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Hand tools needed for suspension install - 1st gen?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by 22b22, May 15, 2009.

  1. May 15, 2009 at 9:34 AM
    #1
    22b22

    22b22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have an 03 DC pre-runner and will be doing a front strut/spring swap (having them pre-assembled to swap as a single unit per side) and wondered what tools I'll need to do it?

    I'll also be replacing the rear springs to Wheelers 5 leafs - same question.

    I don't have easy access to my tools and will need to get them from storage ahead of time and won't be able to get to them once I start the build, so hoping I can make sure I have everything I need to get it all done.

    Does anyone know the socket sizes for the various nuts/bolts?

    I know I'll need the "persuader" (my 18" 1/2" ratchet) along with penetrating oil. I'll also rent a torque wrench from Autozone.

    I've read quite a few threads here and have replaced the leafs on my previous 01 Silverado, so I know I can handle it, just not sure what tools I need on hand.
     
  2. May 15, 2009 at 10:12 AM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Make sure you have a set of metric hex wrenches, ful set of metric sockets (up to 23mm), and some box wrenches.. You should be good with those. Oh...and a hammer.
     
  3. May 15, 2009 at 10:21 AM
    #3
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    A hammer always helps. I found that unbolting the sway bar helped in getting the suspension to droop and get everything back in. Then use the floor jack to raise the suspension back up to reinstall the sway bar. Should be easy.
     
  4. May 15, 2009 at 10:23 AM
    #4
    22b22

    22b22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ... I thought as much. I don't have metric wrenches (aside from an old "metwrench" set that I leave at the GF's), but do have most of the metric sockets up to 19mm in 1/2" with random larger ones. Any ideas what specific sizes I'll need?

    I still have the soft faced and framing hammers at home, so those should cover it.
     
  5. May 15, 2009 at 10:25 AM
    #5
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    Don't use the framing hammers, they will bitch stuff up. No idea exactly what sizes you will need.
     
  6. May 15, 2009 at 10:27 AM
    #6
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    I cant remember off hand.
     
  7. May 15, 2009 at 10:47 AM
    #7
    22b22

    22b22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    See - you're brain has already gone soft from being out of work :p

    Thanks. I was hoping someone would know the specific sizes so I could confirm I have it or need to buy/borrow it.
     
  8. May 15, 2009 at 10:48 AM
    #8
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    I failed you......:(
     
  9. May 15, 2009 at 10:50 AM
    #9
    22b22

    22b22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I have my waffle face and my smooth from my construction/roofing days. They take the place of a BFH/sledge in most situations :D

    I wouldn't use the waffle head on my tools. I have a softfaced mallet and the smooth face for bigger impact needs. I should get a little sledge from Harbor frieght... if I need single wrenches/sockets for this project, I'll probably pick them up there. I know they're crap, but good enough for single use.
     
  10. May 15, 2009 at 10:50 AM
    #10
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    If i was at home, i would be glad to size them up for you on my truck, unfortunately at the office.
     
  11. May 15, 2009 at 10:51 AM
    #11
    22b22

    22b22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    that'll be 5 hail margaritas and 3 our Patron shots.... or something :D
     
  12. May 15, 2009 at 10:51 AM
    #12
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    lmao!
     
  13. May 15, 2009 at 10:53 AM
    #13
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    :laugh:
     
  14. May 15, 2009 at 10:56 AM
    #14
    22b22

    22b22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks, waiting on the lift and parts for next week, so if you have the time, I'd appreciate it. The GF keeps going back and forth on the "OK" for the parts and so I TOLD her (I know it'll come back to haunt me) I'm ordering today... so I did.

    I'm in the process of moving into her tiny place and putting my stuff in storage that won't fit yet. Gotta level her garage floor and build some real storage in there first. That means, no man-cave/toolboxes/big stuff at her house yet and my storage isn't close to her house, so once I start, I'm stuck with what I have on hand.

    I appreciate the info and don't worry Chris, you help enough to not have the exact info sometimes is more than acceptable.
     
  15. Jun 1, 2009 at 8:31 PM
    #15
    22b22

    22b22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What can big brown do for you?
    mmmm_574acd5b3043a30830a6deb872f642be5ac3cfe4.jpg

    Saturday can't come soon enough. I may try to do it in stages on Tuesday and Thursday nights...

    jdmcq: did you get a chance to check any of those sizes? I'll be stopping at the storage on the way home from work tomorrow :D
     
  16. Jun 2, 2009 at 7:59 PM
    #16
    22b22

    22b22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Looks like 14mm nuts on the top of the struts and 19mm... everywhere else. I don't have a 19mm wrench to fit the inside of the shackles, so I'll pick that up Thursday. The rest I got - as long as the shackle through bolts aren't seized, this looks damn easy since I got the struts setup in advance. Gonna tell the GF it's an all day project on Saturday so I can drink some beer and take my time :D

    I took some measurements today and the front is 20 7/8" from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the flare. The rear is 21 1/2" as I have the load helper springs on there for now to reduce the axle wrap until the new springs go on. (forgive the angle of the tape in the pics, I had to rush to get 'em in with the camera auto timer). I'll probably pull the helper springs off first, then go the flat lot where I measured from and remeasure to see how bad I really am right now before I swap them.
    fr_f82cefac070ecd430f6f310964ae8b34404863a6.jpgfr_20-75_668ddadd09be9764cfd27f737a11b8b4221d49e0.jpg
    rr_f6900bb861529cd82e91d27c317173b3dbd43a30.jpgrr_21-5_902790f26933afe9604dd6ffd0a58aae7b06a939.jpg



    Damn, I'm impatient
     
  17. Jun 2, 2009 at 8:16 PM
    #17
    fletch aka

    fletch aka www.BeLikeBrit.org

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    Buy extra tools at Home Depot or Sears and return the ones you don't need and didn't use.
     
  18. Jun 2, 2009 at 8:33 PM
    #18
    22b22

    22b22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I will probably get a 19mm box wrench from Sears as I may use it after this. I've used my 19mm sockets more since I got the truck and I had rarely used them before. Aside from that, if they are one time use, probably Harbor Freight...
     
  19. Jun 3, 2009 at 7:37 AM
    #19
    thenrie

    thenrie Well-Known Member

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    As I recall, you'll need a 6" and a 10" Mexican socket set (crescent wrench) for the fronts. ;]

    Seriously, I think it was 17mm, 14mm, 12mm for the front, as well as a couple crescent wrenches to get the nut off the top of the shock. I'm thinking I sub'ed a 5/8" or 3/4" socket for the lower shock mount bolts, since my 1/2" drive set is standard. Worked fine.

    The rears were much more difficult. Can't remember what sizes for the shackle bolts, but I remember spending a lot of energy with a big hammer and a punch trying to get the shackle bolts free from the bushings. I ended up having to cut one front perch bolt out with a reciprocal saw.

    One indispensible tool you will absolutely need is a can of PB Blaster to get everything to break loose!
     
  20. Jun 3, 2009 at 10:00 AM
    #20
    22b22

    22b22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    thanks. I started hitting it with PB yesterday and will twice a day until Sat. The top nuts on the strut are 14mm and the lower strut nut is 19mm. I have those in 1/2" already along with my 20" 1/2" ratchet I lovingly call the 'persuader'.

    The shackle bolts have 19" nuts, but it may be tight to get the ratchet in there with the hitch in place (it may come out to make it easier or if I need BFH room). That's why I'll pick up a 19mm box/open wrench. The ubolt nuts are 19mm as well, and I need a deep socket for that too.

    I have 14-19mm in my 1/2" set and the rest in 3/8", so I think that's going to do it.

    One last thing - what size socket do the lug nuts take? The only wheel wrench I have is the stocker (if it's in the kit - I didn't check), so I should pick up one for that as well.
     

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