I just placed my order this morning for the 884/Custom TT rear combo. It should arrive by next Tuesday. I plan on at least doing the rear, but I may drop the fronts off to get the coils swapped out. Either way, I'm looking forward to getting it up (the FJ that is!). Don (tisilverFJ) gave me some very good info and Kirk at Toytec was great and so have all of the write-ups. It's easy to select the right lift when there are is such a diverse collection of wheelers on the Forum. Thanks!
FedEx dropped off the goods Tuesday morning, I was at Autozone at lunch getting the spring compressor's and by the time the sun went down I had the back done. I took today off from work and did the front along with the ATrac/Locker hack. All in all it took a total of about 6 hours for the front and the back by myself. It is a world of difference working on a truck that the bolts don't snap from rust (88 4Runner / 96 FZJ80).
Here are a few things that are notable from the install:
1) Because I did it alone, I used the factory bottle jack to push he rear axle down to get the new springs in. I placed it on top of the axle tube and pushed it into the bump stop. Works like a charm!
2) I ended up renting 2 sets of compressors from AutoZone and used three of the units per coil. At no point was I nervous. They held up very well.
3) After the new front coils are on and you decompress them, pull the threaded rod all the way out of the "hooks" and then pry the "hooks out of the coil. Much easier than doing it with the threaded rod still in them.
4) Use air tools to compress the springs. If you don't have them, get them. I can't imagine having to do this without them!!
Measurements (Before / After)
Driver Front 34.25 / 37.75
Pass Front 34.5 / 38
Driver Rear 35.5 / 37.75
Pass Rear 36 / 38
To bottom of Lic Plate 23 / 27
To bottom of Hitch Recvr 16.5 / 18
I did the same thing to mine last weekend. You are right about the air tools to compress the springs. We didnt have them, so we had three guys holding the spring down while one guy turned the ratchet. And I only used two spring compressors from auto zone and they did fine. Of course that was after I completely destroyed the cheap set from harbor freight (I know, I should have known better).
Did you have to remove the lower control arm from the bottom side of the steering knuckle? I had to do this to reinstall the coilover assembly.
Overall, I think it was a pretty smooth install; especially the rear.
Thanks guys. I did end up pulling those 2 bolts out. I tried to wiggle it in there, but there just isn't enough space! The tire plan is to run the stock as my daily drivers (gas) and to get a set of black steelies with 34" SS LTB's for trail use. I know it looks a little goofy with the 265's, but not goofy enough to spend more dough on gas. Less $ on gas = more $ for skids/CB/tires/wheels....
Don't forget to post pics.
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