Just finished up replacing the struts on my Tacoma using this process! It was very easy. Took me 5 hours total to do struts and socks. I'm old and move kind of slow. I saved around $550 in labor doing it my self!!
@@brutusbarnabus8098 I sorry to say but no. One of the KYB struts Is leaking! I have been fighting with Tire Rack to get a replacement and all I get is the run around. Been over 2 weeks with no luck, I disputed the charges on the 12th with the credit card company. Will see how that goes.
good job, I'm also old and slow and I'm looking forward to doing struts/shocks on my 4runner soon keep on wrenching as long as you can - have a good one
I would recommend marking your 4 camber bolts so that you can realign them after lowering the lower control arm. You should probably get an alignment after putting on new struts, but at least that will get you to the shop.
and if you put a jack under the lower control arm , jack up to compress the spring a little and then undo the shock top centre nut. lower the jack and the strut comes out and the spring is loose. YOU DONT NEED spring compressors to take of or refit
Love it, read the comments and the times that people say they did the job just get faster and faster. 5 hours...3 hours...2 hours....to less than 15 minutes a side! Wow, I don't know why professional garages or mechanics exist. Its just that easy.
Freaking amazing. Knowledge is power...it's also a HUGE time saver. I was thinking of replacing my tired front struts and rear shocks & springs on my 2016 Trail 4Runner with some Eibach's but I was hesitant because I've never done something like this before but thanks to you, I know now so I've pulled the trigger on some stage 2's. Thanks for a great DYI video. One of the best I've seen for a 5th gen 4Runner.
this is a really creative way to do this ... very good I'm doing this job soon on an 08 4runner and watching this helps ... I'm trying it your way, thanks from Minnesota
Great video. My truck a 2013 didn't go as well. To get things loose or even move was a chore. The lower control arm even loosened had to be cranked down with a come a long. The truck has its share of corrosion which was a fight all throughout the job. The video helped, but old truck owners beware Toyotas are rust buckets.
I have to do this job on my 2013, I'm expecting the same experience that you had. I have new lower control arms to go in as well, I'm probably going to have to cut the old ones out.
I did the suspension on my 4runner yesterday by myself. In fact, i do all work by myself and it's better that way. Those bolts can be loosened but it's not necessary.
It's best to do an alignment after this. He loosened the nuts so the lower control arm could swing down. Many times, it's necessary to adjust this connection during an alignment. And as a rule, it's always a good idea to get an alignment after replacing the struts, regardless of how it was done.
I was just wondering this as I saw those LCA nuts loosened, i was never sure though. I am curious - If i mark the location of those nuts so i can return them to it when reassembling, do you think I should still get an alignment? (no lift is being done). My alignment is near perfect right now and would hate to have some shop (or myself) ruin it. Thanks!
@@vinbia it’s up to you of course, but an alignment is only about $100 at places like Firestone and they come with a six month warranty, meaning you can go back as many times as you want during that six month period.
@@ExitOffroad Thanks, even if you are changing struts with OE ride height? Thank you for the video btw, this helped today when I swapped out the OE struts for Bilstein 4600s. I did mark the notch on those cam washers and from it looks like, it didn't move.
does the vehicle need to be lowered back down before tightening the cam (control arm) bolts. or is it ok to fully tighten them with the wheels off the ground?
It needs to be done on the ground. The alignment shop will loosen them right away again. But doing it in the air preloads the bushings which is not good
If you loosen the cams, just mark the exact starting point and set them back there. But if you're changing the springs or lift height, you'll need a new alignment anyway.
The struts didn't fit thru the top control arm while control arm still bolted to chassis. I needed to remove the top control arm bolts aswell as the sway bar links and sway bar mounts and pull top control arm outwards while holding the hub with my knees just to be able to get the strut out. Everything else worked. Fyi if you take the sway bar off, it needs to be bolted back on first. Found out first hand. Unless its because my utes a 2005 sr5 2wd extracab in Australia but the circumference of the struts or the space between top control arm n chassis are smaller in your video than what's on mine
very easy to mark where the caster and camber bolts/ washers are before undoing,, white marker pen,,, The car still needs a wheel alignment but at least you will be somewhere near.
You loosen the 2 bottom ball joint bolts. Then what? Do you disconnect the ball joint? Not quite understanding that part but the method is super!! Thanks.
great video. wondering what torque settings are mentioned online, are you able to comment where these are avaliable as i don't have access to a factory service manual.
I tried this exactly as described on my 2004 4runner. However the lower control arm would not drop down out of the way to allow the strut to drop down. I had to use a pry bar to pry the arm down, in order to remove the strut. Also, if anyone decides to do this repair, make sure you mark or make note of the alignment cams BEFORE you loosen the cam bolt nuts!!! Glad I did cause my cams moved when loosening the cam bolts. Just an FYI.
Maybe your control arm bushings are seized. That would hold them onto the metal of the frame and not allow it to pivot. The alignment techs will have fun when they go to try and adjust it.
I replaced all 4 shocks today. Passenger side lower control arm dropped down like in the the video. However the driver side lower control arm hardly moved, had to use scissor jack between the frame and the LCA to get it move. Most likely the bushings are seized like the man says.
Does it matter when u tighten the 3 nuts on top of the strut mount and the lower shock bolt? Like do they have to be completely torqued once the vehicle is on the ground or can they be fully tightened while in the air with no load on the strut???
It's best to do them all on the ground. The upper 3 might not be sitting straight until the weight of the car is on the struts. And the bottom bushing will be preloaded if it is torqued in the air which will cause it to wear out faster
Do both front wheels have to be off the ground to do this task? Can I lift and work on one side at a time? I will be stealthily working in a parking stall. Thank you for your time.
Good video. I wish I lived wherever you did. I live in northern Indiana lower Michigan changed thousands of struts in my 40 years I'm actually doing a forerunner right now, the front struts are rusted in place in the top Tower all three bolts out after quite a bit of work now I'm going to have to heat the flange on the tower to get the strut out.
@@ExitOffroad A 4WD Tacoma has the axle in the way to break loose the lower control arm. I recently changed a pair. It does not work on a 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4WD.
I successfully got my Dobinsons IMS strut in using this but can’t get the LCA close enough to the hub assembly to bolt it back together. Using a bottle jack under the LCA to bring them closer only works for about half an inch, then it lifts the whole car. Any advice? I’m putting a 2-inch lift in and wasn’t expecting this to be difficult. It appears those 2 inches are causing the issue with getting the LCA/ball joint to connect to the hub assembly.
@@ExitOffroad thanks for the response. There was no way that the UCA was getting there (I even stuck a bit of wood and a bottle jack between the UCA and the wheel well to try and gently persuade it; no dice). I had to remove the sway bar links to connect the hub to the LCA. It worked a treat and then the sway bar was reconnected without issue. I followed this procedure on the other side from the start and it all went together smoothly. Today I’m adjusting the coil seat height as the shop I ordered from measured incorrectly to the *bottom* of the coil seat. From the top of the lowest part of the coil seat (the notch) measures ~226mm and the front is sitting crazy high, even when taking into account that it needs to settle. It’s all clean/undriven. Any recommendations?
I did a 2005 tacoma pre runner front and back 2 hrs 20 min There cannot be a faster way as you said IT'S TO EASY! @ 2 min 28 seconds Thanks to you this job was painless.
If you don't move the cams, technically no, but if you're replacing the strut assembly then you're most likely changing the lift height and an alignment is needed any time the lift height is changed
i ve got a ssangyong actyon. i had to loosen the lower control arm, upper control arm and the axle nut. this video helped a lot as it pointed me in the right direction. Thanks
Couldn't you also do this without removing the LBJ bolts? Wouldn't just loosening the LCA cam bolts allow the LCA to drop down and make it so you can remove the strut assembly?
Possibly, but the UCA Ball Joint will restrict how far down it can droop. Might work for a stock length strut but probably not for a longer aftermarket one
The 2 bolts that hold the alignment cams in place do not need to be removed, just loosened so that the arm will swing down. Takes the pressure off the bushings.
Never mind I just foud the tourque specs nedded either way super happy with video for install super easy will do install tomorrow have a great weekend 😀 👍🏻
Would have done that, but was trying to show it with the most affordable hand tools. I know what you mean though, it takes a lot longer without using air tools.
Ok... the easy way for me to do my Tundra was use a small piece of a 2x4 to shove between the lower arm and the frame to to take the pressure off the shock and hold it there until I install the new one. Took me about 15 mins to do one side that way. The first side took WAYYYY longer until I realized I should use something to hold that arm in place before removing the shock. So hopefully that can help someone doing this alone to make it easier for them.
Do you think I would run into issues having a lift spacer in there? My 04 4Runner was a bit of a pain the first time I did it. I’m thinking I’ll still need a spring compressor
Yes it can be difficult getting the lower arm reattached and up into place with a strut spacer because it adds so much length to the assembly. If it's a stock coil, you might be able to jack the lower arm up into place and compress the spring enough to get it but it could be a little tricky still.
@@ExitOffroad Thanks! That has been my number one concern with doing this job in the future. I just ordered some Eibach pro truck shocks with OME 2883s, assembled for the front and Bilstein 5160s for the rear. Very much looking forward to the installation and having a truck slightly above stock height without need for aftermarket UCAs, diff and carrier bearing drop. And yes, I’ll be getting an alignment after doing this job. Just gotta drive it from the driveway to the shop after haha
Hey @ExitOffroad - thanks for this awesome video! Does this technique also work with the Sequoia/Tundra platform? Getting ready to do some work on my 03 Sequoia and looking for tips like this to make the wrenching experience as easy as possible
Yes, you can loosen them so the arm will drop down and that doesn't adjust their position of alignment. However adding any lift requires a new alignment after the install anyway.
Actually the step with the pry bar is redundant, you don't need to remove that bolt before loosening the cam bolts. Once the cam bolts are loose, the strut can lower down freely. Everything was done in the order shown on the video
Sorry, I'm deaf and can only by visual. Did you have to disconnect the sway bar links. The holding Allen key hole in place to loosen can be a mf if it's rusted
This is how I've always done it. The mechanics will tell you that all this stuff has to come off and they got a disconnect this and that just so they can jack up the bill
This is the best front strut removal video I've seen. I have a 2001 Toyota 4Runner. 6-cyl, 2WD. Will this process work with it? Also, is a 'strut' the combination of spring-and-shock in one package? Is it recommended to change both spring-and-shock together,. or can I just change the shock only? The service manual shows shock replacement. I'm a bit confused about strut vs. shock replacement? It seems the rear only needs shock replacement? What's best to do in the front? Thanks for you video, and info. What shock (or strut) brand is good for my vehicle? Thanks again!
Thanks man. Yes this process will work on yours. The front is a strut, with a coil, and a top mount. The whole thing is called a "strut assembly" or a "coilover". Yes, you can just replace the front struts, reusing the coils, and change the rear shocks. Dobinsons makes them for your vehicle, check out www.exitoffroad.com. A strut holds onto a coil, while a shock is separate from the coil or leaf spring, however they're both hydraulic dampeners to control the ride quality.
I’m looking to put a 1 inch spacer on top of the stock shock… do I need to loosen the lower control arm or should there be enough room the slide the strut down and slip the spacer over?
I don't have a video of it, but it's a matter of removing the sway bar at the fixed mount and piston side, and lowering it down. Getting it back up can be quite difficult and hard to explain without a video, sorry. The next time I have my front end apart with KDSS, I'll make another video.
@@ExitOffroad so I would just have to remove the 4 lower ball joint bolts on each side I suppose? We have 4 bolts on the 3rd gen Toyota 4runners instead of 2
I read that some shocks can actually lowered your stock lift. I don't know if this is true or not but, if anything, I would like to put shocks that will lift it instead of lowering it. What would be good quality shocks that anyone can recommend? How difficult is it to replace the rear shocks? Thanks.
I sell and recommend Dobinsons shocks. It's what I run on my 4runner and have for years now. There are some front shock options that add front lift, check out on www.exitoffroad.com
@@ExitOffroad Thank you for replying back. I was reading reviews about the KYB Strut Plus Shocks & Spring Assembly Excel-G Shocks. Are those good quality and would you still recommend Dobinsons over the KYBs? I think I can do this job after watching your videos. Thanks again.
Those would probably be fine for Oae replacement on road use, but the Dobinsons would most likely perform better offroad, as that's their target - to perform the best offroad and under tough conditions
Hi. What, if anything, would be different on a 2013 Land Cruiser? Other videos I've seen open the KDSS shutter valves first, then disconnect the steering arm, then loosen the upper ball joint, and finally disconnect the sway bar linkage. When all that's done they get to the strut itself. Is your way that much easier, or are there some significant differences I'm missing? *Suspension newbie, BTW, so there's lots I don't know!
That other method is what a lot of people do but it requires more parts to be undone to achieve the same result. If you're changing out the UCA's, then use that method, but if not then this way on the video has less work. I don't recall where the sway bar on the 200s attaches. If it's not the lower arm, then it can stay in place.
Just wondering if not adding any height on the coil overs can it be done without dropping the lower control arm? debating on attempting this on my 09 prerunner
You've got to get it to lower down at least 3-4" I'd say otherwise the studs on the top strut mount won't be low enough to get it out. There's no other way I know of besides this method to get this done any easier.
Until the steering wheel locks, to undo the torque of those lower bolts, the wheel can turn and it's just easier if the wheels stay pointed forward to access everything. You can lock the steering wheel probably if you're working solo
I just want for my 2007 fj cruiser 2 Wheel drive to replace my original shocks for a better conforble Ride on regular roads. I was told Ranchos are good fit but I don't know which one for the front & back. What specific shocks,( i guess package or kit & comes with strats & spring coils) affordable purchase do you recommend ? Only the shocks?
@@ExitOffroad Thanks! Everywhere I go they want between $1000 - $1200 to do shocks and struts on the trucks. After watching your video I'm sure I can do it with no problem. Thanks again!
@@ExitOffroad oh ok. I thought you had to put a wrench on the nut you pointed too and a wrench on the other side to break them free? But if they break free by just turning the outside nut that’s great! Thanks for getting back to me. I’m planning on doing this job soon and just want to avoid needing an alignment.
Anytime the front suspension is changed out, you should get an alignment after. The only time you might be able to get away with not doing it is of you're only changing the struts with original height struts and not changing the coils or adding any lift
@@ExitOffroad Yeah I agree with. Thing is in my situation. I bought a 4Runner a few months back, and just had new tire put on it for winter, and discovered the Xreas rear shocks are shredded and noticed front struts are weeping oil. So I ordered regular shocks and am planning to remove the Xreas system.
Maaate, used this method today to swap out some 300 coils for 354's on my FJ with IMS, what an easy job, Took me two goes to get the height I wanted but still took me less than half a day to do it twice, swap coils then take out again and reset the coils. Awesome, thanks.
But doesn't lowering the lower control arm mean you'll have to do a wheel alignment in the end? Or do you think putting it back in the same cam position is close enough.
You always have to do a wheel alignment when lifting the front end. You can do it where the cams don't move but you're probably lifting it when doing this job anyway so the alignment won't be correct anymore
@@ExitOffroad Yes okay I would agree if you are adding lift, I'm going to replace my struts but keep the same height so I'm guessing no alignment is required after, correct? tks
What would be useful is to show how you then put the new one on, especially how you put the lower arm back in place. I have my old one off, now I can’t get the new one to go on. What a nightmare.
With the alignment cam bolts still loose, sometimes you have to put a small jack under the arm to pick it back up and get it aligned with the lower strut bolt and the 2 lower ball joint bolts. Just remember that the whole knuckle and brake assembly can move forward and backwards until those 2 lower bolts are installed, giving wiggle room. My other full 4runner suspension video shows the reinstall of the struts
Yes, anytime the front height is changed on an IFS vehicle, a new alignment should be done. We technically didn't move the alignment cams at all with the way we loosened them, but by adding a new lift height, an alignment was required right after.
Legend, nice an easy. Cant believe the dramas some gooses go through dismantling stuff. Will be changing strut springs this weekend thanks to you easy to do video, thanks.
Just finished up replacing the struts on my Tacoma using this process! It was very easy. Took me 5 hours total to do struts and socks. I'm old and move kind of slow. I saved around $550 in labor doing it my self!!
That's great! Glad you were able to get it all done. 5 hours is not bad at all considering that's about the same that a shop would charge.
Did you get an alignment done afterwards, old guy? Serious question. :)
@@brutusbarnabus8098 I sorry to say but no. One of the KYB struts Is leaking! I have been fighting with Tire Rack to get a replacement and all I get is the run around. Been over 2 weeks with no luck, I disputed the charges on the 12th with the credit card company. Will see how that goes.
@@biggetl1319 - Sorry to hear that and I will avoid that brand when I do mine
good job, I'm also old and slow and I'm looking forward to doing struts/shocks on my 4runner soon
keep on wrenching as long as you can - have a good one
My god. Ive been beating myself up for hours trying to instal a lift kit without instructions. Smh. This is very helpful. Thank you, sir.
I would recommend marking your 4 camber bolts so that you can realign them after lowering the lower control arm. You should probably get an alignment after putting on new struts, but at least that will get you to the shop.
I would recommend not doing it like that.
Try that on a 4x4 ...not
@@Tony-uj7cdwow bro tell us more about how edgy and cool you are.
and if you put a jack under the lower control arm , jack up to compress the spring a little and then undo the shock top centre nut. lower the jack and the strut comes out and the spring is loose. YOU DONT NEED spring compressors to take of or refit
This way is very safe , strut compressor very dangerous . I did this way on mine
well, this method eliminates the need for even your recommendation..did you actually watch the video buddy??
Love it, read the comments and the times that people say they did the job just get faster and faster. 5 hours...3 hours...2 hours....to less than 15 minutes a side! Wow, I don't know why professional garages or mechanics exist. Its just that easy.
It is very straightforward. I think a lot of mechanics do it this way, but many don't.
Freaking amazing. Knowledge is power...it's also a HUGE time saver. I was thinking of replacing my tired front struts and rear shocks & springs on my 2016 Trail 4Runner with some Eibach's but I was hesitant because I've never done something like this before but thanks to you, I know now so I've pulled the trigger on some stage 2's. Thanks for a great DYI video. One of the best I've seen for a 5th gen 4Runner.
😊
this is a really creative way to do this ... very good
I'm doing this job soon on an 08 4runner and watching this helps ... I'm trying it your way, thanks from Minnesota
Thanks for this video! Changed my coil overs in about 2.5 hrs. After the first one, the second was too easy. Thanks again! 🤙🏾
You're welcome! Glad it helped
Great video. My truck a 2013 didn't go as well. To get things loose or even move was a chore. The lower control arm even loosened had to be cranked down with a come a long. The truck has its share of corrosion which was a fight all throughout the job. The video helped, but old truck owners beware Toyotas are rust buckets.
I have to do this job on my 2013, I'm expecting the same experience that you had. I have new lower control arms to go in as well, I'm probably going to have to cut the old ones out.
I did the suspension on my 4runner yesterday by myself. In fact, i do all work by myself and it's better that way. Those bolts can be loosened but it's not necessary.
It's best to do an alignment after this. He loosened the nuts so the lower control arm could swing down. Many times, it's necessary to adjust this connection during an alignment. And as a rule, it's always a good idea to get an alignment after replacing the struts, regardless of how it was done.
Yep, absolutely right. I always wonder how many people don't actually go get alignments after doing their own lifts. It's a scary thought!!
I was just wondering this as I saw those LCA nuts loosened, i was never sure though. I am curious - If i mark the location of those nuts so i can return them to it when reassembling, do you think I should still get an alignment? (no lift is being done). My alignment is near perfect right now and would hate to have some shop (or myself) ruin it. Thanks!
@@vinbia it’s up to you of course, but an alignment is only about $100 at places like Firestone and they come with a six month warranty, meaning you can go back as many times as you want during that six month period.
Awesome, now how do you remove it when it's rusted into the body mount?
Will loosening the front control arm bolts alter the alignment? Thanks
Possibly, but not if you don't touch the cams. If you're changing the suspension, you'll need an alignment anyway
@@ExitOffroad Thanks, even if you are changing struts with OE ride height? Thank you for the video btw, this helped today when I swapped out the OE struts for Bilstein 4600s. I did mark the notch on those cam washers and from it looks like, it didn't move.
As long as you mark the cams and don't change the lift height, you should be fine
Thanks so much for this super easy solution for removing my Fox 2.0 Hilux Kun26R...brilliant
You're welcome
My GX470 has suspension settings... Now I need to find out how to remove that gremlin sitting on the top of the shock.
does the vehicle need to be lowered back down before tightening the cam (control arm) bolts. or is it ok to fully tighten them with the wheels off the ground?
It needs to be done on the ground. The alignment shop will loosen them right away again. But doing it in the air preloads the bushings which is not good
@@ExitOffroad ty so much
I install those springs without a compressor also. It's pretty easy.
Will a wheel alignment be needed after doing it this way?
If you loosen the cams, just mark the exact starting point and set them back there. But if you're changing the springs or lift height, you'll need a new alignment anyway.
The struts didn't fit thru the top control arm while control arm still bolted to chassis. I needed to remove the top control arm bolts aswell as the sway bar links and sway bar mounts and pull top control arm outwards while holding the hub with my knees just to be able to get the strut out. Everything else worked. Fyi if you take the sway bar off, it needs to be bolted back on first. Found out first hand.
Unless its because my utes a 2005 sr5 2wd extracab in Australia but the circumference of the struts or the space between top control arm n chassis are smaller in your video than what's on mine
very easy to mark where the caster and camber bolts/ washers are before undoing,, white marker pen,,, The car still needs a wheel alignment but at least you will be somewhere near.
Would this work in a 2011 hilux ? Looks very very similar?
Yeah, it would be the same process
@@ExitOffroad top man thank you so much
You loosen the 2 bottom ball joint bolts. Then what? Do you disconnect the ball joint? Not quite understanding that part but the method is super!! Thanks.
Remove the 2 ball joint bolts and loosen the alignment can bolts and remove the strut lower bolt and the whole arm comes down out of the way
@@ExitOffroad
Wow. Thanks for then amazing fast answer. It’s on my to do list.
great video. wondering what torque settings are mentioned online, are you able to comment where these are avaliable as i don't have access to a factory service manual.
Easy to find on Google. All the relevant pages are usually on Google images
I tried this exactly as described on my 2004 4runner. However the lower control arm would not drop down out of the way to allow the strut to drop down. I had to use a pry bar to pry the arm down, in order to remove the strut. Also, if anyone decides to do this repair, make sure you mark or make note of the alignment cams BEFORE you loosen the cam bolt nuts!!! Glad I did cause my cams moved when loosening the cam bolts. Just an FYI.
Maybe your control arm bushings are seized. That would hold them onto the metal of the frame and not allow it to pivot. The alignment techs will have fun when they go to try and adjust it.
I replaced all 4 shocks today. Passenger side lower control arm dropped down like in the the video. However the driver side lower control arm hardly moved, had to use scissor jack between the frame and the LCA to get it move. Most likely the bushings are seized like the man says.
Can you please explain this more in depth? I am considering doing this myself. What size wrenches and sockets do i need for this job? Thanks
Getting ready to try this method on my 04 4Runner this weekend! Haha
Upper control arm bolt..and sway bar links only..no alignment needed.
HELLO
Does it matter when u tighten the 3 nuts on top of the strut mount and the lower shock bolt? Like do they have to be completely torqued once the vehicle is on the ground or can they be fully tightened while in the air with no load on the strut???
It's best to do them all on the ground. The upper 3 might not be sitting straight until the weight of the car is on the struts. And the bottom bushing will be preloaded if it is torqued in the air which will cause it to wear out faster
Do both front wheels have to be off the ground to do this task? Can I lift and work on one side at a time? I will be stealthily working in a parking stall. Thank you for your time.
You need room for the lower arm to swing down, so without the whole front end higher in the air it would be hard to do it
Nice one mate!
I need to fit factory spacers to my lc200, hoping it's simular?
Yep, should be very similar. You'll need to disconnect the sway bar from the lower arm on yours though
Good video. I wish I lived wherever you did. I live in northern Indiana lower Michigan changed thousands of struts in my 40 years I'm actually doing a forerunner right now, the front struts are rusted in place in the top Tower all three bolts out after quite a bit of work now I'm going to have to heat the flange on the tower to get the strut out.
That sucks, I feel your pain. I'm very glad to not have to deal with those sorts of situations
This approach works on a 2 wheel drive only. The 4WD have an axle that is in the way. Requires much more adjacent parts removal.
That's incorrect. It works exactly the same on a 4x4 as a 2WD. The struts still come down and out regardless of the axles.
@@ExitOffroad A 4WD Tacoma has the axle in the way to break loose the lower control arm. I recently changed a pair. It does not work on a 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4WD.
I successfully got my Dobinsons IMS strut in using this but can’t get the LCA close enough to the hub assembly to bolt it back together. Using a bottle jack under the LCA to bring them closer only works for about half an inch, then it lifts the whole car. Any advice? I’m putting a 2-inch lift in and wasn’t expecting this to be difficult. It appears those 2 inches are causing the issue with getting the LCA/ball joint to connect to the hub assembly.
Pull down on the UCA and it should connect the knuckle back to the LCA
@@ExitOffroad thanks for the response. There was no way that the UCA was getting there (I even stuck a bit of wood and a bottle jack between the UCA and the wheel well to try and gently persuade it; no dice). I had to remove the sway bar links to connect the hub to the LCA. It worked a treat and then the sway bar was reconnected without issue. I followed this procedure on the other side from the start and it all went together smoothly.
Today I’m adjusting the coil seat height as the shop I ordered from measured incorrectly to the *bottom* of the coil seat. From the top of the lowest part of the coil seat (the notch) measures ~226mm and the front is sitting crazy high, even when taking into account that it needs to settle. It’s all clean/undriven. Any recommendations?
I did a 2005 tacoma pre runner front and back 2 hrs 20 min There cannot be a faster way as you said IT'S TO EASY! @ 2 min 28 seconds Thanks to you this job was painless.
That's awesome!!
Also do you need an alignment after loosening cam bolts
If you don't move the cams, technically no, but if you're replacing the strut assembly then you're most likely changing the lift height and an alignment is needed any time the lift height is changed
i ve got a ssangyong actyon. i had to loosen the lower control arm, upper control arm and the axle nut. this video helped a lot as it pointed me in the right direction. Thanks
Glad it was able to help you out a little!!
How big is the hole on the top mount?, I wanna install a hydraulic cylinder and I wanted to know if it would just fit in or if it would be too small
About 2"
@@ExitOffroad thanks I’ll probably have to make a spacer so my cylinder doesn’t hit the top of the fender lol
Awesome video my friend. I just used your video to do my 2006 Tacoma. It literally took me less than an hour for each side. Thank you!
That's great, glad it helped!!
Good work dude!!
Yes. Anytime the front end is pulled apart, an alignment should be done
This is THE way to R and R Tacoma front struts. FORGET the other videos that have you removing WAY to much others stuff.
Great video!!
Thanks for watching!!
Couldn't you also do this without removing the LBJ bolts? Wouldn't just loosening the LCA cam bolts allow the LCA to drop down and make it so you can remove the strut assembly?
Possibly, but the UCA Ball Joint will restrict how far down it can droop. Might work for a stock length strut but probably not for a longer aftermarket one
Will that also work on 2009 Toyota Venza?
I've never worked on that car, so I can't say
will this work on a 2007 fj cruiser 4x4?
Yes, same exact process
When dropping the lower control arm, do those two bolts that were loosened in the beginning also have to be removed?
The 2 bolts that hold the alignment cams in place do not need to be removed, just loosened so that the arm will swing down. Takes the pressure off the bushings.
To tighten what amount of torque is required at the end to the lower control arm or just tighten snugly ?
Just follow factory service manual torque settings
I have a 2010 toyota tacoma you wouldn't know the tourque needed on the lower control arm by any chance
Never mind I just foud the tourque specs nedded either way super happy with video for install super easy will do install tomorrow have a great weekend 😀 👍🏻
Why don't you use air wrench to loosen where you have room? I need to pick my battles.
Would have done that, but was trying to show it with the most affordable hand tools. I know what you mean though, it takes a lot longer without using air tools.
@@ExitOffroad I saw that. I was wondering if I missed something more than that. Impact wrenches...more ways to break things faster.
Thxs for the video, can you use this method for kdss setup which are bolted to the lower control arms?
Yes but you have to disconnect the ends at the arms. It's tricky to get them back on.
Ok... the easy way for me to do my Tundra was use a small piece of a 2x4 to shove between the lower arm and the frame to to take the pressure off the shock and hold it there until I install the new one. Took me about 15 mins to do one side that way. The first side took WAYYYY longer until I realized I should use something to hold that arm in place before removing the shock. So hopefully that can help someone doing this alone to make it easier for them.
Do you think I would run into issues having a lift spacer in there? My 04 4Runner was a bit of a pain the first time I did it. I’m thinking I’ll still need a spring compressor
Yes it can be difficult getting the lower arm reattached and up into place with a strut spacer because it adds so much length to the assembly. If it's a stock coil, you might be able to jack the lower arm up into place and compress the spring enough to get it but it could be a little tricky still.
@@ExitOffroad either way this looks easier than the conventional method
hello, can we apply this process for toyota tundra 2008, 4.7
Yes, you can use the same method
@@ExitOffroad thanks
Hi mate , so helpful video , do you have the process for the rear coil spring on fortuner 2016 ? Thanks
No worries!! If you look at my 4runner installation video in under 3 hours. The rear process is the same basically for the Fortuner
Thanks for the video. It only took me a little over 2 hours.
Great to hear!
This way , works with a 2007 Gx470 ???
Yes, the same way
THank you! Going to install my Bilstein 5100 I got from you guys.
Do you still need to compress/decompress the spring? Or is that what tightening the last bolt on the strut before removing does for you?
No, you don't have to touch the springs with this method to remove the whole strut assembly
@@ExitOffroad Thanks! That has been my number one concern with doing this job in the future.
I just ordered some Eibach pro truck shocks with OME 2883s, assembled for the front and Bilstein 5160s for the rear.
Very much looking forward to the installation and having a truck slightly above stock height without need for aftermarket UCAs, diff and carrier bearing drop.
And yes, I’ll be getting an alignment after doing this job. Just gotta drive it from the driveway to the shop after haha
^2014 Tacoma TRD Sport^
Hey @ExitOffroad - thanks for this awesome video! Does this technique also work with the Sequoia/Tundra platform? Getting ready to do some work on my 03 Sequoia and looking for tips like this to make the wrenching experience as easy as possible
You're welcome. Yes, any Toyota IFS setup with coilovers, this same process works for
Hi..can the cam nuts be loosened with out messing up your alignment?
Yes, you can loosen them so the arm will drop down and that doesn't adjust their position of alignment. However adding any lift requires a new alignment after the install anyway.
I can confirm it works because I’ve done it three times to lift my truck by addling spacers on top. This man is a genius.
Did you loosen the LCA cam bolts before placing the pry bar to remove the bottom of the strut? Thanks!
Actually the step with the pry bar is redundant, you don't need to remove that bolt before loosening the cam bolts. Once the cam bolts are loose, the strut can lower down freely. Everything was done in the order shown on the video
And it's supported by 2 x 6 ton jack stands, it's not going anywhere
What model Toyota is this? Tundra or Tacoma?
This is a 4Runner, but it's the same process on a Tacoma and Tundra as well
Sorry, I'm deaf and can only by visual. Did you have to disconnect the sway bar links. The holding Allen key hole in place to loosen can be a mf if it's rusted
On the front, no, it stays connected. On the rear, yes by disconnecting it at the top where the bushings are. Leaving the Allen ends alone basically
Which year is this??
This is on a 2018 4Runner, but it's the same for all from 2003-2020, and the Tacoma uses the same method also.
Did you compress spring
No it is not required to compress the spring if you keep it all together
What’s the lb on bolts on the lower control arm when you put it back together
Thank you simplicity that’s word excellent thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching, I'm glad it was helpful
This is how I've always done it. The mechanics will tell you that all this stuff has to come off and they got a disconnect this and that just so they can jack up the bill
For sure! The less bolts, the better
This is the best front strut removal video I've seen. I have a 2001 Toyota 4Runner. 6-cyl, 2WD. Will this process work with it? Also, is a 'strut' the combination of spring-and-shock in one package? Is it recommended to change both spring-and-shock together,. or can I just change the shock only? The service manual shows shock replacement. I'm a bit confused about strut vs. shock replacement? It seems the rear only needs shock replacement? What's best to do in the front? Thanks for you video, and info. What shock (or strut) brand is good for my vehicle? Thanks again!
Thanks man. Yes this process will work on yours. The front is a strut, with a coil, and a top mount. The whole thing is called a "strut assembly" or a "coilover". Yes, you can just replace the front struts, reusing the coils, and change the rear shocks. Dobinsons makes them for your vehicle, check out www.exitoffroad.com.
A strut holds onto a coil, while a shock is separate from the coil or leaf spring, however they're both hydraulic dampeners to control the ride quality.
I’m looking to put a 1 inch spacer on top of the stock shock… do I need to loosen the lower control arm or should there be enough room the slide the strut down and slip the spacer over?
You might be able to get it down far enough by removing the top 3 nuts and pushing down on the lower arm without having to undo it.
any advise for kdss owners?
I don't have a video of it, but it's a matter of removing the sway bar at the fixed mount and piston side, and lowering it down. Getting it back up can be quite difficult and hard to explain without a video, sorry. The next time I have my front end apart with KDSS, I'll make another video.
Would this apply to 3rd gen Toyota 4runners too?
Yes, basically the same method on those too
@@ExitOffroad so I would just have to remove the 4 lower ball joint bolts on each side I suppose? We have 4 bolts on the 3rd gen Toyota 4runners instead of 2
😎 Gonna change my tundra struts
I read that some shocks can actually lowered your stock lift. I don't know if this is true or not but, if anything, I would like to put shocks that will lift it instead of lowering it. What would be good quality shocks that anyone can recommend? How difficult is it to replace the rear shocks? Thanks.
I sell and recommend Dobinsons shocks. It's what I run on my 4runner and have for years now. There are some front shock options that add front lift, check out on www.exitoffroad.com
@@ExitOffroad Thank you for replying back. I was reading reviews about the KYB Strut Plus Shocks & Spring Assembly Excel-G Shocks. Are those good quality and would you still recommend Dobinsons over the KYBs? I think I can do this job after watching your videos. Thanks again.
Those would probably be fine for Oae replacement on road use, but the Dobinsons would most likely perform better offroad, as that's their target - to perform the best offroad and under tough conditions
where is the front drive shaft// CV joint ??????
Hi. What, if anything, would be different on a 2013 Land Cruiser? Other videos I've seen open the KDSS shutter valves first, then disconnect the steering arm, then loosen the upper ball joint, and finally disconnect the sway bar linkage. When all that's done they get to the strut itself.
Is your way that much easier, or are there some significant differences I'm missing?
*Suspension newbie, BTW, so there's lots I don't know!
That other method is what a lot of people do but it requires more parts to be undone to achieve the same result. If you're changing out the UCA's, then use that method, but if not then this way on the video has less work. I don't recall where the sway bar on the 200s attaches. If it's not the lower arm, then it can stay in place.
Just wondering if not adding any height on the coil overs can it be done without dropping the lower control arm? debating on attempting this on my 09 prerunner
You've got to get it to lower down at least 3-4" I'd say otherwise the studs on the top strut mount won't be low enough to get it out. There's no other way I know of besides this method to get this done any easier.
It can be done but you have to remove the sway bar links and tie rod and it is a pain to get the new bottom end of the strut back into place
Hey mate why does someone need to hold the wheel
Until the steering wheel locks, to undo the torque of those lower bolts, the wheel can turn and it's just easier if the wheels stay pointed forward to access everything. You can lock the steering wheel probably if you're working solo
@@ExitOffroad Yes, locking the steering wheel works just as well. I did my install today, following this very same video. Thank you!
I just want for my 2007 fj cruiser 2 Wheel drive to replace my original shocks for a better conforble
Ride on regular roads. I was told Ranchos are good fit but I don't know which one for the front & back. What specific shocks,( i guess package or kit & comes with strats & spring coils) affordable purchase do you recommend ? Only the shocks?
I would recommend the Dobinsons shocks and struts. Send me an email to exitoffroad@gmail.com and we can discuss it
How many killometer Chang the shock absorber Hilux 4*4 2020?
Normally on any vehicle you should change them at about 100,000km because they will be quite worn by then
Does this work on tundra as well? 3rd gen
Yeah. Should be about the same process
I have 2011 Tacoma 4x4 base model, regular cab. Will that process work with my truck?
Yes, the same
@@ExitOffroad Thanks! Everywhere I go they want between $1000 - $1200 to do shocks and struts on the trucks. After watching your video I'm sure I can do it with no problem. Thanks again!
what method do you use to loosen the two lower control arm nuts? How do you keep from moving the cams?
When you only loosen the 2 ends i point at, it isn't moving the cams, they stay still
@@ExitOffroad oh ok. I thought you had to put a wrench on the nut you pointed too and a wrench on the other side to break them free? But if they break free by just turning the outside nut that’s great! Thanks for getting back to me. I’m planning on doing this job soon and just want to avoid needing an alignment.
Anytime the front suspension is changed out, you should get an alignment after. The only time you might be able to get away with not doing it is of you're only changing the struts with original height struts and not changing the coils or adding any lift
@@ExitOffroad Yeah I agree with. Thing is in my situation. I bought a 4Runner a few months back, and just had new tire put on it for winter, and discovered the Xreas rear shocks are shredded and noticed front struts are weeping oil. So I ordered regular shocks and am planning to remove the Xreas system.
I had the front end aligned when my tires were put on, so I wanted to avoid getting another alignment once I get ready to do the change out.
Good video, don't forget to mark the cams tho
What size is the top nuts 9/16?
14mm I believe. It's all metric on this vehicle
Thank you for both replies. I appreciate the help
Maaate, used this method today to swap out some 300 coils for 354's on my FJ with IMS, what an easy job, Took me two goes to get the height I wanted but still took me less than half a day to do it twice, swap coils then take out again and reset the coils. Awesome, thanks.
That's really great!!
Would this method work for a 2015 Tacoma Prerunner?
Yes, the same way. The lower arm would drop down
Do you really need to remove the LBJ ?
It's not being removed, it's just being disconnected from the knuckle, by 2 bolts per side.
@@ExitOffroad Hello Friend
Hope all is well
What size bolts are the 2 bottom bolts?
Hey man. 19mm I think but it's been a while
I may have missed it or could be wrong, but this method may prove to be ineffective with the base model 2.7 liter 4 cylinder.
It should still work the same
But doesn't lowering the lower control arm mean you'll have to do a wheel alignment in the end? Or do you think putting it back in the same cam position is close enough.
You always have to do a wheel alignment when lifting the front end. You can do it where the cams don't move but you're probably lifting it when doing this job anyway so the alignment won't be correct anymore
@@ExitOffroad Yes okay I would agree if you are adding lift, I'm going to replace my struts but keep the same height so I'm guessing no alignment is required after, correct? tks
As long as the struts don't also add lift, you'd be fine. You can loosen the nuts without rotating the cams
@@ExitOffroad Great thanks for the info.
That is a help ful bid thanks brother
You're welcome!!
Don't forget to do wheel alignment after loosing those bolts
good luck with the alignment
Now make a video with KDSS involved. Please! 😅
What would be useful is to show how you then put the new one on, especially how you put the lower arm back in place.
I have my old one off, now I can’t get the new one to go on. What a nightmare.
With the alignment cam bolts still loose, sometimes you have to put a small jack under the arm to pick it back up and get it aligned with the lower strut bolt and the 2 lower ball joint bolts. Just remember that the whole knuckle and brake assembly can move forward and backwards until those 2 lower bolts are installed, giving wiggle room.
My other full 4runner suspension video shows the reinstall of the struts
This is amazing. did you have to do an "alignment" after dropping that control arm?
Yes, anytime the front height is changed on an IFS vehicle, a new alignment should be done. We technically didn't move the alignment cams at all with the way we loosened them, but by adding a new lift height, an alignment was required right after.
The way he did it, I wouldn't even mess with my alignment right away..
Thanks for the video. Helped me with changing 2009 tundra struts to 6112 1.9" lift.
Great video help me a lot, love it
Glad it helped!!!!
Wow that was amazing. Thank you for the video. New subscriber here.
You're welcome!!
Video rocks really is thee fastest way! Thank you
Glad it helped!
I’ve been a tech for years and it never occurred to me to do it like this. This old dog learned a new trick! Thanks!
You're welcome!!
Legend, nice an easy. Cant believe the dramas some gooses go through dismantling stuff.
Will be changing strut springs this weekend thanks to you easy to do video, thanks.
Thanks man!! Yeah, it's pretty simple this way!
I cant believe you used a torque wrench as a breaker bar for the lower bj.
GNfanatic that’s a extendable ratchet
@@ngwalter9753 Sorry man, looked like torque wrench!
@@gnfanatic9139 I thought the same thing at first, then I re watched the vid and saw it was an adjustable breaker lol
Will this method work on 2006 lexus gx470?
Yes, same process. If you have KDSS, you'll need to drop that sway bar out of the way before lowering the lower control arm down
@@ExitOffroad In the middle of this job and a little worried I pulled out to far on the hub and messed with the cv axle. Is that possible?
Thank you mannnnn!!!!
No problem!!
This may be fast but now you need an alignment. Loosening the upper control arm won’t result in a needed alignment.