LAS VEGAS.. Anyone bored tomorrow 10/30/21. Free coffee & donuts for your knowledge. Lol

I’m sure I’m wayyyyyyy over worrying myself on this but I’m FINALLY going to do my front struts tomorrow on my 2011 Tacoma by taking down the LCA and puting them back in by jacking up the LCA with a floor Jack to compress the springs (instead of paying Firestone $140.00 for this) so I guess if asked than my life and fingers or teeth are only worth $140.00?? Lmao Anyway…. If anyone in Las Vegas is bored tomorrow morning and you want coffee & donuts and you’re familiar with this process of the way I’m gonna do it than come on by as I guess I’d feel better being a Virgin at this for my first time than going it alone? Lol. If no replies than wish me luck!! If it goes into the afternoon than I’ll spring for Pizza & Beer…. Btw I’m seriously thinking of trying to put together a small group of people for get togethers for whatever from cruise nights too Buffets or back yard bbq’ing ?time to time & just helping eachother out when needed or just watching and drinking their beer? Lol. Lemme know your thoughts all? Cheers!!

 

I'm not sure free coffee and donuts would be worth it to watch your blow your face off. You are taking an extremely unnecessary risk over saving a few dollars. I have seen one go off in a shop. It shot off the spring compressor, smashed the side of a car, bounced sideways cracking a block wall, and lodged it self in the metal roof. Luckily in that case no one was hurt, but seeing what it did to a block wall and still having energy to destroy a roof, no chance I would want to be part of it. At least with what I witnessed, there were escape paths. You are talking about putting your face into the only way out if it goes off and there is zero reaction time if that happens.

 

Great offer and always a good reason for a meet up.


Don't fret though. It is very easy and safe. Coilovers off the Taco is a very different situation, esp with the amount of preload on our springs. You'll laugh once you see the jack method in action.

Just in case, remember to take off the top nut before jacking the Taco or loosening the LCAs.

 

Hmmm. Yeah. Good point!! Very good point

 

Thought I was supposed to just loosen the top nut until I take the compression off the spring by lowering the LCA and then taking off the nut? Or am I wrong? Like I said this is my Virgin voyage!!

 

That is what I said, but it is easiest to do it before you put anything under the Taco. As you jack the front / frame, the front suspension will droop out. From there, you can set your jack stands, pull the wheel, and loosen the LCAs.

Remember to mark your LCA cams before you loosen them, unless you are going straight to an alignment shop.


If you just loosen the top nut, there will still be stored energy in the springs. You need to remove it before the suspension is drooped.

 

Ok. Now I understand…. Thank you again. Just getting clarification.

 

Or just get a loaner spring compressor from autozone/advance if they're available near you? https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/loaner-strut-spring-compressor

 

You're welcome!


I did mine by pulling the UCA bolt as I didn't have an alignment set up yet, but like I said, it was easy and safe.

 

That makes more sense than the other way. I’ll be doing this at some point in the future. Sounds like that way a lot of the stored energy will be released by the time you’re ready to loosen the LCA and lower knuckle bolts after placing the other jack and putting slight pressure against it.

 

Instead of just tossing this on the wall of the 3rd gen forum, you might get more response (in terms of bodies) by hitting your regional forum.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/south-west.41/

 

Wish you were in Vegas Brutha!! You make it sound too easy!! Lol

 

Good idea. Thanks

 

Exactly.

For mine, full energy release was when the shaft was a bit below the top mount. Guiding it back in for the 5100s, esp on the 4th circlip setting took a bit of work.



I tried using my spring compressors that worked great on our old car. A lot less spring rate than the Taco. I was not pleased, put the coilovers back on, and did the jack method the next night.

 

I wish I could help you out. It is though.

There was a good vid of this on YouTube, but I can't find it just yet.

 

Here you go:


I agree with all points except that I would loosen the top nut before you start as it is the best way to control the energy. You can do one side at a time if you want, to build confidence.

 

But you’re on the way right?? lol. Thx agsin Brutha. I really do apreciatte it.

 

Yes, I am! Got my thumb out on the side of the road. Might try showing some leg?


You're welcome!

 

Free loaner spring compressor from Autozone and some big zip ties.

 

Excellent video. Thx again. Doesn’t look that bad. Think I was over worrying it. Thx again