds like I may have wasted a lot of money and just need to do 1500's and level the front instead.

Most of the questions I would have asked prepurchase had already been asked and either unanswered or replied to with "do a search". So rather than repeat the questions I read just about every thread pertaining to my search criteria, most threads with 884's etc. and came to this conclusion.

 

Screw the spring compressor. I always share this video when people ask about assembly. Might not be what you're looking for but good info nonetheless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc

 

If you want 1.5 - 2" of lift the 884s are a great choice but you won't need new UCAs to get a proper alignment. FWIW my first lift was 884s with 5100 set at zero (OME shocks would work too just more expensive), no new UCAs, and the 4 leaf pack TSB and the picture I shared above was the output. My 265/75 r16s rubbed the mudflaps a little so those were removed. The ride was great on and off the pavement.

 

Uh wut

Most guys get at least 2"

I got 2 1/2" of lift with 885's on a DCLB 4x4

 

I was being sarcastic. My experience was different and have never heard of anyone getting 2 1/2" from 884s. 2" I can agree with.

 

You may or may not have saved me $400 today, but I'll definitely be spending some of that on tylenol lol

 

Pete did you add or take any leafs out of your set?

 

Renting a spring compressor is usually free but you have to put down a deposit. Otherwise some places will charge like $20 and a deposit. Much safer than using the weight of the truck... just my .02 though

 

If I did you'll just end up spending it on some other mod

 

No

I may add the

$74 d29xl old man emu dakar extra leaf spring

d29xl though , I already have them

 

It's actually not. I've done several of these on all types of vehicles and the scariest moments I ever had was dealing with various types of spring compressors save for the high dollar hydraulic ones found at specialty shops. I assure you that if you take your time and follow the step by step way of doing this it's no more dangerous than changing your own brake pads (probably a lot less actually) and I've even shown other buddies that have done dozens of suspension installs on Tacoma trucks (1st and 2nd gen both) and when they saw it first-hand they agreed it was the easiest and safest method for changing out the front springs. It sounds far more dangerous on paper than it is and once you see or do it that way you'll never go back to compressing the spring outside of the truck with rentals or loaned equipment.

 

It's not the cost of the spring compressor I'm avoiding. I'm avoiding the shitty spring compressors they rent in my area where you tighten the two sides down and hope to F that shit holds. If it is between those two options I'll take the truck approach anytime.

 

I just paid a shop to assemble them with their hydraulic set up

 

I hope not, sounds like I already have a bunch of benchtop mods as it is.

Going to throw the fronts on, maybe this weekend, and see what kind of lift they offer up. Looking like the possibility of the AAL, dif drop(didn't know it wasn't needed), rear shocks and front spacers will be dust collectors.

If I get bro lean I'll toss a few big empty boxes with a brick in each in the bed until I can get the AAL in lol


Just when you thought you had it all figured out....

 

Hmm I'll keep contemplating it, you've partially sold me . But since when is changing brake pads dangerous? I mean I've done it quite a bit so I'm comfortable doing it, the sketchiest part is making sure they're pumped up properly afterwards. That what you mean?

 

I think he used that example to suggest how non-sketchy doing the coil swap this way is.

 

I am about to order mine and I am going to go with the 884's with the dakars. I really would like to avoid having to get UCA's as I wouldn't be able to afford it for 6 to 12 months. I want to be lifted but with the factory rake. (or a bit more) With my heavy load of tools my rear is over an inch down from factory. Having a 4 banger should get me the 2 inches I'm looking for. If its more, than fine, but less I could always put a small spacer in there
Now Its off to call wheelers (lowest price) and see what the damage on shipping is going to be to NH

 

That's the point I was trying to make and you just made it for me. In both cases the process is simple but the potential for danger if you don't pay attention is high. Same thing.