Should I install a lift myself?

Ok so on base we have an auto craft work shop we can work on our cars and they supply the tools. I believe they charge 7 dollars an hour for a bay with a lift. Tools are free. Ive worked on cars before but just basic rotor changes and things of that nature, nothing suspension. I want to do a 3 inch OME lift. Are they pretty straight forward as in bolt on or will I be in over my head? In the past Ive had lifts installed and the charge was a little much.

 

I'm an old math teacher and installed Icons and a 3-leaf AAL. I read a bunch of how to posts here on TW and decided on the best method.

 

You can research threads on here that will give you a step by step for installing a lift on your truck. Probably even for the specific lift you plan on installing. If you feel like you're mechanically inclined and can read some directions, I say go for it and save yourself at least $500

 

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Or if you have some friends with a shop or mechanical experience. Ask around on here in your region, there are always people willing to help out, thats what is great about TW

 

Exactly. You might even have someone close by who is a TW member who can cruise by and help you out for a case of beer or something. Lots of awesome people on here!

 

I just did mine in my driveway. you should be able to do it with a lift, bay, and tools if you can change rotors. Just do your research first

 

to save you some time i would recommend buying a can of PB blaster and hitting up the bolts a couple days before (if your truck isn't brand new)...definitely good bonding time with the truck...

 

Yes on PB blaster ^^

If you are getting the coils already on the struts (coil overs) then it is bolt on. If not then you need a spring compressor. Other than that yes it is bolt on.

 

Did mine in my drive way. Rear is simple. Front not so bad either besides assembling the springs and struts. If I did it again I'd have a shop do that part, those springs are really stiff and the spring compressor I used seamed/was dangerous. Took about 4 hrs total with no IFS experience, 3 jeeps and a Samurai before Tacoma.

 

If you are active duty you should be able to find some motor heads that would be more than willing to wrench for an afternoon. Add a case of bear and I am sure you would be set. Its easy don't be scared.

 

I'm very familiar with pb blaster and my jeep. But my tacoma is brand spankin new the bolts should be no problem it came off the assembly line in July.

 

That's what I'm thinking. Just don't want an I crap I just ruined my new truck moment.

 

Theres a small overnight fee from what I've heard. When I was in oklahoma there were multiple cars left there for a few days. For the most part there understanding the shop is there for us to use not to take our money. Some cars were even deserted and after so long they had them towed.

 

I did mine at home in the dirt at night in the cold! You should have no problems easy install..

 

Never done a lift before and I did it right in my garage. You have a lift bay. That would be extremely handy and straight forward in installing the lift. Really the lift installation is is straight forward. Remove bolt and remember where its at. Not only doing it yourself and save tons of money. But you will gain more knowledge about the truck and can fix things in the future.

Remember to torque those to spec.

 

I did mine in an auto skills center on post. like mentioned above, half the dudes in there are DIY master mechanics, even if you do get hung up, tap the dude next to you. Plus the skills centers have every tool you could ever need.

PM me if you got any q's about the install or OME lift

 

Welcome. My buddy was in the Air Force and had a hobby shop on base. We were there almost every weekend working on something. If your shop is anything like his, there will be plenty of folks there to lend a hand. His shop supervisors were all gear heads and very knowledgeable. Go for it!

 

Also, if needed you can split it up into two sessions....do the front one day and the rear another. Hardest part is if your struts are not assembled. Have yet to find a spring compressor that doesn't scare the shit out of me! They work, but I hate those things! Many tire type shops will assemble struts / springs for about $30 each and they have the good stuff to do it with. Then it is a bolt on deal. Rear is pretty simple, just bolt things up. We did struts on my Nephews Runner in the driveway in about 1.5 hours including the scary install springs on the struts part. One thing to check, not sure about the aftermarket stuff, but on his 4-runner there was a right and left spring for the front struts, they were not the same.

 

wish i had access to a lift. would save so much time.....its pretty straight forward install. disconnect the uca from the spindle to make for quick work. After you lift your factory bottle jack is useless at the front jack point, pack a few pieces of thick wood to prop it up for future needs on the road.

 

I know my way area tools but never worked on any vehicle untill my Tacoma. I installed 5100's up front with zero issues. Will be adding an inch in the back at some point down the road .

Id say leave yourself the whole weekend, take your time and have at it.