5100’s installation ?’s

I am about to TRY to install new bilstein 5100’s in the front of my 2009 prerunner. Can someone point me to a writeup that gives detailed instruction please? I have never worked on suspension before, but i have been turning wrenches my whole life so i am sure i can figure it out. I did get a strut tamer. What other tools will i need? I need a tool list to take with me to my friends garage. I did use the search bar, but havent found it. Thank you for any help/info.

 

I am far from a pro but it doesn’t sound like you’ve wrenched too much especially with suspension. Springs under pressure are extremely dangerous be careful.

 

What have you been turning wrenches your whole life and never touched a suspension? Make sure you have a good spring compressor or you could pull the fronts and have a shop install the springs on the 5100s and then just reinstall on the truck.

 

Do the method that doesn’t use a spring compressor. This was my third lift and this way was by far the easiest, fastest and felt the safest.

There are a couple YouTube videos and write ups that walk you through the whole thing. Search harder.

 

While it can be done. It is not the correct way to disassemble and reassemble a coil over spring assembly.

 

I used this method, just be careful. I used multiple jack stands and jacks to assure the truck was secure.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/installing-5100s-without-a-spring-compressor-video.190159/

 

So much for the “ just for entertainment do not try this at home part” be safe out there guys

 

Why?

 

Just one example. So let’s say as your lower the floor jack(if doing on the ground) or a screw jack (if it’s on a lift) and either one accidentally slips while the spring is under load all the tension is released at once and shit goes flying everywhere( I’ve seen it happen) like i said it can be done that way it’s just not the correct or most safe way to do it.

 

I did it!!! Adding Headstrong 3 progressive add-a-leafs this weekend. This was the first time ive ever worked on suspension components before...and ill stick to my day job

 

I put the lca alignment adjustment back to where it was before, and my truck is driving perfectly straight. I was expecting to need an alignment after a front 2.75” lift...but if it doesnt pull at all, i should be good, correct?

 

...

 

I have a hard time believing you’ve actually done it this way and believe that. The way the components are held in place on the truck that’s not possible. The shock holds everything in from the bottom and the upper strut housing holds the top in. There’s nowhere it can go. Like I said. I’ve done 2 with spring compressors and one like this. This was far and above the safer, faster and more controlled method.

I will disclaimer that yes, if anyone is truly an idiot (most of us on here that do this as a hobby) there is always a chance something can go wrong. However next to paying for a professional install, this way has the lowest likelihood of problems or injury by human error. A small garage spring compressor can fail because it’s a POS made in China and kill you. I will chose relying on my own ability to not fail any day over putting my safety at risk on a cheap tool.

 

I did it without the spring compressor and it felt safe. The only place for it to “shoot” out is straight down onto the floor

 

Looks great. Good job! But no you need an alignment. I thought the same thing after I did mine but once I finally took it in the alignment was a fair amount off. Castor and camber effect things too. So just because it’s driving straight doesn’t mean it’s all in correct geometry.

 

Oooh ok that makes sense. I will get an alignment then...thank you!!

 

Great job, see it wasn't that bad.

Don’t cheap out, get an alignment. Just because it drives straight doesn't mean its not gonna eat your tires or track Funny.

 

Get an alignment or you will need new tires.

 

I need new tires anyway lol...but i made an appointment to have an alignment done

 

If you're getting new tires soon, wait and get your alignment done with the new tires.