Help! Driver side UCA install

Ok - so I bought an Elka/Icon suspension from @HeadStrong Off-Road a while back (thanks again Marie - you guys are awesome) and finally getting around to getting it installed now that this forever fire season is over. Everything has gone really well until right now. I’m totally stuck.

Prior to starting, I did as much searching and reading as I could on these forums (mostly a lurker) reading about other people’s experience and watching install videos. My biggest concern was the hassle with the UCA thru-bolt. I started on the driver side bending metal and trying to fish that bastard out but kept getting hung up. After looking at the passenger side, I decided it wasn’t worth the drama so just used a cutting wheel to chop the bolts then spent $40 on a new pair. I read a few posts about folks doing that then installing the new bolts “upside down”.

Started with the passenger side and, other than getting the damn Icon washers squeezed in, it was damn easy. Then I went to the driver side.... and got stuck.

I got the bolt in part way but the flange is stuck on these black tubes - see pic. Can anybody tell me what these are and if I need to worry about flexing them to get the bolt by?? Thanks in advance!!

 

You know you're gonna get flak for using "Help" & "Stuck" in the same subject line ....

 

Yeah, you need to change that title, HELP and STUCK are code for someone stuck somewhere in a legit need of recovery.

Also, just flex those tubes out of the way.

 

If you need to flex them 1/4" or so, you will be fine. Just use a gentle touch.

 

Damn - didn’t think about that... how do I change the title?? Tried to edit the post but seems to only allow changes to message content. What am I missing? Total forum rookie...

But thanks for quick replies! What are those tubes out of curiosity and how expensive is it if I damage them?

 

Those tubes are part of the evaporative system. Don't kink them and you will be fine.

 

Got it - title changed.

Now - any ideas how to grow a third hand so I can flex those bitches and push the bolt at the same time....?

 

Go easy when you flex those lines out of the way. I believe that they are held in place with plastic clips/brackets.

 

Yea they are - just out of site above where the tubes disappear in the pic. That’s why I took a tactical pause to consult all you badasses. It’s just the most inboard tube I’m hung up on but they’re all essentially connected. Can’t move one without all the others.

COVID is cramping my style in a big way - need an extra set of hands but none available but the wife. I wonder if she’s feeling strong...

 

Been there...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/uca-replacement-assistance-needed.630389/

 

Put her to work!

 

Damn - BETWEEN them?? Somehow I’m completely on the outside of them. Maybe I’m screwed and need to start over. I don’t relish that thought at all.

 

I think you're on the right track. Keep moving them around and you'll find the right combo. I know that unbolting the bracket and popping the lines out of the white clip was required.

 

BOOM!! Got it! I had to back the bolt out a couple inches to get the pressure off the line, then I could undo the clips. I thought there was only one but there is a second one hiding up above the brake line. I already had the brake line bolt undone. Nothing left after that but to fight the damn Icon washer into place - such a treat - then put it all back together and grease it up. Just dropped it off at the alignment shop.

A couple pics for anyone else that finds themselves with the same problem in the future.

Thanks much for all the help and not beating my dumb ass up too badly!