Front shock/spring install WITHOUT spring-compressor

Searched for 30+ minutes, can't find the thread where it shows how to remove the front strut assembly with a floor-jack under the LCA.

I want to remove the stock shocks & install my new Bilstein 5100's without having to take the shock assembly to a shop.

* I think I remember the process, but want confirmation. Thx in advance !

 

Youtube it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc&sns=em

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E6u7dC7EHg&sns=em

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo0FJSi-KYs&sns=em

 

Or search and come up with this.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...ng-5100s-without-spring-compressor-video.html

 

I didn't type in "without a spring compressor" in the search here or Google...

Thought it was too long, overcomplicated.

My bad.

And thanx, but none of those vids were the one I saw.

 

Here you go: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc&desktop_uri=/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc

Edit: Nermind. Same as above. Post it for us when you find it, please!

 

Honestly I would just go buy a set of spring compressors from an auto parts store for about $50-$80. It is a lot easier and safer in my opinion and are useful in the future.

 

I've done this method about 6 times and it felt a lot safer than the spring compressor I used previously.

 

I agree 100%. No way I would ever go back to using a spring compressor now.

 

Depends on what kind of spring compresors IMO, the cheap ones with the threaded rod and two hooks are pretty scary.

 

I used this video and installed my lift two weeks ago. Video is fine as a reference but real life kicked in and it didn't work out to well.

 

This. I've done this method twice now. Way safer and super easy.

 

Does anyone know if you can use this method without taking the sway bar off? I used this method last time (Super Easy) except the sway bar was a royal pain to get off. Stupid design... I'm trying to avoid having to take it off.

 

Impossible without breaking the tie rod ends. Trust me

 

I didn't disconnect my sway bar. There's no need. Just pivot the lower a arm out of the way and the strut assembly drops right out.

 

Do you think it will be any different for an 09'? I would think all that would kinda be the same.

how did you manage to break your tie rod ends?

 

It'll be the same. That wasn't me that broke the tire rods. There's no need to mess with the sway bar and tie rods.

 

I tried this with a 1st gen. Dont konw if we did it wrong but it was a bad idea. Ive seen plenty of 2nd gens get away with it though.

 

I would think worst comes to worst if i can't get it out i'll just put it back up in and remove the sway bar. The sway bar design is terrible with the allen key thing.

 

I've done it twice, and both times didn't touch the sway bar. Just loosen the 2 A arm alignment bolts, and remove the 2 bolts that connect the lower ball joint assembly to the hub. Push the lower A arm down and out of the way. You may need to use more force if it's older with more mileage. Then the strut assembly will slide down through.

 

aka the widow maker