DIY OME installation???

I saw somewhere on here before, and cant seem to find it now, a thread that showed a step by step process of how you put together a set of after market shocks and coils using a spring compressor. I think it showed how you disassemble the stock ones too. Anyone know of any threads? I searched about 40 pages and couldnt find what I was lookin for.

 

LISTEN!! Don't try to do that yourself. You will get KILLED!!!! Take it from me, I nearly had my head blown off by a compressory exploding.

 

I'd highly recommend taking the coil assmblies to a garage with a wall mounted spring compresser. Pay them $40 (or whatever) to do it. It'll save you a lot of headaches and maybe an arm or an eye (if you'e lucky).
Especially if they are coils spacers - I'd definately NOT compress the coils at home.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/40467-how-toytec-lift-install-smtrdsport.html

For reference - I typed in: install coils
This is actually a STICKY in the 2nd gen section.

 

If you haven't gotten the suspension parts yet then consider an outfit called Wheelers Offroad. They sell all the 4x4 stuff you'd need. I got my OME setup from them and they'll compress the springs for you for a reasonable price prior to shipping them out to you.

Anyway, it's the hardest part of the install I hear (I've never done a spring compression myself). The rest is pretty easy..

 

Send me a PM. I did my OME 885's here on base at the hobby shop. If you have time to make the drive I will help you install the lift.

 

I wouldn't call Wheelers "reasonable" really. If you have no ability to do anything for yourself- Maybe. But you are paying for replacement parts that are EXPENSIVE and that you don't need.
Doing it yourself isn't really that hard with the right tools. Getting it down at a shop shouldn't cost you more then 40 or 50 bucks at the worst.

This is the AWESOME!! I helped a buddy get onto the res down here for the auto hobby shop to do some work and it was great. Cost him 20 bucks to install TC arms instead of 200.
Good on you for offering!!!

To the OP- If you can get to a wall mounted spring compressor- Go for it. If it's the independant type-be careful-but you can try. if you know some one who owns a shop-go for it

 

Just kinda seein what my options are, because I dont think a lot of off road shops are open on the weekends here.

Thanks, that wasnt the thread I was looking for but it is actually better. Just kinda seein what my options are here.

Ya, I want to take them in but the two shops I have been thinking about I dont think are open on Saturdays. I know its a dangerous task.

Already got them from Wheelers, I was originally going to have them build them, but I didnt want to pay the $225, which looking back it would have made it easier.

Thanks for the offer, thats awesome of you. I think a buddy is gonna help us do it, if not I am gonna save it for the Nor Cal Mod Day

A buddy has a nice garage and he says he has a spring compressor, dont know what kind, but he used to be a mechanic in a shop and still does it on the side, so if I go to him he will at least know what he is doing. But ya, I didnt want to spend the $225 to have them assemble them.

 

If he was a mechanic you are probably good to go with whatever he has. Good luck!!

 

Thats what I was thinking. I'll just stand back when he is messing with the coils

 

Ehhh...Coils are dangerous- but I've used a wall compressor on mine several times without death ensuing. Just take it slow and you'll be fine.

 

I did mine with the rental compressor was pretty easy but you have to be careful

 

Ya I know you have to be real careful, which is why I wouldnt do this by myself, I am only doing it this way because my buddy works on stuff like this all the time.

 

I have used rental spring compressors a couple times on my 1st gen and now my 2nd gen. Take it slow and you'll be fine. It's a bit of work and it is only easier with air tools.

 

x2

just did mine over the weekend.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/builds/69800-50cals-build.html

 

I cant wait, shitty thing is it is raining and supposed to rain for the next week But I think my buddy has a pretty roomy garage

 

What is your life worth?
Wheelers (or paying any qualified person to do it for you) will seem like a real bargain compared to the loss of your eyesight or even your life.

"On November 15, 1993, Jay sustained permanent eye and neurological injuries as a result of being struck in the face by a strut coil spring assembly which escaped during compression from a model T40187C strut spring compressor machine manufactured by Moog. Jay was working as an automotive mechanic for Jensen Goodyear automotive repair shop in Omaha and, at the time of the accident, had over 11 years of automotive mechanic experience. He had previously used other strut spring compressors but had never used a Moog compressor prior to November 15."
http://www.napil.com/PersonalInjuryCaseLawDetail32410.htm

 

I have used the wall mounted spring compressor at the hobby shop twice. It did not seem too dangerous to me. I don't see how the spring could escape but I guess the thing could break. I just took it slow and made sure I was being careful. Hobby Shops are great.

 

This is a ridiculous excuse for not doing something.....because guess what- Leading cause of death is being born. Everyday life is dangerous. Wake up and walk out the door- You are at risk of death.

So your "qualified person" (like the plantiff in that case law) is better off doing it than I am?? He managed to hurt himself doing it. So you'd rather pay someone else to get hurt?? And never mind the number of people who do this every day and don't get hurt.

I have a healthy respect for 1600lbs of force on 2 foot long spring. I use all the safety features, and take my time. I saved my self a significant amount of money...and didn't die.