Shocks are ready for install....Not sure if I am

I'm all for working on your truck yourself. But in the case of those springs. I paid the $100 for toytec to assemble mine so I didnt have to deal with it. Too much that can go wrong.

 

Thanks a lot! I will do that then! My shed looks like home depot I have so many tools, and...for the most part... I have some automotive knowledge and have no problem getting my hands dirty and learning a thing or two, used to have an 01 Tacoma that I could tear the rear end down pretty efficiently lol but I did replace any issues on that truck and the one I have now myself.

 

I would go the spring compressor route myself, it is actually faster IMHO....once sway bar link ends are disconnected, removal of complete strut is a snap....

just sayin...

good luck...

 

Great vid. So great, it has me thinking of following the steps (if I can find a second jack to borrow).

You talk funny, though.

 

I was in the same boat as you about a month ago. Decided to follow the video. IMHO - this is the best way to do it. Just take your time and follow the sequence exactly. I am so glad I did it because now I know can change the settings on the billies anytime I want to!

 

The video is the way to go. I've used it twice thus far and had zero issues. Follow the video, let the jack down slow and you'll be fine. I am NOT a mechanic either but I do like to try things myself and this is definately something you can tackle with success. Good luck and give it a shot.

 

I'm going to take this route, but one question...Where is the second jack? My plan is to put my truck up and put two jack stands under the front frame and remove the jack and use that same jack? Hell I could probably get 5 different jacks if its needed but is a second one needed or just as a safety factor?

 

If I were you I would just follow the video. When I did mine this vid didn't exist yet. I bought cheap compressors from eBay and did my own. When I was compressing the springs the compressors were bending like they were going to explode. The video looks like the safer way for the do it yourselfer.

 

I only had 1 jack when I did mine and had zero issues. It took me a little under two hours using only hand tools.

 

Ran into a slight issue.... Cant get the sway bar to unbolt from the control arm. I see there is an allen key slot on the back of the screw but the nut just keeps turning. Anyone know the trick?
Thanks

 

I did mine last weekend. I removed the whole assembly and used an Autozone spring compressor. As long as you take your time and pay attention when compressing the spring it's no big deal at all. Air tools help a lot if you have access to some. Much easier to get the strut bolts and sway bar bolts out. An air compressor and air tools are a good investment if you plan to work on your own truck.

 

The Allen wrench keeps the bolt from spinning while you unscrew the nut.

I did this myself too with a spring compressor. It was hard work but worth it.

 

Thanks, but people give me a lot of shit for using that annoying computer generated voice.

But, I did not want to narrate it myself.

Some admin here would not let me post it unless I added the warnings in the first 27 seconds...

 

Subd so I don't loose the video

 

I tackled this tonight, and the entire project stopped at the same point.

Ideally, you would put your allen key into the bolt-end and hold it fast, then use a 17mm wrench to turn the nut on that same bolt to remove the two swing arm links.

However, at 24,000 miles, my Toyota is rusted shut. After clearing out the allen key, all I could do was turn the nut and strip the allen head.

This is a terrible, terrible design. Allen screws are fine inside, but should never be used on the exterior. (I've noticed the 5100s use the same configuration, and I'm not thrilled about it.)

Cripes.

So, now, I have to take the Tacoma to the dealer, have them un-do the now-stripped sway bar links, replace those, and then do the shock/coil for me.

Ah hell, that's $500 I didn't need, right?

I still think this method is a good one, but ya can't fight rust.

 

Did you try an impact? I didn't even know what you were talking about until I looked at the sway bar just now (left it out).
I only had about half your mileage but the thing is rusted and it didn't give me any trouble with an impact. Pb blaster and an impact might be worth a shot for ya

 

Or just cut the links off. U can buy beefier replacements at an auto parts store for much cheaper than $500

 

yup, do it yourself, about $470 cheaper and pretty ez to do.

 

I couldn't see a way to get an impact wrench on that link? If I wrench the link bolt without holding the Allen key it'll just spin freely.

The idea of cutting the dang thing off occurred to me, but I didn't have the patience to deal with it at that point any more.

Any recommendations for aftermarket links?

 

Energy suspension, my local Auto zone sells them.