Toytec Install? Pro or DYI?

Guys, I have an 07 DC Tacoma 4x4 w/TSB and I'm wanting to put on a 3" Toytec Lift. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but have never installed a lift. Is this a Do it your selfer or should I pay someone to do it? Also, if I get a pro to do it, what is the average cost for the install? Any help will be greatly appreciated. I need to get this done before my wife changes her mind (its her money)

 

I haven't bought the lift yet, but it will be the coils and blocks in the rear (I have the TSB done).

 

If you're mechanically inclined, install it yourself. The only specialty tool you'll need is the spring compressor. Get a couple friends to help and it could be done in hours.

 

I had 2 buddies come to help. When they got there, they just dove right in....kinda left me in the dust.

 

do it yourself!! i'm not that mechanically inclined and i did it!! my wife came outside half way into knowing the next day i'd probably be calling a machanic to make a house call and put humpty dumpty back together again

but it wasn't that bad.... i did the front by myself in about 7 hours and the rear with a friend and we did it in 1.5 hours... with help the front would have been WAY quicker....

here are some tips if you are doing the spacer:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/3630-install-instructions-toytec-lift-kit.html

i would think a shop will charge you about 5 hours labor and that will probably be in the ball park of $75/hr... just a guess tho

 

I did mine by myself with my wife and friend watching/handing tools/making sure I didn't kill myself! It took around 5 hours, but that was mainly because my hands were cold, I had to fight with the spring compressor, and the driver side front shock had to be twisted to get the bottom bolt through.

I'd recommend air tools (rachet and impact), and have someone else compress the coils. Most people seem to have gotten that done for around $50 or so. Otherwise you can rent a compressor from Autozone, etc for free once it's returned. They are a pain in the ass to use, and I used the impact to tighten them. Was faster and easier than doing it by hand.

I have a copy of an install with steps, tools required, and step-by-step pics from Tundra Solutions if you want it. Most detailed one I've seen, but the original post is missing images now I think. I should really post it up here somewhere... lol

Oh, and I've never done suspension work before.

 

Are these toytech lifts hard on your suspension. Do they put anything in a bind? What are the ups and downs with these lifts?

 

Some people have noticed vibrations after installing. I have not, so I can't really comment on that.

The only con I have is the spacer/aal lift is kinda harsh over bumps. Meaning, it's rough over rocks, curbs, tree limbs, etc on trails or bad roads. On they highway or any smooth surface it's nice and smooth. The stiffness also means I take turns faster than in my Corolla that sits MUCH closer to the ground!

I plan on fixing the harness with some new coils (probably OME 886's once I get a winch bumper), OME shocks, and some Dakars for the rear. But that has to wait until I have the money and ambition to rip into the suspension again!

With 3" lifts everything is more or less still in alignment as far as drive train. You don't need the diff or carrier bearing drop kits. Many people have gotten them thinking it would fix the vibrations only to still have them.

I've had my lift on for probably 40k now and no issues.

And on the up side, I can push through deeper snow without dragging the frame and getting stuck. I can also see over other traffic better, and the truck just handles better. Less body roll, less wheel hop/axle wrap, better load handling, and better ground clearance (especially with bigger tires).

 

You can space the carrier bearing for the price of some 5/16 washers. The diff. drop isn't for vibrations, it reduces the angles on the CVs to prevent premature wear.

It's on a 1st gen(02), but I have some pictures in my gallery of the various Toytec parts during the process of instalation. Check it out, It won't be identical, but very similar.

 

Do it yourself. You'll have to pay someone to do an allignment afterwards.

 

Guys, I really appreciate it. I think ya'll have helped me make up my mind to do it myself. As far as a place and spring compressor, I'm in the Air Force and we have auto hobby shops that have any tool you can imagine along with hydrolic lifts if I need it. Once this is done, I'm going to put the DC-1 blacks with the BFG ATs (going with a 265/70/17s instead of the 285s, don't want any hassle) I'll post pics once/if I get it done, haha.

 

Ooooh, Luckeeee! You'll be better off than most of us were. Doing it in our garages with some handtools, while crouched or laying down under the truck.

 

Good Luck man! I'm fixing to tackle the same exact project.

 

Yeah, that is one of the reason's I'm not too afraid of tackling it myself. They usually have folks there that can give expertise also.

 

Sounds like you're set.

 

Ordered my lift yesterday, going to order wheels and tires today. Hopefully if every thing works out like I want it, I'll have it all done by next weekend.