My experience installing my new coils and shocks

Yesterday I went out to install my 884 springs and bilstein 5100 shocks in the front of my 08 tacoma. I figured it would be an easy job after reading on here and watching a couple of youtube videos where they did it without spring compressors. Well the job was a complete bitch. My lower control arms wouldn't drop down with serious prying, and they would spring right back when the force was let off. I struggled and got it all back together after a bunch of cursing and a bunch of hours. I went to adjust my alignment cams back to the marks I made, but they were seized. Took it in to get aligned today and they told me what I had a suspicion of, my lower control arm bushings are seized to alignment cam bolts. The tech says its in spec but it's not perfect. Caster is 1.3 and 1.41. I can't remember the camber figures. I'll try and find my printout.

I've also got a very slight vibration that I feel in my gas pedal at 35 mph or so. I have the ECGS bushing, I just didn't have time to install it. So now I need to install that and get new bushings for my lower control arms. Not fun.

 

But after all that, I bet you still love your truck....

 

First time is a bitch. I would rather do it myself now because I know I will install them right.

 

You got that right. I'm meticulous with the work I do, and I know most mechanics don't give a shit because it's not theirs. I took my truck wheeling before I took it in for an alignment to settle the springs, and it performed great. I've had this truck for a year and Ive done a lot of repairs to it. The ECGS bushing has me worried.

 

The ecgs bushing is easy, just make sure you have a slide hammer.... From experience I can tell you that you don't wanna do it without one. I'd replace the seal while you're in there too.

 

Thanks for the advice. I got under there with my pry bars for about 5 mins with no luck. I think I'll go with the slide hammer. What about driving the axle back in? Any tips?

 

It goes back in easier than it comes out, I think I popped it back in by hand. If you have to hit it, use a wood block to cover the threads of the axle so you don't burr them. I followed this thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/index.p...e+Replace-Front-Wheel-Bearing-2nd-Gen.189356/
Also make sure you order the tool from ECGS to remove the needle bearing, also note that I had to file my removal tool down slightly because it was to thick to get in behind the needle bearing, I took maybe a couple mm off each side and it slid in like a hot knife through butter.
Edit: Its also a good idea to have the torque specs ready before you tear into it.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/index.php?threads/The-Torque-Spec.-Guide.318116/
Also don't forget to top up your front diff when you're done, I drained mine before I started and refilled it with new oil when I got finished, but that's up to you. It's been three years since I did mine, so I'm sure I've left something out, if you have any questions let me know.http://youtu.be/WnA_R3gFf2s