front strut assembly

So I bought the OME 881 springs and the nitrocharger shocks from 2 different dealers (I got a better price by shopping around). What else do I need in order to put this setup together and ready to install? I saw Toyotec sells a shock bushing kit. Do I need this. What about the top plate (I think thats what its called)? Where do I buy it from? I would like to set up the shocks and coil to save time when I install. Otherwise I would have to remove my current stock setup, and then take it to a mechanic to seperate the shock from the coil, and have him assemble the new one.

 

From what I've read most people do the latter - take it to shop with spring compressor. But I believe that you can buy the top plate online from toyota part websites, not 100% sure though. Wheeler's offroad might also carry them, I know they said they had 2nd gen ones a while ago(1st+2nd gen have same top plate maybe?)

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I wanted my shock and coil ready to go so I simply swap them when its time to instal. Depends on how much the top plate cost new.

 

the top plates are real expensive. Last time I looked they were $50/each. Might just find someone selling the whole unit off of a stock truck and swapping them out

 

Looks like a new pair of top plates costs $50. That will pretty much wipe out the reason I searched for hours and hours trying to get the best deal and bought the shocks and coils seperate. Are there any rubber bushings or anything similar that will need to be replaced when I assemble the new coil and shock?

 

The parts that go on top of the strut in part 13 in this diagram are typical ones that people replace - that said, from this diagram it doesn't look like you can buy them separate so I'd re-use old ones if possible - Might need part 15(coil isolator)

 

Toyotec sells this shock bushing kit http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Front-shock-replacement-bushingwasher-kit_p_35.html Is this kit the same described in 13?

 

I just bought a set of top plates for my 03 2.7L from RockAuto.com
Here is what they have for your 01 Pre-Runner. There are all going to be about the same quality.

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA 2.7L L4 DOHC : Suspension : Strut Mount
MONROE Part # 904900 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit. One of our most popular parts. Front
$15.57

MOOG Part # K160030 {#4860935010}
$27.89

SACHS Part # 802439 {#4860935010} Quantity per Axle: 2; Strut Mount and Bearing. Front; 4WD; w/o HD Upgrade (Only 13 Remaining)
$31.99

RAYBESTOS Part # 5201469 Professional Grade
$45.79

 

Going to leave this here:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/211535-billstein-5100-easy-install-method.html
Although controversial, I'm pretty sure I'm going to do my lift this way. May buy a new floor jack, mines old and not steady with downtravel