Bilstein 5100 Install: No Spring Compressor

So my wheels, tires, center caps and add a leaf got to me today. My Bilstein 5100 shocks are going to arrive Wednesday. I looked around the forum for a good write up, but haven't had much luck. I went to Youtube and saw these videos of someone installing a whole new strut / spring without a spring compressor. Will this work installing just the 5100 front shocks? Are there any risks to doing it this way?

Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E6u7dC7EHg

Part 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo0FJSi-KYs

 

I went with 285/75R16 BFG KO2 & 16x8 (0 offset) Level 8 MK6. Also added TRD Centercaps. I can't believe how great these wheels and tires go with my Silver Sky TRD Sport.

 

I have the same wheels on my truck with 265s. Love them. There is a thread here with hundreds of replies showing this same approach with billies. Seems to be a good way of doing it, but some have reported crushing a washer on the LCA from over-extension. Sorry, I don't have more details. I'd think that if you loosen the nuts sufficiently before releasing the spring pressure on the LCA there would be less chance of damage.

Disclaimer: I've not replaced my shocks. I need to start thinking about it though - just clicked 60k miles on my '10.

 

Ok, thanks for the response. I need to find that thread. I'm hoping that I won't need to use spring compressors for the install.

 

I installed my OME this way. I dont see why it would not work for 5100s as well. It is IMO safer than using a spring compressor.

 

Great, thanks for the reply. Any trouble with LCA washers like Polymerhead mentioned?

 

Here you go.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/billstein-5100-easy-install-method.211535/

 

Thanks!

 

I saw the 5100 video, and it looks like it works. Make sure to mark your cams before loosening them. Get it aligned right away.

 

After I mark the Cams and finish the install, do I just tighten the bolt until the line is back where it was?

 

It's an offset washer - you should be able to position it in its old position and then tighten the bolt.

 

I didnt have any problems with the washers. I marked the cams and loosed the LCA's well. There was no binding on removal or install.

 

Make sure not to over tighten the cam bolts either. I believe it's 100ft lbs on the bolts. They strip easily..

 

Hold the cam where it was marked and tighten the nut. Here's how much my alignment needed to be adjusted afterwards. The black dot was originally at 3 o'clock.

 

That was after i had my alignment done.

 

Thanks, I'll make sure to use a torque wrench.

 

Wow, I'll make sure I get my alignment done right the next day. Luckily, I can get it done at work

 

Where can one find the torque values for the nuts?

 

I find this comical how your willing to cut corners on the spring compressor but not the torque values. Why not just use german torque, "Guten Tight!" If your going to do a job, do it right. Go down to the auto parts store and get a loaner spring compressor FOR FREE.

 

You quoted two different people. I never said anything about not using a spring compressor. All I asked was where I could find the torque values? If I was going to cut corners on torque, I would use the american way by using the calibrated elbow.