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Risks of "do it yourself" on upgrading your suspension

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by avengedkevinfold, Jan 24, 2011.

  1. Jan 24, 2011 at 7:49 AM
    #1
    avengedkevinfold

    avengedkevinfold [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Socal - OC - Huntington Beach
    bilstien 5100s all the way around, ICON progressive 3 leaf kit, Illegal tint, snuglid SL, seatbelt chime mod. light racing UCAs
    I know very little about cars but I'm considering installing my new bilstien 5100s all the way around the truck and a new ICON leaf pack.

    I've got jack stands and jacks and all the tools needed to perform the install including the torque wrench.

    In regards to removing the coil over using a spring compressor and putting in the 5100 back into the coilover.... I'll be taking the assembly to a shop to have done because I understand this can be a dangerous job.

    I'll be using the following links for help. AAL Install

    Factory Torque Specs

    After the install I'll be taking the truck to get aligned and get new tires and wheels.

    With all of that being said, what are some of the risks involved in doing this myself? What are some of the common mistakes that could make this install go wrong or lead to suspension failures down the road?

    Am I missing anything in regards to instructions and/or tools to get the job done right?

    Is this a no brainer job or am I in over my head?

    Any other advice?
     
    Mac4Willy likes this.
  2. Jan 24, 2011 at 8:02 AM
    #2
    01Tac0ma

    01Tac0ma Bash Fabriction & Off-Road

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    Chad
    West Columbia, SC
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    Look at build!
    It looks like you have it all, just remember to take your time and double check everything when you re assemble it all. taking it all apart should be a breeze with any type of diagram and since your having the hardest parts done theres really no concern in just takin it all apart and putting it back together yourself, just double check! Good Luck
     
  3. Jan 24, 2011 at 8:22 AM
    #3
    Ridgerunner

    Ridgerunner Well-Known Member

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    2001 with; cat-back side-swept twin exhaust, elbow mod, Westin bullbar with Hella 450 driving lights, Snugtop XTR camper shell, TRD off-road 2x4-black beauty.
    You are already on the good path having given thought to the job as you have-hell in my younger days they sold frikkin coil spacers in the form of plastic slipins all the way to metal ones you can torque on with a wrench to achieve more height> Can you imagine what these did to a spring-changing the whole load bearing dynamics, putting extreme pressure on only one point of the coil etc.
    Compare that to how you're handling yours and you'll see you're doing fine:)
     
  4. Jan 24, 2011 at 8:40 AM
    #4
    brettb

    brettb Well-Known Member

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    I did my rear suspension yesterday. It took about 11 hours but one bolt took 2 and a half hours to get off. Make sure you have an impact wrench it makes everything way easier. I replaced my leafs and shocks and it wasn't hard just time consuming.
     
  5. Jan 24, 2011 at 8:44 AM
    #5
    06RedComa

    06RedComa Well-Known Member

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    Make sure you check all the bolts a couple times especially after a good shake down off roading, I hear the nuts on the u bolts tend to come loose and a leaf could shift
     
  6. Jan 24, 2011 at 8:56 AM
    #6
    Mod

    Mod Well-Known Member

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    Changing out the coil over's isin't bad, just need to use good judgement and a good coil compressor and follow it's directions usually on the package. lots of do's and don't online to get that part safetly done.
    The compressor I used: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1KCEGNK70158E54HCCD0



    Don't tear boths sides down together, do one side then the other, that way you have a example to go back to.
     
  7. May 3, 2017 at 5:01 AM
    #7
    mikelcurtis

    mikelcurtis Member

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    It sounds like you have the tooling, and mindset to do a good job, you'll be fine. One of the most satisfying things we off roaders do is the 1st successful suspension rebuild.
    One piece of advice, give yourself plenty of time. If this truck is your daily driver, don't start on Sunday what you have to drive to work on Monday morning. Time compression makes for rushing and missing things.
    Above all, have fun!
     
    ChadsPride likes this.
  8. May 3, 2017 at 5:06 AM
    #8
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco Well-Known Member

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    OP
    I agree with what has been said here. Sure there are risks, but it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders.
    My advice would be to listen to that inside voice you have. If you get so far and decide (oh wait a second) then step back and wait.

    I'd be willing to bet that there are plenty of members in your area though. I'd find your local threads here and offer up a MOD day. The guys around here are often really accommodating when it comes to pitching in and helping out. You can make some good relationships too, and there is always a truck around to fetch that missing bolt that didn't come with your parts, or bounced into the sewer drain.

    Good luck!
     
  9. May 3, 2017 at 5:10 AM
    #9
    jowybyo

    jowybyo Well-Known Member

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    I can't imagine he is still working on installing his suspension, seeing as he started this thread over 6 years ago.
     
  10. May 3, 2017 at 5:11 AM
    #10
    DustStorm4x4

    DustStorm4x4 BBC 2020

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    Y'all realize this thread is 6 years old right?
     
  11. May 3, 2017 at 5:12 AM
    #11
    ChadsPride

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  12. May 3, 2017 at 5:19 AM
    #12
    KiteGuam

    KiteGuam The favorite!

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    :smash:
     
  13. May 3, 2017 at 5:28 AM
    #13
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Sometimes when I close my eyes, I can't see.

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    Holy Zombie thread revival @mikelcurtis !

    Not only is the thread 6, the OP hasn't been around since January............ :D
     
  14. May 3, 2017 at 6:48 AM
    #14
    Mod

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    He's almost got the last bolt in,,no one talk, he needs to concentrate. It's been a long 6 years and he wants to do this right. lol.
     
    KiteGuam, scottalot and DustStorm4x4 like this.
  15. May 3, 2017 at 7:26 AM
    #15
    urchim

    urchim Well-Known Member

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    Links dont work, can you fix it.
     
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  16. May 3, 2017 at 7:54 AM
    #16
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco Well-Known Member

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    Nope!
     
  17. May 3, 2017 at 7:57 AM
    #17
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco Well-Known Member

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    OMG!!

    Well ,it was the thought that counts! Right? @mikelcurtis ?

    Thanks for pointing this out, I woulda been pissed if OP didn't write back on how it went.
     
  18. May 3, 2017 at 7:59 AM
    #18
    outlawtacoma

    outlawtacoma Well-Known Member

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  19. May 3, 2017 at 8:01 AM
    #19
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco Well-Known Member

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    Serves me right for looking at this during work.
    :smack:
     
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  20. May 3, 2017 at 8:18 AM
    #20
    Mod

    Mod Well-Known Member

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    lol. We have all done this. No one is immune. No biggie,,just funny.
     
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