Shocks DIY OR Shop???

Looking to buy a set of KYB gas shocks for my truck. I like to work on my truck myself & $ave$$ i feel, its bonding time other then abusing him putting him threw the grid Locke traffic of Los Angeles. So is this DIY Worth the headache or should i just dish out the money to have my Trusted Toyota mechanic (not the dealership)take the burden?

Provide;
1.Pros and Cons
2.Do's and Don't s
3.Things to remember
4.Challenges i will in counter
5.How many times will i say Shit

Thanks fellas Via Taco Tuesday!!!

 

It's just shocks..........

We don't know your experience, capability, tool box, patience or ability to innovate/problem solve if issues arise.

I will say this though for a beginner.

Do you have a covered dry place to work, in case it takes longer than you expect and weather changes?

Do you have other transportation in case you need another part and can't get it for a couple of days?

Do you have experienced friends you can have look over your shoulder for some guidance, or an extra set of hands if needed?

One big factor to potential complications is rust. How much on the parts you are working on impact the difficulty to be encountered.

Personally, I'd DIY. But I've got opposable thumbs, a toolbox that would crush a human if it fell over on them and patience. Along with no rust.

 

So many better shocks out there than kyb for around the same price. Treat your truck good and it will treat you the same.

 

What is the most involved maintenance/repair you've done on a vehicle?

If you are going to start getting more serious about DIY'ing on your truck, get a repair manual (I recommend Haynes to start with ~$25).
The rear shocks are easy, just need a wrench (17mm) and don't need to jack up the truck.

Try that yourself and then decide if you want to tackle the fronts.

 

At a minimum I would see if a forum member near you might be available to lend a hand in doing this. When I was installing my coilovers in the front, it was a great piece of mind to have a member from here with me. That way if I had questions, they already knew what to do and they also can be a second set of tools! My front coils took about 2-3 hours with the help of another member, also atleast with the front it always helps having a second set of hands to wrench or hold stuff!

Coot

 

Yes Shocks,
Yes to most of your questions also.
Im a problem solver good with my hands i think out side the box rather then being stuck in one.... Im an Electrician i also have tools otg
Im looking for someone that has actually done this job. Although you did point out some helpful stuff Clearwater.
As for Matic as a Pro like your self what do you recommend?
Yes looking for a guy in my area to help sounds good.

DIY MY SELF on my tacoma
Brakes front
Installing a real Horn not that beep beep stuff from the dealer
Exhaust manifold
4 hole spray fuel injectors
K&N cold Air intake
Oil change
Hid front head light kit
Stereo and and speakers all around.

I had a 92 Hardbody Nissan and i changed the front shocks that was easy.
Im just questioning Toyota and someone that has actually done the work. To give that extra hand. Thank you for your insights Fellas all great ones!!

 

When taking off the front coils, removing the sway bar during install helps ALOT! Since you have swapped brakes out before you have already seen what the general assembly of the shocks are. When taking off the coils, make sure you have two jacks available. One for letting the suspension go to full droop, the other to crank up the LCA after you get the new coil/shock installed so that you can slowly push the LCA up enough to reconnect the strut bolt.

The following is a link to a total chaos UCA/coilover install. Obviously only certain parts will apply to you, but you can get a better all around picture of what the process is like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbsTJgb6S_c

Coot

 

I just noticed you have a 2wd 5-lug truck. That means that the front shocks are almost as easy as the rear, maybe easier, since the coil spring and shock are removed separately, even though the shock is 'inside' the coil. No need for a spring compressor to just replace the shock.

According to my FSM, there are 2 bolts (nuts) on the bottom of the shock, that are not readily visible, that need to be removed. Then the one on the very top, then the shock is removed thru the bottom. You will need a torque wrench (if you don't have one) to properly re-torque those lower bolts.

 

TAN AND COOT. AWESOME REPLAYS VERY HELPFUL I WILL BE TACKLING THIS MISSION THIS WEEKEND!!! ILL GIVE YOU GUYS AN UPDATE HOW IT WENT!

 

Do it yourself. It's easy saves money. Cons- no 3rd hand for beer to be drank while turning wrench. It takes some time out of your day. Women won't leave you alone.

 

I forgot about that shit, got blown up the second my hands got greased up. Hit us up with any questions, unfortunately I dont have a 5 lug so my experience will only be but so relative.

Coot

 

Haha exactly shit sucks. Like when you gunna be done? Bitch I just started 20 mins ago and said this was gunna be at least 4 hours I'll call you when I'm done. Please bring more beer as we are almost out... but you just got there? Bitch I said bring more beer don't you worry bout how many I've had. I haven't had enough. End conversation

 

Hell yea same shit different truck.

Coot

 

I'm So Glad I'm Not The Only one

 

Well Fellas Mission successful yes it took 4.5 hours 3 IPAs BBQ ribs and Mac N Cheese. I'm now washing the debris off my forehead and my dirty forearms but all 4 KYB heavy duty shocks are in total times saying Shit (7)
Hell Yea!!!
Thanks To All that had Input.

 

AMERICA!!!