Changing suspension, do it myself or take to mechanic?

I recently purchased a lifted 2010 tacoma. The front end has 5100s, OME 887s, and 3/4" plate spacers. The rear has 5100s and a dakar leaf pack.

The front 5100s are currently set to .85". I'd like to set those to 0" and remove the plate spacers.

I'm undecided if I will remove a leaf from the leaf pack. Planning on putting on a topper and building the back out for camping, so 200-400 hundred more pounds will be back there.

To do this work, where do I get started and what tools would I need? I imagine to adjust the front shocks, I'll have to separate them from the spring. I haven't done much of my own work on the vehicles I've owned before but would love to start.

If I were to pay a shop to do this, how much would I be looking at in labor? Thanks in advance

 

A spring compressor can be a pretty dangerous tool if you're a novice mechanic. Consider removing the shocks/springs yourself and taking them to a shop to have the coils relocated. They probably wouldn't charge you more than $50-75 to do it. I would hold off on the leaf pack until your final weight is in place, you may not need to adjust it at all.

 

From this statement, I highly suggest you take it to a shop. Suspension work is more involved than just an oil change or tire rotation. Kudos for wanting to DIY repair but even more experienced owners sometimes struggle with suspension related work. Start with simple maintenance such as oil changes, learn more about your truck, collect tools, and go from there. As for tools, start with a good floor jack(for trucks), jack stands, basic hand tools(sockets/wrenches) for any future repairs/maintenance. Air compressor not necessary but personally, I am a big fan of 20V cordless impact tools. My 20V dewalt impact have replaced my air compressor for all vehicle and home repairs.

 

Messing with cheap parts house spring compressors is a good way to lose a finger or worse. Coil springs even under slight pressure hold a crazy amount of potential energy. Suspension work is not for a novice. A proper spring compressor with spring clamps and a safety cage needs to be used with coilovers out of the truck. I hate messing with springs and I’ve done this for over 10 years.

 

Really not sure what you guys are talking about.

I have compressed springs both with hand tool operated jaws that can also be rented for free from Autozone

as well as a more expensive wall-mounted unit,
neither of which had a "cage" (never seen such a thing)

 

Separating the coil from the spring is the one thing I will agree you should have a shop do if you are inexperienced.

But everything else...putting the coilovers in, changing out the rear shocks and the leaf packs...that's all just nuts and bolts. Easy stuff with basic hand tools, torque wrench, floor jack and jack stands. I had zero experience before I did my suspension and it wasn't hard to do at all once I had all the tools laid out and a write up at my disposal.

I don't understand the discouragement towards him wanting to do his suspension, after oil changes it's probably the easiest rewarding DIY project you can do on your truck.

Just remove the front coil/shock and have a shop adjust the preload on the 5100s, then bring them back home and install yourself. It's literally just 3 bolts up top and one on the bottom.

 

I agree 100%. The spring compressor scares me but everything else was easy. I started out with zero experience. Bought a set of tools and watched a bunch of you tube videos. If they are tough to remove bolts, hit it with some PB blaster. Always good to have a socket wrench set in your truck at all times. You never know when you may need to tighten something down. And a torque wrench has been invaluable, I've had a shop put on a drain bolt so tight I couldn't get it to loosen, not even with a 3/4" breaker bar. But basic tools are a must (socket wrench set)

 

yup, we all have to start somewhere and if you aren't willing to do bolt on stuff like suspension then you really aren't going to be able to do much of anything beyond basic oil changes. Suspension stuff is the next easiest thing there is IMO. Unless we're talking about shock relocation or something requiring fabrication work and welding, etc.

Leaf springs can be a pain only because they're so bulky and awkward, but I've changed mine out twice on my own with the help of Youtube and TW when I had a question or two. Believe me if I can do it, anyone can lol.

 

Always easier with an extra pair of hands. And TW has great videos. I started my tool collection when I bought my truck since I decided to do all my own maintenance. With the right tools and TW videos, I've been able to do a lot of stuff on my truck. Not only have I saved hundreds of dollars in labor but I have the satisfaction of doing it myself, and doing it right.

 

2 words, Harbor Freight haha. I know some people will cringe but for a weekend warrior DIY'er, it's a great resource for inexpensive tools that get the job done. Just gotta be aware of what you're buying from there and read up on the reviews if you're unsure about it. Seriously I've had maybe 2 things I've bought from there over the last 3 years that I've had to return/exchange.

Obviously a pro or more serious at home mechanic is going to spend extra on a more reputable brand but much of what HF sells has it's place for guys like myself.