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Coilover and UCA Install Question

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Canadianboy, Aug 21, 2009.

  1. Aug 21, 2009 at 11:34 PM
    #1
    Canadianboy

    Canadianboy [OP] Taco love in East Van

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    Alright, I have my front suspension components sitting at home and the rear coming next week. I was quoted $70 an hour @ 10 hours for the total install - yeah not having any of that. So if I can't find another place to install, I'm thinking about doing the install myself. I've never installed suspension components before, but I know how to use a wrench and ratchet. How difficult would the install be - Icons, TC UCA's and a 1.5" 3 leaf add a leaf and remote resi Icon shock. Anyone have a list of tools that I will need?
    Any insight would be appreciated.:cool:
     
  2. Aug 21, 2009 at 11:58 PM
    #2
    johnecon2001

    johnecon2001 Well-Known Member

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    How did you miss the numerous stickied guides in this very forum?
     
  3. Aug 22, 2009 at 5:59 AM
    #3
    trailmaster308

    trailmaster308 Well-Known Member

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    I have never installed suspension systems either. Spent countless hours reading these forums and did it myself with the help of a buddy.

    We did the coilovers first. Then the UCA's. That was one weekend. Not that it took a long time just had other things to do (2yr old and wife ya know)

    Drove around with the front end way in the air for a weekend and installed the AAL's and rear shocks the following weekend.

    Take your time......read read read....beer beer beer :D
     
  4. Aug 22, 2009 at 6:39 AM
    #4
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    X2. There are enough write ups that you shouldbe able to do the install with no isssues. UCA's, and new CO's is one of the easiest things you nad install your self. :)
     
  5. Aug 22, 2009 at 6:52 AM
    #5
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    The install is easy. Especially on an '09, nothing should be stuck!
     
  6. Aug 22, 2009 at 10:40 AM
    #6
    Canadianboy

    Canadianboy [OP] Taco love in East Van

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    Ya I've read the few posts and stickies, just wanted some insight from someone who did the install and has limited suspension install experience. I'm going to try the install myself, hopefully she goes smooooth
     
  7. Aug 26, 2009 at 1:13 AM
    #7
    Canadianboy

    Canadianboy [OP] Taco love in East Van

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    When you are taking off the old stock UCA, the bolt that is a pain to get off because it hits the fender. Is it possible to just cut the bolt head off and take it out the other side? I thought I read this somewhere. Would this work? I'd rather not bend the crap outta my inside fender well.
     
  8. Aug 26, 2009 at 1:17 AM
    #8
    MyoTacoma

    MyoTacoma Well-Known Member

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    It would work. Its not a lot of bending.....besides, it feels no pain:D
     
  9. Sep 4, 2009 at 9:03 PM
    #9
    Canadianboy

    Canadianboy [OP] Taco love in East Van

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    Alright guys, just in the middle of install here. Problem - the nut that is under the ball joint has stripped and part of it has broken off. The bastard nut would not budge and now it has stripped and part it has broken off. Ideas??? I've tried vise grips and nothing.
     
  10. Sep 4, 2009 at 10:26 PM
    #10
    Canadianboy

    Canadianboy [OP] Taco love in East Van

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    Oh man what a pain, I'm in the process of cutting that bolt off. Will continue tomorrow...
     
  11. Sep 4, 2009 at 11:28 PM
    #11
    johnecon2001

    johnecon2001 Well-Known Member

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    The ball joint on the UCA? Cut that fucker off, you don't need it.
     
  12. Sep 5, 2009 at 12:04 AM
    #12
    AlexForbesR6

    AlexForbesR6 My R6 Eats Me

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    either that or those rounded nut/bolt removal socket kits...they are AWESOME

    they are just basci sockets but have curved sharp edges inside that grip onto the nut/bolt the more you try to loosen it
     
  13. Sep 5, 2009 at 12:25 AM
    #13
    tacotown73

    tacotown73 Well-Known Member

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    Is the nut you are referring to on the "new" UCA or the "old" UCA? I installed mine last weekend and had some trouble with the 'new' TC UCA nut for the uni-ball.

    The nut is oblong which acts like a locking mechanism, but there were also a few threads that were bent over inside the nut. I'm not sure if these were bent over intentionally or not, but both sides were the same way... which made it a bitch to get on.

    If the nut you are having trouble with is from the old UCA... I say get the hack saw out and use a little elbow grease.

    If the nut is from the new UCA... just keep working at it... it will come off (try Alex's suggestion). Then order a new nut from TC, since the nuts are specific... I personally wouldn't use a generic nut... unless it's a temporary solution.

    Good luck... and take pictures... one day you'll look back and laugh... hopefully. :D
     
  14. Sep 5, 2009 at 12:25 AM
    #14
    jdkeller

    jdkeller How many words can be fit in this s

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    If you want over the phone help feel free to pm me and ill give u my number
     
  15. Sep 5, 2009 at 10:14 AM
    #15
    Canadianboy

    Canadianboy [OP] Taco love in East Van

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    Yeah the balljoint on the old uca. Finally this morning I cut that bastard off. Now the bolt that holds the the old uca is cut flush. So I'm holding a screw driver and hitting it with a hammer, trying to get it to release and nothing yet.

    Thanx for all the help guys
     
  16. Sep 5, 2009 at 12:09 PM
    #16
    johnecon2001

    johnecon2001 Well-Known Member

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    Soak it with PB blaster for a few hours.
     
  17. Sep 5, 2009 at 1:35 PM
    #17
    Stillfly199

    Stillfly199 ( . )( . )

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    What are you going to run the Coilovers at? I am thinking about doing this same set up.
     
  18. Sep 5, 2009 at 1:56 PM
    #18
    Canadianboy

    Canadianboy [OP] Taco love in East Van

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    Had to go buy a pitman puller, had it out in about 2 minutes. A lot easier then banging forever on the bolt. I have the Icons and TC ucas installed now, just need to go out and buy a bigger socket that I am missing.

    Going to run the Icons at 2.25" - 2.5". But still have to finish the rear lift.
     
  19. Sep 5, 2009 at 2:01 PM
    #19
    dexterdog

    dexterdog My pee parts itch

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    Make sure there is no load or pressure on the bolt you're are trying to remove or else you will have a hard time hammering it out. I am not too familiar with the suspension set up quite yet as I have not torn into mine but I have worked on countless machines and the sort with the similar problem.
     
  20. Sep 5, 2009 at 10:08 PM
    #20
    Canadianboy

    Canadianboy [OP] Taco love in East Van

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    Alright boys, the front is all done, now working on the rear. I'm adding a Icon 3 leaf aal. So I'm removing the whole stock leaf pack off of the truck. I have the axle supported by jack stands. I've removed the nuts holding the leaf pack to the truck, is it ok to just bang out the bolts? I'm just worried that there might be some pressure on the leaf packs. The center pin is still in, I'm just taking the bolts out on either end of the leaf pack.

    Edit: After some reading, I guess I need to put the springs in a 'neutral load state". Hmm, guess I just need to
    use the floor jack under the axle and set it up so the leaf springs are flat looking. Sorry guys, just thinking out loud here lol
     

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