3in lift spacer 2002 Tacoma

So I have a 2002 Tacoma v6 rwd and I’m putting on a 3in lift spacer for now. I tried to install one before but I couldn’t because my strut was too long. I don’t want to take apart the uper or lower ball joints but I want to be able to get the lift in. When I try putting back the strut should I just push real hard on the lower control arm so it can go down a little. Or what should I do. I have a pic on what I mean about it being too long.

 

Use a jack under the lower control arm to push it up or if that fails use a bottle jack between the upper control arm and the body to push it down, use a block to distribute the force so it doesn't completely screw up the fender well.


Be prepared for the onslaught of "don't install that lift" comments that are coming


*hint, you really shouldn't install a spacer lift especially a 3" one

 

I know I should put one but it’s only going to be for like a year or 2. Then I’ll get a coil over and a uper control arm. Btw I’ve tried what you said and it doesn’t work.

 

Without disassembley you don't have alot of options.... could try a combo of both jacks. If you could expose part of shock hole then you could, from the opposite side, insert a spud tool (like a pointy round chisel but much longer and beefier) and pry up enough to get the bolt pushed in. Then hammer the bolt home and hope the threads don't fuck up on the way through (depending on how much tension is on the LCA)


It might be your truck telling you not to install it

 

Then what do I do. I want a 3in lift in the front and if spacers are not good what are.

 

The safe and easy way is what you've already said. Uppers and coilovers. Other than manhandling the situation you're trying now, that's it I'm afraid.

When I was doing dumb stuff to my vehicles back in my youth I learned a lesson that worked for slapping parts together (but isn't useful when you get older)

"If it doesn't fit, force it. If it still doesn't fit, force it harder. If something broke, you forced it too hard"

 

You got a number I can call you on or something man

 

I've given all the advice I have

 

Get a long pry bar between the bottom of your shock and your lower control arm and pry up till the holes line up and slip a bolt in. When I did new coils on my 4runner I had to have my wife stand on a long pry bar to be able to get a bolt to go through. It was more then I could do by myself.

 

You’re short half an inch

if you push down on the caliper/hub area is there any vertical motion?

 

Apparently you’ve learned nothing

 

801 867 5309

 

Lol I sold my old Tacoma and I bought another one.

 

Good,

sell the spacer now

 

I want a Cali lift on my truck. Then what other way can I get a 3in lift on my truck.

 

One, a bottle jack to the upper control arm to move the entire assembly downward.

Its tried and true.

Two, you get enough lift out of Bilsteins with the clip moved up from 0.

Three, what the hell is a Cali lift?

I live in Cali and no one I personally know has anything different than what a normal lift should be.

Examples -

 

What lift does that white Tacoma have.

 

Faded flares and brown center caps