Bolt removal for lift kit

What’s the best way to remove the bolts on the UCA’s without lifting the body off the frame? Can I just cut the head off and drive it out backwards. Then install new bolts back in the way the old ones were driven out?

 

Doing it the way you suggest is probably the quickest way, but I didn’t really have any issue bending the sheet metal just enough to remove the bolt through the engine bay. I think I had to unbolt something by the battery to make room, but it was simple and straightforward. Just take your time!

 

Some cut the bolt off but it's much easier just bending the sheet metal a little and pulling it out. As mentioned, there is a module thing under the battery you'll want to remove to make that side easier.

 

It’s in a shop getting the work done. The way he described it, the 2020 may be a little different than past models. It sounds like the head is pretty much hidden. Anyway, he is going to cut the bolts but has to order two new ones from Toyota.

 

That's not true. My 2020 was the same as every other one I've done, including 4Runners. I mean, if he wants to cut the bolt that's fine but he's feeding you a lie saying it's different and the head is pretty much hidden.

 

ouch, shop doesn't seem to know wtf they are talking about

 

I know he isn’t lying, he’s actually an old friend. He just hasn’t done a 2020 and more than likely, I just misunderstood him a little. He said he didn’t really want to start bending or pounding metal and I didn’t want him to either.

 

The kid know his stuff. This is all he’s ever done, even builds his own race cars.

 

obviously he doesn't in this instance.

 

Just did mine. Bolts were in stock at dealer so I cut mine then bent the brake lines to allow new ones to go back in. I did not want to bend the metal on the body. Just be careful cutting the bolts and don't hit any surrounding components.

 

He just hasn’t done a 2020 and more than likely, I just misunderstood him a little. He said he didn’t really want to start bending or pounding metal and I didn’t want him to either.

 

Just get some channel locks to bend that bit inside the wheel well and there's one something or other with a small bolt in that area that you'll have to remove. That's honestly the easy part. I found it was more difficult to get the new UCAs in with all the washers just by myself.

 

https://youtu.be/0tu0Lc5bdN4

 

I just bent the sheet metal with channel locks, like the others have mentioned above. You're not compromising the structural integrity of anything. It ain't load-bearing sheet metal.

 

I just hate bending body metal with channel locks. It only takes a few seconds with a cutoff wheel to get the old bolts out.

 

Everybody gets persecuted for doing something different. Fuck. "He's a goddamn idiot and/or liar for not bending metal"

Different strokes guys. I don't plan on bending metal when I do mine either. Not saying it isn't easy, but paint isn't flexible, I'd rather spend 30 bucks and go backwards with loctite.

Edit:

It's funny watching videos like that, especially seeing members struggling to get it out if it's that simple.

 

I see that a lot of this forum. You go to someone with a great reputation to have some work done. They tell you something g about your truck and you trust them. Then you post about it and someone 1000 miles away who knows everything starts to tell you your mechanic knows nothing and is a liar...