I intend to do this early next week, and will pull the stock springs and shocks to replace with Bilsteins and '99 4Runner coils. The last time I did this was two years ago on a friend's '98, and we only replaced the shocks. So the front is a given, as I need to disassemble the strut setup anyway.
For the rear I've read that the coils will pretty much fall out once the shocks and sway bar are disconnected. If necessary, one side of the axle can be pushed downward to ease removal of the coil. Does anyone know the size of the top shock nut in the rear - I think it was a 14mm? I plan to jack the rear up, set the frame on jackstands, then use the floor jack to let the axle droop once the shocks are disconnected. Sound good?
Any other thoughts are appreciated. I have the factory shop manual, so I'll check all the torque settings in advance.





Andreas

do you have a deep socket 19mm for the front lower shock mounts? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Torque Specs

Her eare the rest of the sites I found useful when doing pretty much the same thing you are.


front install

rear install

4x4 wire lift collaboration

The top nut of the rear shocks varies with the shock manufacturer. Sorry, I don't know the details.

Carefully watch the rear brake line length if you don't already have a longer rear brake line. You will easily be able to max out the brake line above the diff after you disconnect the rear shocks and swaybar endlinks. It's a smart time to replace that one rear brake line section with a longer line anyway.

Josh & Jeff -
Thanks for the thoughts. I think I'm well equipped tool wise, so now its just a question of what day to do it.
As for the rear brake line, I'll be careful with it and lower one side of the axle at a time. Since the new coils are '99 4Runner coils, and not lift springs, I should be fine with the available slack.
I'm sure an interest in spacers will surface down the road...

Andreas

my rear springs pretty much came out no problem, but puting the newer and taller ones back in is a pain, just step on the brake drum and push the axle down and it will fit in with some elbow grease, there is no need to undo the panhard rod or amything else, the swaybar might help but not that much.

Finished! My friend and I worked from 10 - 2 today and replaced my stock shock with Bilsteins and my stock coils with brand new '99 coils. The end result is that the truck sits noticeably higher - certainly not Rubicon ready, but I notice the difference. It matches or exceeds the height of my buddy's late '98. Both the front and the rear '99 coils feature an additional wind. Everything went quite smoothly and I made sure to grease all the fittings while under there.

Should anyone be interested in doing this, versus aftermarket coils, the '99 part numbers are:

Front right: 48131-35400
Front left: 48131-35350
Rear (both): 48231-35210

The height measurements, before and after are:
Front diff: 10" - 10.75"
Body seam (middle): 17.5" - 18.75"
Transfer case: 11.25" - 12.75"
Front fender: 34.5" - 35.25"
Rear fender: 34.75 - 35.75"

These numbers are spot on with what Darren found in his comprehensive search for actual ground clearances.





Andreas

How did the transfer case and the body seam clearance increase more than either end of the truck? I sense a geometry problem here...

No geometry problem - simply a paved driveway that's seen better days. It was by no means a level surface when I took the measurements, frost heaves and the effects of several large roots under the driveway...

I'll find the nearest granite countertop dealer, have them lower a slab to the ground, then drive the truck on it. That should allow for accurate measurements <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Andreas

How's about adding those part numbers to the lonely Late Model Part Number List?

Nice job BTW.

Mike

Andreas, that looks awesome! I can't wait to see how it looks with the new Revos. Just for comparison, I just went and measured mine and it is 36.5 front and rear to the fender lip from the ground with my new 32" BFG's.