Raising my truck by 1.5" or so.....think I can do it myself at home?

Research. Decide.

You can buy all the tools needed for less than a shop will charge. You can also feel good about having built it yourself. If something breaks down the road, you'll know more about it and potentially how to fix it.

 

Your question was about installing your parts of choice yourself. I agree with a couple others who suggest getting some help from Tacoma seasoned locals. Not goobers, but ones with some skill and experience. You'll only learn by doing, and you'll learn faster if someone seasoned is guiding you. In other words, don't actually ask them to DO the work, just to assist by giving you guidance, looking over your shoulder, etc.

To the unasked about part.

You don't mention 'why' you want a lift. Your parts choice are quite common, and I suppose OK for pavement parking. But preloading coil springs for the purpose of gaining lift is compromising the function of the system.

A better choice is to select a spring that is the correct length and stiffness to accomplish whatever your goal is, then select the proper damper to control that spring.

If you poke around some more, you'll also find AALs are a marginal choice as well, again based on your goals for how you use the truck.

 

Honestly, none of the offroading that I do would require any more clearance than stock, so it'd be solely for looks.

 

You are correct sir. Your eyes do not deceive you, my profile does say "locked as stock." I have no need for a lift. I have researched it and determined that messing with coil overs is best left to those with the proper tools and training. I am in the same boat as the OP and thought my opinion might run parallel with his experience working on vehicles. I never pretend to know something that I actually don't. I guess this is an unsafe viewpoint and I should just purchase some basic hand tools and go to town after watching a few Youtube videos.

Sorry OP, I shall unsub as the experts are clearly here.

 

Like some others have said, take the coils and struts to a shop and have them assemble them then do the rest yourself, the rear end is a cake walk if you've got a couple extra people to help you out

Personally, i'd have the front assembled so you dont have to mess with the springs (they sketch me out, personally), and then install them and the rear end yourself, and save a lot of money

edit: TLDR, if you can operate a jack, an air ratchet, and an imapct drill, go for it

 

Junior high called, they want their overly dramatic behavior back.



Spreading bad info helps nobody. That's all.

So let's not.

 

Not trying to be a dick, but just because you have no want or need to do some hands on while learning& wrenching on your truck doesn't mean that everyone else shares the same view. Some people actually like to learn.

 

In that case I have to ask .......

Is it for 'looks' in your eyes? Or is it for looks for the approval of others, so they think more highly (see what I did there?) of your truck?

Your truck, your call. Just some food for thought.

 

Op, yes can do it yourself at home. I installed a full lift that I got from HS all by myself. Took me about half a day (first time installing a lift). There are tutorials here on TW and on youtube. Just search for it.

 

See the link below to my lift it will give you an idea on what your doing as well as another option on how.

 

No one here can tell you if you can do this or not.

Watch the video's. Understand the risks/rewards. Decide for yourself if its something you've got the skill/knowledge/ability/tools for.


The rest of this is crap.

 

So, OP, some here give real good advice. If you are not comfortable with doing it and feel that it may become unsafe, then take it somewhere. However, if you are capable enough to remove the shocks and springs, then you should be capable enough to do everything needed. I bought 5100's the front of my 2014 Sport, and I'm not the most mechanical person out there. I watched a few videos on how to use a floor jack (you will need another jack to raise your truck) to slowly lower the A-arm and slowly let the spring decompress itself. No shop, no special tools, and took maybe 2 hours total to do both sides. I took it in for an alignment, and all is good. That was over a year ago, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I personally didn't think it was too bad, but some may have found it a bit challenging.

 

Thanks to you and everyone who responded so far! If I do it myself, I think I'll get the Bilstein 5100s pre-assembled on coil springs, but I'm not sure which coils to go with.

 

Contact Marie at Headstrong Off Road. I also opt to get the front struts assembled for easier and quick install.

 

I did mine myself, had them preassembled with 885 springs on the 5100's. also installed LR UCAs. I had no prior experience doing any of this. like everyone said, research the shit out of it, watch videos, make sure you have the right size sockets and such and make a weekend out of it.

 

@HeadStrong Off-Road

Great people, best prices.

Also, do it yourself. More fun, learn more, and save money. Win win win.

There's local sub-forums on here where I'm sure a few guys in your area will hop in and help you out, if you schedule the date and provide beer and pizza. Hell, I'd come if you were around me.

Do it up, brotherman!

Standing by for your build thread.

 

Neat, I didn't know there were "local" forums here. All you guys, thanks again!!!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/regions.36/

 

'Preciate it, boss.