Tools for lift kit

I'm putting a lift on in the next few weeks, as soon as my Dobinson's order gets here. Dobinson's shocks/struts/coils/leafs, jba UCA's, diff drop, pinch weld flattening, and CMC. However I'm in FL, and have access to a warehouse to do this lift in. Problem is, I don't wanna be making tool runs because i forgot to bring this or that.

So my question is, aside from normal hand tools, (ratchets, wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, etc) can anyone think of anything special I might need? Already got prybar, sledge, angle grinder, PB blaster, etc on the list.

 

Check out that link. I detail all the tools required. Make sure you have Jack's that can lift the truck heigh enough so that you can work on it.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3-bilstein-5100-toytec-aal-suspension-lift-guide.556371/

 

If you're ordering the front shocks pre-assembled you don't need a sping compressor... if you didn't order them pre-assembled you need one.

I pop the outer tie rods lose to allow room to get the front shocks out. This is the tool I use. As mentioned above, you'll need a jack that will lift high enough. Normally 22-24 inch max height will work. 6 ton jack stands are best (height) to support the truck at a managable height (4 to could probably work) but, you'll also need 2 ton or something to help you support the rear axle while you have it lose from the leafs.

A good sized alignment punch helps lining up the eyes on the leafs and on the shocks as well. I use one similar to this.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Mayhew-5-16-in-x-12-in-Line-Up-Punch-44202/100157822

And not sure on the torque specs on the JBA UCAs, but it's over 150 ft lbs for the ball joint nut on SPC UCAs. So I'd figure on needing a Torque Wrench that will go up to 200 ft lbs.

 

You're fancy with that puller. I prefer the ghetto style, a 2lb hammer lol.

 

Nice, I didn't see that post. We lifted my brothers 4runner last year, but I wasn't sure if anything in particular wouldbe needed for the leafs. Thanks!

 

If you don't have an air impact gun, I highly recommend looking into either a 20V cordless Dewalt impact or Ryobi. I rarely even use my air impact anymore since I invested in a 20V dewalt impact gun for the house and have a Ryobi one in the truck for tire changes. It will make your life much easier to do your lift. Make sure you go with a high capacity battery 4ah or higher.

 

The Milwaukee 20v is already on the list! Thanks!

 

Fancy? It's a 15 dollar tool. And it takes litterally no effort to pop the tie rod ends off with it... and, about the last thing I want to do is bend/brake/damage someone's outer tie rod end, while I'm doing their lift.

 

In addition to what has been listed you are going to need a welder for the cab mount chop.

A set of large channel locks is helpful for bending the sheet metal so you can r/r the UCA bolt.

Breaker bar and some penetrating oil.

A pry bar can be helpful in lining up the leaf packs.

 

couple ratchet straps may come in handy on the rear leaf install. might have to persuade the rear axle a little bit to get the new leaf pack to line up with the centering pin

 

You should not need to remove the tie rods to install new coilovers in a 2nd gen Tacoma. I have redone my UCAs, LCAs, and coilovers, all without difficulty of tie rods getting in the way, and without removing any steering related parts.

 

The fact that he's replacing UCAs would make it easier to replace the Shocks without popping the tie rods. But otherwise, you're working harder than you have to, if you're not popping them.

 

Yeah I guess, as long as you're fine paying a little to use the tool. To each his own

 

A little used tool? LMFAO (definitely not a little used tool for me)

It's a 15 dollar tool. It's not only a good tool to have for doing lifts, I also keep it with my trail tools in case I need it.

 

Not a little used tool, I only said you have to pay a small amount to use the tool, which in my case specifically wasn't necessary. That said, it is just $15 so it couldn't hurt. Also if you're using it occasionally on the trail it would 100% be worth having. I usually don't wheel hard enough to break parts so I'm not worried about it for myself.

 

Admittedly, I'm in a different situation. It really makes having the Pittman Arm puller handy. Thankfully I've never needed it on the trail, but it doesn't take up much room, and if I ever do need it, it would be a lifesaver. (Ball joints are a weak point for us 1st genners), so it's bast to be prepared).

I also host a lot of Mod Days. It has happened where I've lifted 2 or 3 Tacomas on the same day. So, anything I can do to speed up the process (and eliminate the chance of fucking up someone else's truck) is highly welcomed.

 

Well good on you for helping out with the mod days, I always wanted to do a few around my area but there's not many TW guys here. I'm sure it makes everything way easier having a few more hands and brains to tackle stuff with.

 

Never failed me in over 10 years of auto service

 

Why would you pull tierods when you can just pop the ball joint any time you want to do work on the struts?

 

I plan to cut the cab mount, then drive it to a friends place to weld the plates on after.