Front shock replacement on 2017 Tacoma 4WD TRD Sport

Guys

I'm pretty handy with tools, and wanted to change out the front stock shocks with Bilstein 5110's.

I did the rears yesterday, which was pretty straightforward, but not the fronts.

Has anyone does this, if so could you share your comments and include amount of time and general mechanical complexity involved?

Thanks

 

Not much more difficult. I think I disconnected the sway bar link to be able to drop the shock assembly. Or make it easy and loosen the lower arm and swing it out of the way to drop the shock. Be sure to mark the alignment tabs with a marker so that you can get it close to spec. You'll be going for an alignment after the lift anyway, right?

 

I did mine this weekend, I didn't have to disconnect sway bar, I just unloaded suspension, pulled two bolts for lower ball joint, bolt for shock and 3 nuts up top... I didn't loosen lower control arm bolts, but it was pretty tough to hold them out of the way, so I would recommend loosening them a bit... max 40 min a side

 

You need a spring compressor if you're just swapping struts. Or that crazy thing with using the weight of the truck/jack.

 

Post your impressions when done please.

 

Did you guys have to use a spring compressor at all? Also, how long did it take.

 

I just compressed it with my hands.

 

OP, this is the easiest way. There's even a YouTube vid on this. It's done on a 2nd gen, but identical suspension setup. Torque values are different though.

 

G/L OP, report back with results or issues.

 

the front springs are 700lbs/inch +/-!!! i cant believe you were able to compress a front coil spring onto a strut with your hands and get the nut threaded on. if it is true

 

He's Chuck Norris....

 

I heard Chuck Norris was able to complete the swap with both hands tied behind his back

 

No, that's Luke....