How to: Front shock/spring removal

PM chris and see if he has them still somewhere

 

On page 8 there are some good pics. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/31862-how-front-shock-spring-removal-8.html#post990449

 

Are those the original pics though? Doesn't seem like they go along with Chris's words on the front page. Hopefully he'll get them reposted soon.

 

no pictures anymore.

 

He added links (thanks Chris) to the first post but wow...not sure I can follow those. Does anyone have this thread printed out before he deleted the pics?

 

Damn.. I was all set to DIY.. I called around, and the prices I got for a shop to switch over my springs was about $100.. It would be about $225 for them to do the whole thing.. I have 3 choices.. try my hand at the spring switch myself, have a shop do it and DIY the rest, have the shop do all.. Is it worth the extra $100 to have the shop do it all?
If I can get my hands on a coil spring compressor, is it something I should try and get done.. (fyi.. I would like to keep all of my digits.. still need to teach my 1 year old how to count to 10.. not 9 or 8..lol..), or leave it up to the ppl who know how..
Can I buy 5100s preloaded with good springs and have shipped to me set at 1.75?

 

Man-up & DIY

 

got my front shocks out in a couple hours last night.
now I'm all set to get them dropped off at a local shop to get the springs swapped. I want to go get the alignment done @ my Toyota dealership, but it's 45 miles away. 2 questions:

1.) Is it harmful for me to drive that distance out of alignment?
2.) Is it a better alignment for our trucks @ the dealership rather than a local place?

 

1.) It's always best to have it done as soon as possible... but no, 45 miles isn't gunna kill your tires...
2.) I would recommend finding a shop that has experience aligning lifted vehicles. Also Firestone has lifetime alignments for $140.

 

I have the shocks set to 1.75" lift. Is that going to cause problems with alignment with the stock UCAs?

 

I have a couple write-ups for removing front coilovers.

http://www.lieblweb.com/cornbredlift.html

http://www.lieblweb.com/daystarlift.html

Sift through what you need.....

 

no

 

Thanks.
I'm getting a "Thrust alignment" done locally. I'd rather not drive 45 miles for the same thing that costs more and will wear my tires (or give me a good reason for new, bigger ones!)

hmmm...............

 

Thanks for posting those. Im going to be replacing suspension soon and that cleared some things up.

 

hey i am going to do this in a couple of weeks along with installing total chaos uca's. i have read thru both this and the sticky involving uca installation. if i remove the uca, will i have enough room to get the coilover in. it looks like i will. also to keep the lower control arm from droping once the shock is removed, could i just put a bottle jack under it, so it would not come down. i understand i would not want to put any upward pressure with the jack, b/c it would be tough to get the shock out. just have it to keep it from droping.

 

okay, thanks so much.

 

Chris, what's the best way to lift the front? Jackstands? Also where is the best lift point?
Thanks

 

I know your asking Chris but on my truck the jack point is on the front cross member. Look in your manual to see where yours is. Then use jack stands on the frame right behind the front tires.

 

What kind of Jack will I need? My trucks kinda high off the ground?