Coil and shock maintenace

2006 TRD 4x4 Access Cab 245000 miles

Never replaced shocks or coils. Frame replaced at 240000 miles.
Due for a new set of tires. I'm also going to replace shocks, should the coils be replaced also?

 

I'd replace both, coil springs wear out after that many miles.

 

Thanks, are there any other components you would replace while the wheels are off?

 

I guess it depends how much longer you plan on keeping it and how dire the need is.

Given the age, mileage and location, I'd consider replacing;
-shocks, coils, top mounts*
-lca bushings and ball joints**
-uca bushings and ball joints**
-sway bar bushings and end links
-inner/outer tie rods and boots
-steering rack bushings
-leaf springs, u-bolts and bushings***
-cv axles and boots
-hub assemblies
-driveshaft u-joints

*If your just asking about what you should replace doing shocks and coils, at a minimum get new top hats
**These items are easier to buy as a complete assembly.
***These items are easier bought as an assembly, minus the u-bolts and top shackle bushings

A lot of it would have been easier to do during the frame replacement; but, that's neither here nor there.

 

Thanks for all the help, I'll get on this project. The leaf springs have been replaced as well as front hub assemblies.

 

Any suggestions on who to buy parts from would also be appreciated.

 

The most difficult part of changing or modifying your suspension was done when your frame was replaced. The control arm bushing bolts would have been rusted and seized in place and changed out, so you should have a much easier time getting an alignment done.

 

Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road

 

Received Kit from Marie! Now looking into either buying or refurbing LCAs. Refurbing doesn't look difficult with the correct press and a torch, I'm in sw Florida right now so if anyone knows of a shop which could take the bearings out and replace I'd appreciate info. If I refurb I plan on getting whiteline bearings but not sure about ball joint, Moog seems to be popular but the reliability is a concern.

 

I took a set of 5100's off the rear of my truck last night that had 250,000 hard miles on them. To say they were trashed would be a compliment. The piston was just flopping around in both of them. LOL The 885's on the front with the same miles get replaced this week and I am curious to see how well they held up. The All Pro Expos on the rear seem to be about as good as the day we installed them. How often realistically do the 5100's need to be changed ? While checking on it somewhere I read that the 5100's at 100,000 miles were still at about 98% efficiency. Just curious about others opinions,Thanks.

 

So I ordered the LCAs and received them today.

 

They sent the correct LCA. No cost, just wanted pictures of LCAs and boxes.
Another question; how do the Toyota mechanics remove the UCA bolts without bending the frame or cutting them. I can see why they would want the nut on the bottom, nut falls off bolt can't fall out, so I want to install with factory orientation.

 

Can't speak for Toyota techs, but you will have to bend some sheet metal to get the UCA bolt out. It's not too bad just some minor tweaking.

 

Think you get new LCAs, bushings, and cam bolts with the frame swap. May be wrong on this. Was looking at some scrap frames and they all had LCAs intact.

 

No, the frame swap kept the original suspension. The ball joint on the LCA I removed was flopping. Perhaps it depended on dealer?
The shocks were toast. Installed rear shocks and old shocks were at 39" and am now at 40" in rear with the new ones.

 

Radar, do you bend in towards engine or out?

 

Out

 

Thanks for all the help! Fun project, done except for the alignment next week.
I have the original UCAs and LCAs as well as some bolts I didn't need to cut off.
Lot of miles, but maybe worth it for someone who is interested in swapping
the bushings and bearings out with minimum down time. In SW Florida and only
need to pick up if interested.

 

I had to buy lca bolts when putting in a camburg kit.
I had previously replaced with moogs
Those bolts From Toyota we’re well over $200. Just FYI