Another suspension replacement question

Hey guys, bear with me because I couldn’t find an answer specific to my situation.

I am swapping a complete suspension (picture) from a 3rd gen to my 2005. I know how to do the swap, but what I don’t know is what other parts I should replace (bolts, nuts, etc) while I’m in there.

 

I would replace every bolt. Especially the u bolts. Im pretty sure when you torque each nut down it stretches itself or the bolt. When you loosen and use it again its not the same it once was so it wont stay tight for long.

 

Thank you and that makes sense. Where is a good place to buy the U Bolts and the other nuts and bolts?

 

I just went to the dealer for mine, take a pic of the bolts/locations you are trying to replace to help them understand whats you need. If you ever need longer u bolts than stock ones you can look online or find a suspension shop that can make them. Longer u bolts would be needed with like a larger block when lifting the rear.

 

U bolts are the only bolts/nuts that you need to replace. Every other nut and bolt you will touch can be reused without any worry. I'm a mechanic and have lifted dozens of Tacomas. Replacing bolts and nuts is unnecessary.

Proper torque is important though. And re-torque after 500 miles is a good practice.

 

Thank you so much. I was going to reuse those old u bolts if you guys didn’t tell me.

 

Grease all the attach bolts for the leaf springs thoroughly before you reinstall to avoid squeaking.

 

Thank you!

 

Do measurements to fenders before and after and share some photos when you complete it. It should sit way higher than your tired suspension.

Good luck!

 

UBolts and anything damaged

Good time to do a u bolt flip kit

 

U bolts are fine IMO to reuse as long as threads are good....

Torque everything thats a bonded rubber bushing at ride height with the full weight of the truck on the tires. (uca to frame, front and rear lower shock, front/rear leaf spring, leaf spring shackle to frame, lower control arm to frame).


If those front strut assemblies have never been taken apart, you will know the driver side vs passenger side (they are different springs) by which one lines up with the upper 3 holts of the top hat AND has the BOTTOM of the coil that last coil ends at the very back.

 

Thank you! I am taking note.

 

Thank you. I will definitely take before and after photos and share with the group.

 

Thank you. I will definitely look into the Ubolt flip kit since I still have some time.

 

Replace the u-bolts, the Toyota part number is 90117-A0005. Per Toyota, you’re supposed to replace the castle nut on the upper control arms,of course replace the cotter pin with the bolt. I’ve attached the documentation that outlines the torque recommendations. An impact gun definitely helps and spray all the bolts days prior with penetrating oil. Not a bad job and the ride and stance are a dramatic improvement. This is probably the most helpful video to watch for the front shock assembly replacement:

https://youtu.be/I8JAA-6_WCU?si=JMJkwXQeSXVjZ3le

 

The threads on the U-bolts doesn't look good. Do like others have suggested and get new u-bolts. The torque on those is 73 ft/lbs.

 

I agree.

 

Wow thank you for this info. This makes my job so much easier.

 

im currently in the process of swapping leaf springs. The old eye bolts have degradation from what I assume is salt. Does the diameter of the eye bolts not matter? If the diameter/surface of the leaf spring eye bolts aren’t smooth, would it affect the springs at all?

 

If you dit not change the lower control arm in the past few years, you will need them and the lower control arm cam bolts. Cam bolts are probably seized in the control arms bushing. It’s sad and add probably 7-800 $ on the bill