About to install OME springs and shocks on 1990 Pickup. 22re. Extended cab. I have read the FAQ etc. and the FSM. any tips, advice, or pointers would be more than welcome. springs going on are OME heavies in the rear. Current stock 25 year old springs are flat and/or broken. Pix to follow.
suspension upgrade
- Thread starter jgranthevagrant
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What lift are you using in the front. I have some sas leftovers I could make a good deal on. Is there a direct fit ome leaf pack for the rear or are you moving the spring hangers?
OME lifts are direct fit. And if he has a solid axle it's front and rear if he bought the whole kit. I'd make sure to have a sawzall and some blades to cut through high strength steel on Han. Those bolts are gonna be a bitch to get off. I also believe you need the two bolts for the fixed hanger
- Thread starter
- #4
Starting on the rear springs. They are direct fit. I expect 26yr old Canadian bolts to be a major battle. I have new bolts ready to go. I did not get the extra leaf. Will add it later if need be. I'm looking for tips and tricks to avoid surprises, if possible.
A grinder and some cut off wheels will be needed for the bolts In the front hangers. Think about extending your rear brake hose. You can simply double them up.and you may wish to make a extension for your lspv that way your brakes keep functioning normally
Or take the LSPV and zip tie it up 
. I'd also make sure to have either a good air impact or long breaker bar/extension for the U-bolts. Other then getting the old stuff off its easy.
. I'd also make sure to have either a good air impact or long breaker bar/extension for the U-bolts. Other then getting the old stuff off its easy.
Oh yeah. Cut off the old u bolts and throw them away. Get new ones.
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- #8
I have new U-bolts, nuts, etc. I will take a look at the LSPV and brake lines. Yes, I have an impact and 3 or 4 different breaker bars.
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- #9
OME parts came with a bushing sleeve for one of the bushings. It's not clear to me which bushing they are for. I will probably figure it out, but it could cause some delay once I start.
Pictures of it? I don't remember a bushing sleeve in my kit.
Sleeve was probably for the rear spring frame mount. It came from the factory with a sleeve ... that always rusts in place and requires the spring bolt to be cut off.
- Thread starter
- #12
^Mudder. I think it is only required for '89 and onward into the Tacomas. It is brassy coloured. So far, the bolts and spring hangers seemed to be pretty much welded together. U-bolts came off no problem with the impact. Will get back to it tomorrow.
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- #13
Struggling with old bolts and bushings. Using a sawzall on the bolts, which is wrecking blades pretty quick. Some people burn the bushings out? Any suggestions let me know.
Not sure what you have in Canada but when I was sawzalling my old bolts out I went and bought a Diablo blade from Home Depot that was meant for high strength steel. It worked really good and I let it cool off after a couple minutes of use to increase its life.
Don't bother with the sawzall. Go right for a grinder with .045 cut off wheels.
IMO a sawzall is going to be way safer then a cut off wheel. They have their place but not cutting suspension off with a tight space to work with.
You have your opinion I have mine. I have both tools and daily use a grinder. Safety glasses and gloves are a must as well as guards,handles and a good understanding of any tools you are using are a must too.
IMO means in my opinion. I don't get why you got so defensive. Never said it's a bad way to do things. But if the wheel get caught it's likely to explode and even with gloves and a face shield on you can be hurt.
- Thread starter
- #20
I will check that out. Tried sawzall and Dewalt and things are going very slowly. I will probably get back to it Thursday. I have a little cut off tool like a Dremel which takes cutoff wheels, but not a real hand held grinder. I will try a few more things before buying or renting a little grinder.
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