REPLACE SUSPENSIONS

Hello guys,

I found a 96 Toyota Tacoma 4 Cylinders, 4x4, with 212K Miles. The Front Suspension is damaged, so I need to know how hard to replace it by myself. I did maintenance all of my cars at home, but I never replace a suspension before. How hard it is? How much it cost for the parts? and Can I do it myself? I need your advice and help please before I purchase it.

 

yes, just about anything you need to replace on these trucks is pretty straight forward and you can do it yourself as long as you have someone to assist you. having an extra set of hands when doing this stuff is a life saver. you also should have a clean dry place to work or it can make things harder and you need a way to properly support the truck while you work so high rise jack stands are a must for doing suspension work.

price depends on you and weather you want to go back stock or get fancy upgrades with it.

tell us the list of what you know to be damaged and post some pictures as well as tell us your idea of how you want it to be done and look when its finished

 

We are going to need a little more info. What part of the suspension is damaged

 

About the location, I have a good driveway to do the job. I just try to get it done to look like the way it was as from the manufacture only, nothing fancy, just a regular one.

There are many damaged parts, but I believe I can get those done easily. The only things I really need to know are the Front Suspension and the bed. I say the suspension. I'm not sure which part but the wheels are turning in different direction. I tried to post the pix here for you to see but I could not. Can you tell me how to post it?

 

these videos should help with some of it, with the tie rods, just don't beat on it with a hammer like the idiot in the video did or it can make your rack and pinion seals leak.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVQHgcXEhpE

also with the strut replacement, disconnect the lower ball joint to allow it to drop enough to get the new struts in without prying on things
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp9OH13jIx8

and here, presoak everything at least a day in advance to make the nuts and bolts release.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReSCYEULK90

 

Keakar, thank you very much for posting those videos. They're very helpful for me.

 

lots of videos on youtube for most things but as I pointed out with each video, there are bad habits shown in them as well so use it to see how things go together and come apart but always use common sense and don't follow the bad habits they often demonstrate.

most guys on youtube are just back yard mechanics with no proper training so keep that in mind

 

Keakar, thank you so much for your advice. I'll try to watch couple times and only follow the common sense ones. By chance, do you have any video about replace the Rack and Pinion too?

 

Keakar,
Do you have any insight on aftermarket Front axles for a 2001 Tacoma. Like a conversion kit with a heavier duty axle.
Bought a 2001 Tacoma 4x4 with a driver side rack and pinion completely snapped. First Toyota I have owned, I am mechanically inclined just looking for any insight.
Out of Jacksonville fl, Have not had much luck on locating fairly priced parts.

Thanks in advance

 

Sounds like you are good with a wrench but Ill ask anyway. Is there any damage to the frame? Are any of the damaged suspension components heavily bent (specifically the upper or lower control arms)? Look for tweaked or cracked suspension mounts or the area around the mounts. Even the slightest bend in parts like the control arms are a red flag that the frame could be bent. If it is, it could spell large headaches later during alignment and what not.

 

Looks like the lower ball joints are the first thing that need attention.

 

no, I like to keep suspensions stock on my trucks so others will have more experience to answer that question

 

oem axles are about the best.

 

Thank you