How hard is it to install a lift kit yourself?

Me and a buddy just took off my Toytec lift and put some Icons and new UCAs on. It's not hard. As long as you have the directions, basic mechanic skills, decent tools, a coil compresser, and enough beer. you will be fine. You can go to Kragen/Shuck's and "rent" a coil compresser. You have to pay for it, but when you return it they put the deposit back in your account. It's like 6 bucks a day. You should only need it for a couple of hours though. Good luck.

 

If you've never used a coil compressor before I would suggest going to a shop and have them put on the spacer for you. The compressor is a dangerous tool, not worth losing a limb or digit over. A compressed spring yields a whole lot of energy so be careful.

 

+1000000000! There's a guy here on this forum that had to go to the emergency room for stitches after his failed attempt... I forget who it was though.

 

I asked around town where im at, and most shops are charging 20-40. THere is a penzoil express lube shop and they were the 20, my dealership told me $75(shocking..... huh)per side

 

I wouldn't trust those guys at the quick lube place nor would I take it to the dealer for that price, maybe find a good medium somewhere else?

 

I've used a spring compressor before working on other peoples vehicles. I'm just wandering what would be quicker and cheaper. I'm extremely busy and I have to install this lift quickly as possible without rushin through and half-assin it. I've got a fair amount of mechanical skills and have done suspension work before. How long would it take on average to do just the front if all goes smooth?

 

It's very easy...here's a couple writeups.

It's much easier to have a buddy with you.

If you're installing a SPACER lift that goes inside the coil assembly, I'd highly recommend NOT using a coil compressor. Take the entire assembly to the nearest shop with a wall mounted compressor and pay them to compress the coils. Much safer....
http://www.lieblweb.com/tacoma/Mechanical/CornbredLiftInstall/CornbredLift.htm
http://www.lieblweb.com/tacoma/Mechanical/DayStarLift/Daystar.htm
And don't forget....if you disassemble the front coil assembly, I'm pretty sure this is what you need to put it back together properly. This came directly out of a 96 FSM.
http://www.lieblweb.com/tacoma/Mechanical/96TacomaDiagrams/images/FrontSuspLineUp.jpg