Front Spacer Install Q

Putting a 2" spacer on the front of a 2014 TRD. Instructions say remove upper ball joint...... but I have read here and other places to remove the lower ball joint bolts to let the strut assembly slide out. Just wondering what is the best way to get this done.

Thanks!

 

What I would do is put the truck on jack stands, take the wheel off, use a jack to support under the rotor, disconnect top of the shock and bottom and then relieve pressure on the jack just enough to slide the shock out. I'm pretty sure that when I put my lift on I didn't have to disconnect my ball joints, those are attach to the spindle. I can see how disconnecting the BJ's will allow more room to work with but there really isn't any need for it.

Are you planning on doing any off roading?

 

Thanks for the reply. I can see it sliding out easily..... but installing it as a taller assembly may be a bit tricky... hence the ball joint separation idea... I assume.

This lift is purely for looks.... putting an AAL in back too. No off-roading.... my days of doing that went when I sold my Jeep YJ on 1 ton axles and 38.5" Swampers a few years ago!

 

I miss my JK sometimes had it on 37's. It was a beast but needed a family car and I needed my truck more than the jeep. As for the install you still shouldn't have to disconnect the UCA BJ's or the LCA BJ's, it may be a tight fit but it's do-able. Just might have to relieve a little more pressure on the jack to let the control arms and spindle sag a little bit. Just mount the bottom of the shock first and then use the jack to lift it and set the top part of the shock in place and bolt that up and should be good to go.

 

Better yet, might be able to just disconnect the top and lower it enough to slide/angle the spacer in and then reconnect. That way you don't have to disconnect the bottom of the shock or remove it completely.

 

I don't think you'll have room without unbolting the lbj. I just put in 5100s and there's no way I could have done it wihtout unbolting the lbj, unhooking the sway bar, and loosening the alignment cams.

 

This may be what you have to do. I installed my lift 2 1/2 years ago so don't really remember it all off the top of my head. I do remember disconnecting the sway bar though, lol

 

This is how ive done it 3 different times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc

 

Mark the alignment cams, loosen them up then just remove the 2 bolts holding the lower control arm, all while having the truck on jack stands. Place the hand jack with a block of wood on top under the lower control arm with pressure on it.. Compress it a few inches Then remove the top nut on the stock and release. Out she comes

 

Disconnect the LCA's from the truck at the alignment tabs. then relieve pressure with a jack from there. Easiest way. Took me maybe an hour to do my whole front lift