front shock install WITHOUT spring compressor

So awhile back I had a a 3" toytec lift put in.....At the time I did not have the replacement shocks so the Stock billies were used(stiff ride).. Well I got the shocks the other day. (5100s)

PROBLEM: I do not own a spring compressor // also don't want to pay a shop 200+ to put in shocks.

SOLITION: http://youtu.be/vkVLBOnAifc

I do not know this person but it worked PERFECTLY for me.

comments welcomed

 

Did the same thing to get my 5100s in. Pretty easy, just have to be really careful not to break yourself.

 

You can buy your own compressors for less than $50 bucks and they work great, or you can rent a set from autozone.

I checked out that methode and I really don't think it is any safer or dangerous than spring compressors. I'll stick with compressors. Just be aware that there are 3 compressors in the kit for a reason. Use all 3 for safety sake.

If you plan on having the truck for 200k+ miles, you might as well have your own. for some reason, replacement shocks never seem to last as long as OEM. My first Gen1 tacoma went thru 7 sets of shocks and struts. Free lifetime warrenty really pays off when you do your own maintanance.

 

yeah I may end up purchasing one but I was in a pinch and this time the TUBE paid off

 

I found this safer than when I used a compressor.

 

I've taken the springs out of my 74 corvette a few times and always used a jack on the LCA. I usually tie the spring to the frame in case it somehow flies out with a chain or rope. Just added insurance. Never needed it though.

I think either way works fine as long as you take your time and all the precautions.

 

The reason this method is safe is because there is no where for the spring to shoot out from. The spring is around the shock and the shock is still bolted at the bottom using this method. The spring can't shoot out the top because the shaft of the shock is still protruding through the top mount plate when all the load is released from the spring. The spring is never in a position to be dangerous.

I've used spring compressors many times before, and most are nowhere near as safe. Especially those half assed pieces of shit that you get from the auto stores.

 

I just pulled the shock/coil and took it to a shop to swap them out. At the time it was $60. Worth it to me not to have to buy/rent a compressor and deal with that. Might ask a shop or two for the swap-only price.

 

I too recommend the non-compressor method. I've tried both ways and find the compressor WAY more dangerous.... and more complicated. Really, the only risk you run is having the LCA slip off the jack. And even if that happens I still don't see how you could get hurt.

 

Will that method work in 1st gen tacoma?

 

Hey guys, I made the video and many people with 1st gens have had success with this method too.

Here is the main thread where this method is discussed.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/211535-billstein-5100-easy-install-method.html

 

Subscribing

 

Awesome job.
Thank you for this and I was going to do this myself.
Local shop did it for 60$ on top of the alignment.
After watching them do mine, your way seems to be easier and as or safer than using compressors.
I will be doing this myself next time.

 

I have done it both ways on the taco. The Off-Road coils are closer together and my compressors didn't fit between the coils, so I did it the other way without. If I was going to do it again, I wouldn't use compressors, it's faster.

 

Quick question, what sort of ground clearance do you need to have the arm swing low enough to remove the shock ? I've got 3 ton jack stands that lift the front so wheels just come off the ground, i'm not sure that's enough to allow the LCA to swing low enough.....just want to be 100 % sure before i start ripping into the front end !

 

You have plenty of swing to get the coil over out.

 

Sub'd. I think I'll try this method to get my 5100's back to 0. Thanks for sharing

 

I understand that this method works, but I bought my spring compressor kit for $35 and have used it 3 times in 2 years. Money well-spent.

 

How does it look like?

I have this one that came with the the whole lift.
https://www.amazon.com/Supreme-Susp...8-2-spons&keywords=spring+compressor+kit&th=1

 

Did you just combine two questions into one sentence? How does it work, and what does it look like, becomes how does it look like?