HAM: Pillguy needs help with suspension lift install

[pillguy]

Hey everyone,

I have a Sonoran Suspension lift I need to install on my 97 4runner. There may also be a rear axle swap out as well for a e-locker. (not found yet)
I have got a majority of tools needed but would need a bit of expertise and help.
I am planning on Jan 31 at my place (Buckhead area) around 10am.
Obviously there would be plenty of food and beverages...
Please let me know if you are interested.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[TeddyBoy]

Hey Andrew, What's involved with throwing on the lift? Any thoughts on how long it might take?

 

[schmitty]

Yea do you need to drive it to work on Monday? What happens if we start and can't finish it?

 

[4in100]

from the website it looks like it's a coil and shock swap with panhard bar and brake line change in the rear. Sorta depends on if the fronts have been assembled already and the current components are still in good condition (ie - shock bushings etc)

 

[pillguy]

It is not a daily driver so that would not be a problem. I will call Steve S to confirm the approximate amount of time needed.
I have the detailed instructions and am trying to prep everything that I can.
In a nutshell, it would involve
1) Front strut assembly replacement (everything is preassembled)
2) dropping the front differential
3) replacing rear springs
4) replace the panhard
5) bleed rear brakes
6) cutting and minor bead welding of the factory skid plate (front) planning to do before hand.

I think it is doable, but whatever I can get help with is appreciated.

Hey Andrew, What's involved with throwing on the lift? Any thoughts on how long it might take?

 

[TeddyBoy]

Give us a rough estimate on how long it will take to do the install, complete drive away.

 

[71-CRUISER]

That should be a 2-3 hour project if you have no idea what you are doing and have never done it before. With air tools we could knock it out in about an hour. It should all be farily streight forward bolt off and bolt on project especialy since the Ft struts are already assembled.

Also dont forget to get the truck alligned once everything is swapped out.

 

[TeddyBoy]

That should be a 2-3 hour project if you have no idea what you are doing and have never done it before. With air tools we could knock it out in about an hour. It should all be farily streight forward bolt off and bolt on project especialy since the Ft struts are already assembled.

Also dont forget to get the truck alligned once everything is swapped out.

That's what we're looking for, thanks for the info and good suggestion on the alignment!

 

[GXO]

Pretty sure I can make it to help...still hoping I could drive the Cado there!

 

[LDowney]

Andrew,
I am interested in joining in on this project. Melissa has indoor soccer and most of the games are in the morning which could delay my arrival. As we get closer, I will have details on the game schedule so I can forecast my availability better.

Also, you appear to have been researching and planning for this. Will there be any tools or supplies (such as jack stands, creepers, ...) that you will need us to bring?

Larry

 

[pillguy]

Larry,

I have one creeper, hydraulic jack/ pair of jack stands, standard tools, but no air tools. I have a compressor though.
If you could bring a pair of jack stands and a creeper that would be helpful. One other thing that could be helpful is a torque wrench (1/2) capable of at least 175 lbs. mine is 150 max and I would like to possible change out my front cv axles if we have some time and depending on how many come.

I will check if I need anything else. Hope you can make it.

Andrew

Andrew,
I am interested in joining in on this project. Melissa has indoor soccer and most of the games are in the morning which could delay my arrival. As we get closer, I will have details on the game schedule so I can forecast my availability better.

Also, you appear to have been researching and planning for this. Will there be any tools or supplies (such as jack stands, creepers, ...) that you will need us to bring?

Larry

 

[LDowney]

Larry,

I have one creeper, hydraulic jack/ pair of jack stands, standard tools, but no air tools. I have a compressor though.
If you could bring a pair of jack stands and a creeper that would be helpful. One other thing that could be helpful is a torque wrench (1/2) capable of at least 175 lbs. mine is 150 max and I would like to possible change out my front cv axles if we have some time and depending on how many come.

I will check if I need anything else. Hope you can make it.

Andrew

I checked my torque wrench (1/2" drive) and it has the capability you need. I will plan to bring the torque wrench and a pair of jack stands. Since you don't already have air tools, I will assume that your compresser is light duty. Is that correct? The reason I ask is that my air tools are 'cheapies' from Costco so they inefficient air hogs. They can drain a light duty compresser quickly without much gainful work getting done. However, they are still an option to bring too.

 

[pillguy]

Larry,

Its pretty small and light duty at 1.5hp 3 gal 4.0 at 40psi and 2.9 at 90psi. Thanks for bringing the other stuff.

Andrew

I checked my torque wrench (1/2" drive) and it has the capability you need. I will plan to bring the torque wrench and a pair of jack stands. Since you don't already have air tools, I will assume that your compresser is light duty. Is that correct? The reason I ask is that my air tools are 'cheapies' from Costco so they inefficient air hogs. They can drain a light duty compresser quickly without much gainful work getting done. However, they are still an option to bring too.

 

[LDowney]

Andrew,
Is everything still a go for next Saturday? It will be closer to noon by the time Melissa's game is done and I can get there, but I will have the two jack stands and the torque wrench with me.

 

[pillguy]

Yes,

I am all ready for next saturday starting about 10am. Please let me know if you are coming as I need a final headcount for food, etc.
The plans are
1. helping mount my bumper (just need lifting help)
2. Suspension install
3. rear axle swap out as My axle is here so we will do a swap out as we install the suspension

I am not sure if we will have time, but I wanted to replace my CV axles as well.

My address is at Dove hill town homes
3873 Roswell Road NE Unit 17
Atlanta, GA 30342

We next to a white building with a Kaplan education center and Chinese restaurant next door and an Outback steak house across the street.
my cell is 404-668-8634

Andrew

Andrew,
Is everything still a go for next Saturday? It will be closer to noon by the time Melissa's game is done and I can get there, but I will have the two jack stands and the torque wrench with me.

 

[CruisinGA]

My address is at Dove hill town homes
3873 Roswell Road NE Unit 17
Atlanta, GA 30342

We next to a white building with a Kaplan education center and Chinese restaurant next door and an Outback steak house across the street.
my cell is 404-668-8634

Andrew

That right next to Mo-Mo Ya? I grew up off West Paces and am still in the area a lot since I go to Tech.

Taxco right up Roswell is the best/cheapest mexican I have found this side of the border.

 

[TeddyBoy]

As much as I would like to help on this one I'm obligated in other activities. Maybe once she's lifted we can taker her back to Soggy bottom and try to tear the skid plate off again. Points for the attempt though!!

 

[pillguy]

THat is correct, unfortunately, we cannot eat there as my wife has an MSG allergy. There is a much better place for asian/THai/sushi up the street called bankok thai

That right next to Mo-Mo Ya? I grew up off West Paces and am still in the area a lot since I go to Tech.

Taxco right up Roswell is the best/cheapest mexican I have found this side of the border.

 

[pillguy]

We will see you next time.

Andrew

As much as I would like to help on this one I'm obligated in other activities. Maybe once she's lifted we can taker her back to Soggy bottom and try to tear the skid plate off again. Points for the attempt though!!

 

[GXO]

If you need real time help post up, I can't make it down.